Monday, April 13, 2015

Business spotlight - Blossoms of Windham - By Michelle Libby


Flowers may only be stems in a vase, but for person who gets the flowers it’s a whole lot more. It can brighten someone’s day or say “I love you.” Blossoms of Windham at 725 Roosevelt Trail can take a flower order and make it special. 
 
Blossoms works with Teleflora and website orders to send bouquets next door and all over the country. 

In 2009 Dwayne Harris bought Blossoms after having working at florists in the area for many years. He also did banquet set ups for wedding and other special occasions, providing the right atmosphere to learn about customers wants and desires when it comes to flowers. 

“Then it all worked out. I like working for myself,” he said. 

“He’s eclectic,” said customer Nancy Millett. “I love him.” Nancy has been following Harris for 14 years. “Once he knows what people like I don’t have to tell him [what to create].” 

Harris and his three part-time employees are friendly and they try to help everyone who comes in regardless of budget. He isn’t afraid to try new things, like his miniature gardens with little ceramic creatures that live there. 

“He has a knack for try to stay with the trends,” Millett added. “You walk in here and it’s friendly and always fun and funky.”

Blossoms is getting ready for Mother’s Day (May 10), prom and graduations. 

Harris has a corsage and boutonniere station set up for customers to create their own flowers for prom. Starting with higher end bracelets, flowers, sparkly gems and other additions can be made to craft a unique piece. 

Harris is involved in the community by contributing to Sebago Lake Chamber of Commerce events, as a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College he does flowers for many of their events, including graduation and every Christmas he decorates a room at the Victoria Mansion. Having a degree in history has helped him when designing his room. “It’s the one thing that connects history and flowers,” Harris said. Blossoms does the flowers for area churches and works with the athletic department at Windham High School to give a rose for every senior to give to a parent on senior night. 

Harris attends design shows to keep up with trends and design techniques. “Designs are all about learning new things and trying new things,” he said. “I’m still learning every day.” 

Blossoms also does arrangements for wedding and funerals. When he gets orders from online or through Teleflora, he will call customers if he doesn’t have the flowers on hand to ask about substituting a different color or a different flower. “They want to know what they are sending. It’s about trust,” Harris said. He also can get flowers for the do-it-herself bride. 

Blossoms offers delivery, even same day delivery if an order is called in the morning.
At Christmas, Harris goes all out creating wreaths, greenery and decorations from scratch. He also offers silk flowers. 

Blossoms isn’t only about flowers, but has some gift items for camps, cabins and lake related decorations. It also carries furniture handmade by Harris’ father Wayne Harris. Blossoms carries Havens Candies, Primitive Keeper Made in Maine candles and potpourri and wax tartlets, soap from The Casco Bay Soap Company, stuffed animals and balloon bouquets. He also puts together care packages for students at finals time or for kids at summer camp and away from home on their birthdays.
Blossoms is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harris can be available at other times as arranged. 

“Call direct, talk to a local florist who is local,” said Harris. “We like to please the customers.”  
So when it's time for flowers, think of Blossoms of Windham first. Many times customers can get better deals without the service fees by contacting Blossoms directly at 892-2097 or email Dwayne@BlossomsofWindham.com.








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