Flair Flower Bar & Studio is more than a flower shop—it’s my dream brought to life with prayer, whole lot of faith, and a massive amount of love (and maybe a few late-night snacks). With the unwavering support of my husband, family, and church community, I’ve been able to create something that reflects not just my love for flowers, but the joy they bring to others. It’s been a journey full of twists, turns, and plenty of coffee, but every step has brought me closer to reconnecting with what truly inspires me.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe my journey in the floral and retail industry almost 30 years ago. At 19, I was a brand-new wife and mom with no idea what I was doing (honestly, who does at that age?). I had no experience, no direction, and no clue how I’d help provide for my family. But I was blessed—several amazing people saw potential in me and took me under their wings. They taught me everything about floral design, how to run a profitable business and, more importantly, how to grow as a leader. Thanks to their guidance, I discovered a talent for design and an insatiable passion for learning—whether it was about flowers, business, or people.
After about six years as a floral designer and department leader, I took a leap into retail store management. Before long, I found myself running multiple stores in the Atlanta market. Then came the dream job: Regional Floral Merchandising Director for the Southeast, a role that perfectly combined my floral expertise and retail management skills. It was challenging, rewarding, and gave me a broader perspective on the industry.
Fast forward a few years, and I took on a new role at our company corporate office in Cincinnati. My job? Helping to integrate regional floral merchandising and buying operations into a centralized corporate structure. That’s how I ended up in Boone County over 13 years ago. I was drawn to the area’s highly rated schools (a must as a single mom with 3 school-aged boys) and quickly realized I’d found the perfect place to call home.
When we moved to Union, Kentucky, we settled in right away. Over time, this community became our everything. It was here that I met my husband, John, and together, we joined a small church family that is now planting a brand new church right here in Florence. Northern Kentucky isn’t just where I live; it’s where my heart is.
While my corporate career offered incredible opportunities to develop expertise in operations, sales planning, and business management, it also meant stepping away from the hands-on creative work that originally sparked my passion. I missed designing with my own two hands, being in a retail environment and connecting with customers face-to-face. So, I decided to take another leap—this time, into owning my own business. Flair Flower Bar & Studio became my way to blend decades of experience with my passion for creativity and community.
Now, running Flair Flower Bar & Studio is equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. I’m the designer, cashier, stocker, merchandiser, buyer, content creator (yes, that’s a full-time job), and often the delivery driver (the husband for sure is a huge help when he can!) . Some days it feels like I’m running a marathon, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This business is my heart and soul, and it’s all worth it when I see the joy my arrangements bring to my customers.
When I first opened the shop in Florence, Kentucky, I wanted to offer something more than just flowers. I saw a gap in the community for luxurious, thoughtfully curated floral designs—especially hat box arrangements with a touch of French style and whimsy. At Flair, it’s all about the details—meticulously wrapped bouquets, delicate ribbons, handwritten notes, and care cards. My goal? To create an experience that’s as beautiful as the flowers themselves.
Of course, starting a small business is no walk in the park. There have been challenges (and maybe a few tears), but the support from this community has been incredible. Customers don’t just come in for flowers—they share their stories, smiles, and trust. It’s those connections that fuel me and remind me why I started this journey in the first place: not just for a profit or for some kind of recognition, but for people.
One question I get a lot is whether the Flair Flower Bar & Studio brand is a franchise. (Spoiler: it’s not!) This is 100% a labor of love, born from my passion for flowers, gift-giving, and connecting with people. Every petal, ribbon, and bow reflects my story and my commitment to making life’s moments a little more magical.
Today, Flair Flower Bar & Studio is everything I dreamed it could be—and more. It’s a place where memories are created, love is celebrated, and the simple act of giving a flower can brighten someone’s day. It’s proof that sometimes, the most beautiful things in life come from faith, hard work, and some flair.
So here’s to creating beauty, chasing your dreams, and making the everyday a little more fabulous. Thank you for following along on this adventure—I can’t wait to share even more about myself and Flair with you!
With love, faith, and lots of flair,
Ivette
