INFOCUS

WHERE FLOWERS BLOOM, SO DOES HOPE

—LADY BIRD JOHNSON

WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN PHOTOS BY JAMI MARSHALL

We could all use a little help to brighten our days this year. What better way to do that than by sending a vibrant and colorful flower arrangement to a loved one? And Flowers by Emily is a great option for doing just that.

Flowers by Emily was opened in 2007 by Emily Fyten, and is now located in Park Place. “We are a family-owned business,” explains Fyten. “We have an experienced staff that has been with the business for several years.”

Their flowers come from several different sources. “Some come from local growers that have farms nearby, and some are shipped directly—all the way from Holland, for example,” says Fyten. “We love using seasonal and unique flowers. There are classic flowers we get in year-round, but most of the time our arrangements change depending on the season. We offer seasonal mixed bouquets and arrangements, and we will make each one fresh and beautiful!”

Emily Fyten, owner of Flowers by Emily

When you walk into the store, you will experience a welcoming and inviting space. They believe in having their work area out in the open—there is no back room. They also have a website that is easy to navigate. “Our website allows you to pick your price point and color palette for arrangements rather than having to choose a specific arrangement,” explains Fyten. “This allows us to bring in the prettiest flowers available from all of our suppliers to use for the week, rather than trying to stick with a specific menu of options.”

They even offer ongoing flower subscriptions (monthly, weekly, and bi-weekly). “Delivery for subscrip-

tions is free after your first order and you can pause or stop it whenever you would like,” says Fyten. In case flowers aren’t really your thing, Flowers by Emily also keeps a supply of succulents and cacti available for purchase at all times.

“The flowers are, in a word, breathtaking.”

One customer called from out of state with a special request and an inspirational picture. “I needed it the same day,” they explained, “and Flowers by Emily delivered! Emily was friendly, helpful, quick, and the arrangement was beautiful: exactly what I wanted. She even sent a picture of the finished work and notification that the flowers were on their way to my friend’s home.”

OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS DURING A PANDEMIC As many small businesses were forced to do this year, Flowers by Emily had to adjust their business model in order to endure the pandemic. “When the stay-at-home order was issued, Kansas approved Flowers by Emily as an essential business,” says Fyten. They began no-contact deliveries at the time, which are still an option.

“Today, for pick-up orders, we recommend placing your order ahead of time. You may stop in to pick it up or call us when you arrive and we will bring it out to you. We are also still making deliveries. If you have any specific instructions, please note them in the special delivery instructions,” explains Fyten.

Fyten hopes to use her business as a vessel for spreading joy to the residents of Kansas City. Flower arrangements are a lovely option

to help our loved ones find hope during this pandemic. “I realize you don’t need flowers to survive, but it has been very rewarding helping people send their loved ones (or even themselves) something to help brighten their day,” says Fyten.

“Flowers by Emily has held a place in my heart since 2006 when I received the most beautiful arrangement from them,” says a customer. “Shortly thereafter, I attended a wedding. The flowers were done by Emily and were, in a word, breathtaking. Since that moment, they are the only florist I use in Kansas City. Their work is consistently topnotch, imaginative, and unparalleled in the city!”

Flowers by Emily • 5230 W. 116th Place (in Park Place), Leawood, KS • 913.685.1188 • flowersbyemily.com SIMPLYkc Special: 15% OFF one order! Use the code “simplykc” on the website when ordering.