Video: Day in the Life, Fleur De Lis Flower and Gifts

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Fleur de Lis or “flower of the lilly” was a natural name choice for Louisiana native Leanne Vizena, when she decided to open a flower shop in downtown Starkville. She enlisted the help of long-time friend, and now business partner Joni Lofton, to help her dream shop become a reality. Now, more than a year later, they are sifting through a massive shipment in preparation for Valentine’s day, the busiest business day of the year.

“We kind of went up a little bit from what we did last year.From the pre-orders we’ve had, its been a pretty good turn around,” says Leanne.

“You always have that one person who waits until the last minute. Don’t be that guy,” adds Joni.

The flowers are delivered in boxes, from a dealer in Tupelo.

“Then it takes us all day to process, at least, and get them all in water. A lot of things like the hydrangeas, which are a temperamental flower, they ship with water packets on them.” adds Leanne.

“We keep them in a cooler when they start to open up. If they stay in the cooler temperatures, they’ll stay closed for longer. Right now, we are trying to get them to bloom open, so that we have them with open blooms on Valentine’s Day,” Leanne continued.

From the books to the cooler, the florists rely on technology to keep their flowers in a temperature controlled environment.

“We keep it on about 36 to 38 degrees. We have a sensor put on it, that will send us a text message, if it gets below 32 or above 45 to prevent flower loss.”

Once the flowers are processed, they are ready to be incorporated into arrangements. Leanne says she likes to add unique touches to her displays. we decided to make a spring mix, for walk-in customers.

“We like to keep the cooler up there pretty full, so that people can come and grab a happy, you are good to go.”
“I like to start with whatever is going to be tall. I love these gladiolas. They come in a bunch of different colors. This is flowering kale. I think its pretty, its different. Its unique.

“Cut that right in there, and then tuck it in the back.”

“There’s really no rhyme or reason. People always ask me, am I doing this right? Its your thing. If you like it, it looks great.”

Whether it is a pre-made arrangement, a dozen roses, or gifts from the front of the shop, Fleur De Lis is here to help you with all of your Valentine’s needs. For Joni Lofton and Leanne Vizena, making your loved one feel special, on Valentine’s or any other occasion is just one more day in the life.