Interview with Sara Tobias, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
I have spent my life involved in helping and coaching small businesses as a consultant and as a small-business owner of four other companies. I have always loved flowers and knew that they are a part of any celebrated event in people’s lives, from birth to death and all the surprises in between. Unfortunately, the local flower shop is becoming rare due to commercial and Internet competition. Ten years ago, I wrote down that, someday, I would open such a local shop. When we found a spot for lease next to Tony’s Marketplace and across from the Columbine Library, we knew we’d found a home to honor that dream.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
We have a passion for bringing beauty to our customers, beauty in the form of unique flowers and unique artwork. Hawk Flowers and Gifts is a shop that showcases artists from across the state of Colorado, giving them a gallery to display and sell their work. We have treasured gifts of blown glass, jewelry, delicate baby items, silk scarfs, pottery and fine art. Our plants are hard to find and distinctive – orchids from around the world, topiaries, dish gardens, bromeliads and more. Finally, our signature roses and flowers are handpicked personally by me several times a week, and our arrangements are created around what is the best quality our wholesalers bring in that week. There are no “recipe” arrangements, only distinctive creations.
What do you like best about your line of work?
I am able to bring joy and peace to people through answering their need to express themselves during life’s occasions. Whether it is the celebration of the holiday season with friends, a present for that hard-to-buy-for individual or the goodbye to a loved one, we have something special – something that will bring help to make all well.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Teaching customers what the true difference in quality is in a flower that is from our store versus from a commercial vendor such as a grocery store or big-box store. The longevity of the flower depends on how it is picked, stored, shipped, handled and displayed. Flowers are gentle and delicate, and this process makes the difference between a dozen roses lasting two days or a week or more.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
The name of our store is Hawk Flowers and Gifts. Our logo is a hawk and our colors are red and gold. We believe that the hawk is a wonderful creature of vision, passion and endurance and are honored to have it be our emblem.
Business:Hawk Flowers and Gifts
Address:7421-8 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
Hours:10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Founded:2013
Contact:303-872-8555; www.hawkflowers.com
Employees:3
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail soelrich@denverpost.com.
