We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Choe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.
Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
We are a small business/ floral shop and we had to build our business from nothing. Our main goal was to provide great customer service and beautiful floral arrangement hoping it puts smile on someone’s face. We started from having 0 client to having voted as ” best florist” in Hermosa Beach. Our goal always has been focusing on our local clients ( both sender and recipient) and did our best to accommodate their floral needs/ requests / visions. Sometimes its easy, and clients with kind words that made our day. Well, there were some days, s we had to deal with clients with more demanding and specific requests. Often times, they didn’t show much emotions and we weren’t sure if they liked us or not. Yet, they all became our long regular clients.
When Pandemic started with Covid, we were told to shut down temporarily. As a small business owner, I was devastated not knowing what the future holds for my business. No one knew anything, no one even knew what to predict. As my team members packed and left, I was at the shop alone trying to process everything and organizing and packing. Then phone started to ring and it was one of my client who was always quite and didn’t say much to us. He said he called to check and make sure we are okay and wanted us to know he really enjoyed our business and he’d hate to see us go. Then he said ” Jamie, please charge $$ to my saved credit card. I know I will come to your shop once you re open. I want to give you sales not for you to stay in business, i will use it some day. I hope you guys get through this. ”
And I got a text from another client with a similar message to have me charge his credit card for future floral orders. Then It didn’t stop there. I finally broke in tears when I opened one of the mail. One of our local client, sent in a check with a note wishing us to be strong to get through this tough time. And I have the best landlord, who were also willing to work with us on the rent even though they were small business owners too.
I broke in tears and knew that we will make it through. when so many people wishes you the best, how can you not? All those kind words, positive messages, and well wishes made me optimistic and empowered.
Of course I didn’t end up charging their credit cards but I go something way more valuable than sales amount.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was an engineer in silicon volley and had a corporate job. I wasn’t happy and moved down to Los Angeles, got met my husband got married and gave birth to my two beautiful daughters. And I happened to visit London to go to flower school and completely fell in love. So went back several time and got my floral training there. I completed trainings at Catherine Muller Paris, McQueen Flower school, Jamie Asheton, London Flower School.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
We love to see excitement and smile on our clients face. We’ve done many events and regular floral services and best part is to hear that they loved our work!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I left my corporate job because I wasn’t enjoying my work. I want to enjoy every process of this journey and still be excited. Yes it is business that we need make a good profit, but I want to make sure I am still enjoying my job and still be passionate about it. I am so lucky that our florists and teammates are also so amazing and they treat all our clients with kindness and beautiful work!
Contact Info:
- Website: sweetbloomsatelier.com
- Instagram: sweetbloomsatelier
Image Credits
@hammitt @christineliphotography