I met with Bloomin’ Bouquets, Sarah Provow, at her adorable studio right next to downtown Alpharetta. Sarah brought along one of her sweet granddaughters, Yardley, who happily joined us in our interview, and boy did she crack me up!
Before we started the interview, Sarah and I began talking about our similarities in teaching special education. She shared with me that she used to work at The Lionheart School before doing floral design. It was so special to learn about Sarah’s past work in special education, and I truly admire her for all that she did to help those students in need.
DS: What is your favorite movie of all time?
SP: The Wizard of Oz. I try to watch it once a year.
DS: What is your worst habit?
SP: Sugar. Anything with chocolate. But mostly ice cream.
DS: What was your first job?
SP: Sarah laughs, I was a cashier at a Ben Franklin. Oh my gosh, that was such a long time ago! I was probably about 14 and my girlfriend and I worked there because there was a gym next door that all of the cute boys went to!
Sarah, we do not blame your 14-year-old self!
DS: What advice would you give your younger self?
SP: Don’t sweat the small stuff.
DS: What is your go-to snack?
SP: Peanut M&M’s
DS: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
SP: When I was in education at Auburn, I had a professor who basically told me that you should treat everyone the way you want to be treated. She said that remember we all put our pants on the same way, so always treat your students like they are your own children.
DS: What is the one talent you wish you had?
SP: I’ve always wished I could sing. When I taught preschool, my students would always say “You know Mrs. Sarah you can’t sing,” Sarah laughs.
DS: Do you have any pets and if so, what kind?
SP: Yes, I have two dogs. One is a Cockapoo and one is Cavapoo.
DS: Where are you from?
SP: Huntsville, Alabama
DS: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
SP: I would live in New Zealand. I have been and I love the mountains, so I would live somewhere in the mountainous areas. It’s absolutely stunningly beautiful and the people there are so nice.
DS: What is your favorite way to de-stress?
SP: Read
DS: What is the best gift you have ever been given?
SP: My children.
DS: How many children do you have?
SP: Two children. My daughter is in Roswell and my son is in Dunwoody. It’s so nice to have them so close to see my grandchildren.
DS: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
SP: End hunger
Yardley shared with us the sweetest story that she once tried to ask an eight-ball if she could learn how to fly, but afterward when she jumped off the couch, it still didn’t work!
SARAH’S FAVORITES
DS: Season?
SP: Fall
DS: Animal?
SP: Dog
DS: Smell?
SP: Garden roses
DS: Drink?
SP: I love tea, sweet tea. It’s a good Southern thing, right?
DS: Band?
SP: Donna Summer
SARAH’S THIS OR THAT?
DS: Android or iPhone?
SP: iPhone
DS: Twitter or Instagram?
SP: Instagram
DS: Coffee or tea?
SP: Coffee
DS: Sweet or savory?
SP: Sweet
DS: Scary film or happy ending?
SP: Happy ending
DS: Introvert or extrovert?
SP: Extrovert
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
DS: How long have you been in business?
SP: 9 years
DS: How long have you been in this studio?
SP: It will be 3 years in January. Before that, we were in my previous business partner’s basement.
DS: How did you get into floral design?
SP: That’s a long story, Sarah laughs. Through my partner though. I had left teaching at Lionheart and she had design sense and I had the business sense. It was going to be a hobby and ended up turning into a business.
DS: Who is your ideal client?
SP: Someone’s that enthusiastic, participates in the choices, and then let’s us do our thing.
DS: What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
SP: Seeing it come together. Handing the bride her bouquet is pretty awesome too, but when everything is all set and the candles are lit, there’s nothing like it.
DS: What is your overall favorite part of your job?
SP: I love meeting the people. I love getting to know the clients. Like going to lunch today [with one of Sarah’s clients] was really special. I loved getting to know the bride and her mother.
DS: How many events do you do per year?
SP: 30-35 per year
DS: What is your average budget for most clients? Minimum budget?
SP: Our minimum is $4,000
DS: What is your most commonly asked question by brides?
SP: What kind of flowers are in season? Who sets up and takes it down?
We laughed at Yardley’s response to this question saying she would want to know how fast Sarah can get the job done!
DS: What do you do with any leftover flowers after events?
SP: We put them back together and try to donate them to a nursing home or a hospital.
DS: What is your one piece of advice for brides?
SP: Take it all in. Slow down. It goes so fast.
DS: If you were not doing floral design, what would you be?
SP: I would be a professional volunteer, Sarah laughs.
Yardley answered that she is still contemplating between dolphin trainer or teacher, but Sarah reassured her granddaughter that she just needs to get through 3rd grade first!
DS: Where do you see Bloomin’ Bouquets in 5 years?
SP: Hopefully doing less weddings with bigger budgets!
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