Shine A Light on $5 Flowers

Cleveland the Florist needs your vote!

Cleveland the Florist has been added to the nominations for Shine A Light, a competition where small businesses could win up to $100,000 in grants and marketing support. But we need a cer

If you are not an employee or family member, please register and vote on the Shine A Light website ( http://shinealight.ivillage.com/ ).

Cleveland’s profile can be seen at http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=5121 .

And don’t forget that we have a sale on fresh cut flowers. Everything is only $5! We have Lilies, Gerber Daisies, Hydrangeas, Snap dragons, ROSES, and bunches of other flowers.

All other plants are also on sale for just $5, $10, $15, $20, or $25 dollars.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to vote for Cleveland the Florist on the Shine A Light website.

An Inside Look: Cleveland the Florist Inc.

Cleveland the Florist was founded in 1948.

“How has the business changed to compete with the big-box stores?”

LeNae: “By beating them on price and services. Five dollars has become the buzzword of the recession - there are $5 subs, lunches, and now $5 flowers. A dozen roses, Gerber daisies, hydrangeas, spray roses, glads, sunflowers, snapdragons, and seasonal flowers are all available to the flower market shopper at a $5 price. Service is where we compete. We are there to arrange, deliver, and handle any special request on a daily basis. We are local and know that our future depends on our customers.”

“How did the business get its start?”

LeNae: “My grandmother began by growing and selling azalea and camellia plant to Van Antwerp’s (Mobile’s first department store). The business grew, and my father joined her, opening stores on Stone Street, Highway 90, Airport Boulevard, Moffett Road, and Tillman’s Corner. I joined the business in 1986 and opened stores on Azalea, Cottage Hill, and Old Shell roads. With changing times, we now have two stores, Airport and Old Shell.”

“What are your claims to fame?”

LeNae: “I have arranged flowers for Laura Bush, Tim Russert, and Patsy Riley, and have had the pleasure of decorating our governor’s mansion for the holidays and Cabinet dinners on the veranda. I have appeared on “The Rachael Ray Show.” While living in Atlanta as a newlywed and working at a Buckhead florist, I decorated Mrs. Day’s (of Days Inn) home for the holidays. I also did the flowers for Coke’s large parties and personal executive parties.”

The best advice that Mrs. LeNae Denson has ever received was from her father. He always told her to work hard, dream big, and never give up.

Some advice that she can offer to others: “When you can, buy locally from small businesses. We are the heart of the city.”

Cleveland Florist’s products and services include selling flowers, cut flowers, arrangements and plants (green and blooming). They plan and execute weddings and have traveled all over Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi working with brides.

This information was taken from an article that was recently printed in the Mobile Register.

LeNae’s World!

Welcome to LeNae’s World! A blog about how to live a creative life. LeNae is a third generation florist and LIFESTYLE EXPERT. She has appeared on “THE RACHAEL RAY SHOW”, produced local holiday programming and has had regular appearances on local NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates about everything from entertaining and holiday decorating, to gardening and cooking. Her passion for living and boundless energy is evident in the gorgeous parties and weddings she designs. Planning events, arranging flowers and tablescapes, hosting parties, managing her award winning flower shops and freelancing for several magazines — LeNae does it all!