Interview with Carol Kaczmarek, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I always loved flowers and growing plants. In 1977, after high school, I went to Design floral school to learn how to become a florist and I have been working with flowers and plants ever since. I owned a small shop in Capitol Hill called Finely Flowers and the Basket People for about 10 years and then went into the wholesale business. From there, I did plantscaping, greenhouse work and gardening, but I missed my customers and decided to open again.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: One of my greatest teachers, Louis Esquivel, the owner of Princess Pat Floral, instilled the philosophy that flowers are for everyone. So no matter what your budget is, I will make sure you can enjoy beautiful flowers.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love the customers. It is wonderful to be able to serve them throughout their lives with weddings, births, holidays, anniversaries and even in death. I believe the flowers for one’s funeral are the last gift you can give, so I put my greatest efforts in ensuring that they have a fitting tribute.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: My biggest challenge is technology. When I started my first business, all I needed was a phone, typewriter, cooler and a cash box. Today we have the Internet, Facebook, Yelp and webpages.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I love to teach people about plants and flowers, so people can just pop in and ask questions. I also host a flower arranging class that Michael Kessler teaches fall through spring. He is a very talented artist as well and I show his work and other local artists’ work on the walls of the shop.
Profile
Business: Indigo Iris Floral and Gift
Address: 4407 w. 52nd Ave unit A
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-487-9225,
Employees: 1
