Stems’ Suzanna Cameron Preps For A Party & Looks Back On One Year In Business

We first met Stems‘ Suzanna Cameron back in February 2013, just as she was taking over ownership of the shop. Now with a year under her belt and an anniversary party tomorrow evening from 6-8pm at Sycamore (1118 Cortelyou Road between Stratford and Westminster Roads), Suzanna was able to take a short breather and look back on the time gone by.

How does it feel prepping for anniversary festivities, as compared to how it felt initially taking over the shop?

I was told by a good friend when I considering doing the whole thing that, “Owning a business will give you the highest highs and the lowest lows.” That is probably the best way to sum up this past year. The risk you take when you start your own business and commit to it is scary, especially your first go around when you really have no clue what you’re doing, so I started pretty low.

Now I’m feeling a little more on the high side. This is my first “baby,” so starting was pretty terrifying–but thats a good thing! What’s that saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention?” When there is a fire under your ass you either sink or swim. Fortunately for me, I love the water.

What’s become easier for you in the last year, or what didn’t you realize was going to be such a challenge?

Being a flower boutique is challenging. The normal experience buying flowers is quick and simple. I want those tulips for $6, thank you and good bye.

Stems is about being inspired! Come look at this beautiful array of flowers that are from all over the world. You can buy a single exotic pincushion protea or a beautiful sea thistle or a stunning Free Spirit rose, but the process is different. It’s about savoring the moment that is choosing beauty.

But you know what? It’s like this, sometimes you need a quick beer for $3 and sometimes you need a fancy ass cocktail for $15. It’s as simple as that, and I had to learn to not be offended when people just need a beer.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far at Stems?

The biggest lesson I learned this year is to be present. Sure, I learned a lot about flowers, customer service, running a shop, sourcing flowers, etc… but the real lesson is that this shop I have is a vessel to reach people and bring a little happiness to the world.

By being present, I can actually stop and have a connection with any one of the numerous people I interact with on a daily basis. That’s the meaning of life for me.

Who are some of the people who make your job better–folks you talk to or work alongside on a daily basis, or ones that only visit once in a while but you’re always glad to see again?

I have always been one of Sycamore’s biggest fans, even before I launched Stems, so of course I love our regulars here and the diverse staff really make having a bar in a flower shop the dream! We dance, we sing, we sell flowers and have drinks–it’s paradise.

I’ve managed to convince some amazing human beings to come work with me who you may have seen around: Jamie, Lucy, Katharine and Rawan. Each lady is so talented in their own way and bring positive vibes to Stems. My favorite part of having these gals around is their unique take on flowers and design–we all inspire each other and share a passion for natural beauty.

I think the fact that we share a love of people and flowers is what makes it work so well. I really could go on and on about our customers that make Stems so wonderful, but I’d just rather tell the to their faces at the Stems party!

What do you have planned for Year Two? Are there any classes, products, or services you’re looking forward to offering that you didn’t have before?

Year Two is so super exciting! We have some really fun collaborations coming up, like our pop up shop at Babeland for Valentine’s Day. We are going to be focusing on art installations and events, but we will still be doing weddings.

Stems will also continue offering flowery workshops accompanied with booze! We have scheduled our first intermediate flower class and plan on offering flower camp in August of this year. Kids and adults can come to camp and really get into flower design.

I feel that I laid a really solid foundation last year cultivating Stems, and am ready to take that foundation and start building an even more radical house!

All photos via Stems