Jan 29, 2009

House of Blooms helps customers tend to loved onesBy Miranda KoernerMySanAntonio.com

At House of Blooms, flowers aren’t just for the husband who annoyed his wife or a Friday night date. Owner Gina Fairchild uses her creative and gorgeous floral bouquets to connect far-flung families, mothers and daughters and friends during times of joy and sorrow.

“People have told me have told me I’m like a bartender,” Fairchild said. “They feel free to open up and talk. When there’s a death in the family or a wedding, people will stop while they’re ordering and talk. You’re a part of (customers’) lives for that moment. You feel a part of celebrations, losses – you’re touched by people’s lives in some small way.”

Originally, House of Blooms was intended to be a gift shop with a small flower service. Fairchild moved her gift store from Boerne two years ago in order to work closer to her home in Northwest San Antonio. Soon, her shop changed from a gift shop with a flower service to a floral business with a gift selection. For Fairchild and her four daughters, who often join her in the shop during the busy season, the floral business is a creative dream.

“We’re artists,” Fairchild said. “We like the design aspect and the colors (of the flowers). Anytime we can make people happy, it makes us happy.”

House of Blooms is a Teleflora member, which means Fairchild receives as many out of town orders as she does local orders for weddings, funerals, church services and business needs

In fact, Fairchild said many orders come from military members overseas wanting to send a gift to a loved one.

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