Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Burke.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began designing flowers for a “wedding/corporate event” florist about 25 years ago while in school for nursing. I discovered I wasn’t a fan of sick people and that I loved floral design. It gave me the opportunity to help people in a different, creative and beautiful way. Flowers communicate love, support, kindness and celebration. So I changed course and stayed with the flowers. I love what I do! Over the years I’ve worked in wholesale, taught design and worked in retail until 6 years ago when I finally opened my own place… A Floral Moment. Of course, I must admit I had some amazing people in my life that helped. Family and friends that did so much!
Located just outside the center of Chelmsford in a strip mall between Colonial Laundromat and Subway is our modern, open concept, floral studio and gift shop. In addition to our huge selection of hand-picked fresh and unique flowers are many gift items such as Willow Tree collectibles, Cardthartic greeting cards, fashion scarfs, hats, housewares and more, Our designers will whip up a custom design, while our customers enjoy watching, browsing or just chatting it up.
Many times, I’ve been asked about the “Juju Buds” in our name. Over the years I would go in to the flower market and there was a vendor there who would mark my boxes “Juju’s Buds”. NO great story there, just a nickname, so it stuck.
Our customers are the greatest! Many have become like family or really great friends. Our mission written over our cooler is, “The greatest joy in life is to see those you love happy”. It truly is our pleasure to be able to use our creativity and beautiful flowers to help others spread joy, kindness and to make others happy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having experience in all areas of the floral industry from weddings to funerals, contract work to wholesale to retail, I thought it would be easier. The commitment is way more hours than I imagined. In talking with other business owners, the biggest challenge is the same, finding good help… and keeping them. I’ve had some wonderful people over the six years. One talented lady interned here a year then went off and now owns her own flower shop. (really proud of her) Others have life events (retirement, new baby, young children and need to work from home). Right now, I have a gem of a delivery man, he’s a vet and has been with me a number of years. I also have an amazing and talented designer that am so grateful for. We also just took on a new intern and this team is amazing!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with A Floral Moment by Juju Buds – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full-service Master Florist known for our custom work. With an extensive background in wedding design referred by the Westford Regency wedding package. The preferred florist of the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home and referred by many of the Greater Lowell area funeral homes. Proud member of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Chelmsford Business Association, voted #1 florist Readers Choice 2016 and honorable mention as a gift shop.
What I am most proud of is the overwhelming number of phone calls or customer visits I get with a thank you or a hug. We don’t always get it perfect, this is a perishable item we work with, but to know our customers are pleased… that is joy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Future? I suppose more of the same.
Maybe offer classes down the road.
Would love more time with my kids. I’m a single Mom. Well sort of. Got a GREAT MAN in my life!
Contact Info:
- Address: 48 Chelmsford St.,
Chelmsford, MA 01824 - Website: www.afloralmoment.net
- Phone: 978/256-2444
- Email: fmjujubuds@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floralmoments
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-floral-moment-by-juju-buds-chelmsford
- Other: https://plus.google.com/+AFloralMomentByJuJuBudsChelmsford?hl=en
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