2020 A Year of Reflection: A Florist’s Perspective

The year 2020 has been a defining year for so many people, with massive job loss, financial uncertainty, and social isolation. Many people, including myself, have had to reevaluate our priorities and our mindset on what “normal” looks like.

Having been in the floral industry for 18+ years, I take for granted how much my career has allowed me to have a sneak peek into my client’s lives. From welcoming a new life into the world, to the celebration another year lived, to the public display of commitment to share life’s journey with someone else.

Through flowers, I have been given the good fortune to meet people of all walks of life.

When COVID-19 hit, I felt like that personal connection was lost. Gone were the days of “small talk” with the locals, the smile and calming words shared with a nervous bride, or the joy of helping someone pick out that special bouquet for their first date. Human interaction was now replaced with online orders, brief glances behind a mask, Plexiglas or face shield.

What once was excitement was now replaced with fear and uncertainty. Would life ever go back to “normal”?

Could the floral industry persevere, when most are just trying to survive?

To my surprise, flowers conveyed what most of us could not.

That mixed bouquet I lovingly created spoke of time longing to be with loved ones; my vase arrangements, of love shared while apart and to greater days ahead. Now, more than ever, those flowers were the warm embrace we could not give.

As I enter 2021. I am more invigorated and hopeful than ever.

Yes, life is different now. Conversations with locals are now replaced by phone calls, meetings via Zoom, Skype or email. The medium has changed but the message is still the same.

We are community and we will get through this together!

Claudia Morgan, Manager

King West Flowers