The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature spotlights SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Amber Morgan took a retail florist class her freshman year of high school and for a while that was the extent of her experience in the floral industry. But when a mutual friend who is the former owner of Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts mentioned they were looking for part time help, Amber decided to apply.
After the initial interview, she was so excited about the prospect of working at the flower shop that she decided she wanted to buy the business. She told her husband, “We’re buying a flower shop!” to which he replied, “Great… did you get the job?!” She sent an offer letter the next day expressing her interest. A year and a half after the interview, Amber and her husband became the owners.
How She Takes Care of Her Team
Morgan’s philosophy is that your people are your real bottom line.
“We focus on empowerment, challenging creativity, collaboration over competition, and fun,” she says.
Her Biggest Challenge
“The biggest challenge so far is not knowing the industry fluctuations and how to make budgeting work for it,” Morgan says, adding that she just hired a floral industry specific accounting firm and is “thrilled to have them on my side!”
Where She Finds Inspiration
Morgan finds inspiration from others in the industry.
“Seriously, there is so much talent in this industry it’s impossible to not be inspired,” she says.
Why SAF?
Over the last year of owning Fortin Gage, Morgan has taken advantage of a variety of different aspects of her SAF membership.
“I’ve really appreciated the community aspect,” she says. “Collaboration over competition is where it’s at and SAF does a great job of fostering that.” She recently attended SAF’s 1-Day Profit Blast in Boston, reads SAF’s weekly newsletter, SAF News Now, and is a member of SAF’s social media groups SAF Next Gen Floral Pros: Growing the Future of Floriculture.
Morgan was recently featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, project manager for SAF.
Stephanie Brady, PMP, is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
