Poppy Parsons, AIFD, CAFA, created a logo for Smart Flowers’ anniversary party that included both the shop’s history and her tenure.
On April 1, Poppy Parsons, AIFD, CAFA, reached the 10-year mark as owner of Smart Flowers in Swift Current, Saskatchewan—an accomplishment she chose to celebrate with customers (i.e. the people who helped her achieve it) during an anniversary party.
Along with trumpeting her own tenure, Parsons emphasized the shop’s long history (42 years). She created a logo that broadcasted both milestones atop close-up photos of her flowers, which she used in email marketing messages. On social media, she marked all related posts with the hashtag #42and10.
About 75 people turned up for the party, which involved an outdoor barbecue benefitting KidsSports, an organization that runs team sports programs for local youth. Parsons purchased hot dogs, buns and condiments, while the charity sent three volunteers to cook and sell the food. Inside, Smart Flowers employees served beer from Black Bridge Brewery (this required a special license), gave samples of Saskatchewan-made gourmet snacks, and sold other refreshments, while visitors perused the shop’s floral and non-perishable offerings.
A few weeks before the event, Parsons e-mailed a press release to local media outlets. One newspaper offered her a story or a half-page, full-color ad. (She chose the ad.) Another sent a reporter to the party to take photos and interview Parsons, as well as Smart Flowers’ original owner. “It was a great opportunity to chat about our history,” Parsons said.
Parsons started teasing the event in early March through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She also created a Facebook event and invited all her local friends and page followers. In the last week, she created a detailed post, which she paid less than $30 to “boost” on Facebook for six days. She also printed out 200 post cards and hand-delivered them to owners and managers of other local businesses.
Parsons described the party as a fun way to promote the business, while getting better acquainted with members of her community. Additionally, she feels that highlighting her experience helped enhance her credibility in the same manner than her AIFD and CAFA certifications have.
