Benjamin Prince (left) and Jeanne Ha pose for a Halloween photo in 2019. Prince was dressed as a Harley rider, and Ha was dressed as Sherlock Holmes. The Park Florist team also enjoys dressing up for spirit weeks. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Ha.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature will spotlight SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Jeanne Ha, AIFD, never imagined herself becoming a florist. She studied music in college and planned to pursue it as a career. However, after graduate school she realized that she wanted to spend her life doing something tangible that made people happy and contributed to her community. She began working at her aunt and uncle’s business, Park Florist in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she learned about the business and developed her passion for flowers and the joy they bring customers.
When her aunt and uncle retired in 2004, Ha and her husband, Dennis Ha, purchased Park Florist and continue to run the business today. Ha says she truly loves the art and business side of being a florist.
Ha founded the Washington Flower School in 2010, where she offers certificate courses and workshops. She is also the author of the book, “Ready, Set, Design,” published in May, and is a featured designer in the book “Asian Allure.”
Park Florist has a strong and enthusiastic team. They host “spirit weeks” in which they dress up for polka dot day, stripe day, and princess day, and they enjoy dressing up in themed costumes for Halloween.
Ha says her favorite thing about being an SAF member is the ability to seek advice from members and industry experts when she needs help or is planning for the future.
Ha was also featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, communications and event coordinator for SAF.
Elizabeth Daly is the marketing and communications manager for the Society of American Florists.
