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Metro Plus
Budding business
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Florists are doing brisk business these days as more people seem to prefer gifting flowers on practically every occasion.
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SUDDENLY OUR Chennai is cool. A walk down Adyar Road seems less tiring. "Where will I get some flowers," my friend asks. "You want to give someone a gift," I ask, seeing the colourful flowers outside a department store. "Yes, a birthday gift," she replies as we enter the store.
"There is plenty of demand for flowers these days," says the salesman at the counter. There are stacks of flowers and bouquets waiting to be picked up. Anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Friendship Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher's Day...the list goes on. "On Valentine's Day last year, I sold at least 300 roses," he says with a smile.
It must be fun being a florist. To be in such a colourful and fragrant company all day long. Says Kamakshi Gopalan, owner of Shree Padhuga Florist, "When my children grew up, I felt I had a lot of time at my disposal. Once I attended a wedding and seeing the flower arrangements there, I decided to become a florist.
"Initially, I operated from home — taking orders and even delivering the bouquets myself. Whatever I earned went towards charity. This gave a lot of mental satisfaction. What better way than distributing flowers to spread happiness?"
Kamakshi has now outlets at many places in the city. Her daughter-in-law Nithya has now joined her in the business.
Most of the flowers come from Bangalore in lorries — Tube rose, Gerbera, Gladioli...even Dutch roses. The main distribution centre is on Anna Salai. Florists and even small vendors buy from this centre. "Like any other business, quality matters. Only then can you approach big hotels and companies. If you are imaginative, you can accept orders for flower arrangements also," says Kamakshi.
The specialised packaging system keeps the flowers fresh and prevents damage. They have to be carefully handled till they reach their final destination. The florists have to place extra or special orders at the main distribution centre in the city or in Bangalore to meet any emergency.
"Once the director of the film "Gokulathil Seethai" wanted us to set up a flower shop at the shooting location for a particular scene. It was real fun. But keeping the flowers looking fresh under strong lights was quite a challenge," avers Nithya.
Not just the fresh ones, even the dry varieties, called pot pourri, are popular. They come in attractive packing. Keep them under your pillow, in your cupboard or car. And add some fragrance to your life.
GEETA VARMA
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