Welcome back to the Gladstone Flowers Blog. Since we've introduced some of what we do, we thought it would be nice to introduce our amazing staff to you as well. This way you can know us by name!
We'll go by seniority...
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Deborah "Debbie" Fulton
Owner
"I became the owner April 9,
2004. I've been in the flower world since 1974 and have worn many different
hats in the business. That includes designer, manager, purchaser,
delivering...dragon slayer...whatever's dragging them down, I slayed it!! I've
had the opportunity to work with several talented designers that have helped me
increase my expertise in the many facets of the business. On a personal note, I
have 6 children and I've been married since 1977. I've been a girl scout, a boy
scout, involved in church activities, and I've dabbled in the world of special needs,
because my youngest daughter has Down Syndrome. My 'other' education is in
special needs."
Favorite thing about the shop:
"I enjoy the education
process that comes with the shop. I
learn something new on a daily basis, whether it be a technique, design
process, or a new flower. As an owner, I enjoy knowing the other owners. Being
able to share in the business with them, whether it be knowledge, business,
friendship, or even friendly competition at the various design shows, is always
helpful to me and my staff. Winning is of course a wonderful feeling, but even when
we do not - we gain experience and knowledge. Over the years I have learned that in this business you must
have big shoulders. The competitions help our designers learn how to take
constructive criticism and avoid getting their feelings hurt - just learn from
it and get better."
Sarah "Sunshine"
Earnest
Designer
Sarah has been married for eight
years and has two bright and bubbly boys. She has been at the shop since '97,
on and off.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"It is always different! No
two days are the same. I was not made for a life in a cubicle, so having an
artistic license is refreshing. Debbie took a chance on a kid working at the shop,
and trained me to design. I have enjoyed every bit of it since."
Annette DeMontel
Bookkeeper
Annette has worked in the shop for four years. She has two adult sons, and works more in the office than in the front of the shop.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"I have the best boss in the
whole world! I love seeing all the beautiful flowers that come into the shop
every week. I enjoy watching the designers make pretty arrangements,
centerpieces, and funeral pieces at the shop. They are always so helpful to the
customers and even the staff here! They're unfailingly willing to make
something special for my family or friends...or put something pretty on my
desk. The work atmosphere is amazing, because everyone gets along so well...and
of course, the obvious...the shop smells fantastic!"
Brian Klee
Delivery Driver
Brian is one of our gingers (red
haired people) at the shop, and he has the fiery personality to go with it. He
loves soccer, the KC Chiefs, Royal's baseball, and MIZZOU!! Brian has been
driving with us for a little over two years.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"My job is like a game. I
get to explore my city on a daily basis, and it's kind of like a game to figure
out all the best routes and shortcuts. I also enjoy working with the team here
at the shop. On a separate note, I am the sole guardian of the shop cat,
Griffin, and thus his favorite person....EVER."
Danielle "Dani" Wilson
Designer
Dani and her husband, a teacher at Winnetonka, are fairly new to the Kansas City area. They got married in '09 then moved to Kansas City. They have an adorable young padawan puppy named Obi Wan Kenobi. They also work closely with a church plant in Smithville, MO called North Lake Church, where Dani is the worship leader. They both enjoy working to help feed and clothe the homeless, through Hope Faith Ministries.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"My favorite thing about
working in the shop is that I get to work as a designer. My mom worked in a
flower shop for years, and the passion for it definitely runs in the family. A
few years before I started with Debbie (Valentines Day, 2011) I worked for
another flower shop that refused to teach me anything about design. They were
self-proclaimed "flower snobs," even going so far as to second guess
customer choices, because it's not what they themselves would have chosen. I
was unhappy there, and later met up with Debbie for an interview. I was honest
with her about my experience, that I had only a front-of-shop background, but I
had a passion for the art, and I was eager to learn. I will never forget what
Deb did for me, giving me a chance as a designer, taking me under her wing, and
into her family. She is teaching
me everything she knows about not only design, but everything about the
business. She is one of the best bosses I have ever had. I enjoy learning new
things every day and working with the customers on a personal level, attemptin
to meet their every need. I have a special passion for funerary work and
weddings. I love sitting down with the families, getting to know them, and
fulfilling their wants and wishes.
I try to give them all the options so they can make a more knowledgeable
choice. This personal approach
allows our staff to make something special and unique for each family that is
served through our establishment."
Sarah "Cupcake"
Cockrell
Designer
Sarah is a graduate of the Kansas
City Art Institute where she received her bachelors degree in Illustration and
Design. Upon graduation, she worked as a delivery driver at a downtown flower shop,
and had the fortunate experience of having her artwork in a local gallery. She
started working at the flower shop as "holiday help" for Valentine's
Day and Mother's Day in 2011. In the Fall of 2011, when her little ones started
school, she came to work for the shop as a parttime designer. Sarah is also a
full-time mom, full-time wife, part-time Girl Scout Leader, and part-time
cupcake baker. This is where she earned her nickname "Cupcake." She
has been married to her husband, Kyle, for nine years and has two beautiful daughters,
who are just as creative and artistic as she is. They have a cat, Maia, and
their newest addition is their dog, Bones.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"I love that my job puts a
smile on other people's faces. No one is ever angry with you for bringing them
beautiful flowers to brighten their day. I love coming into work every day and
getting to play with the flowers. Designing gives me a creative outlet, that I
need when I am not painting."
Randy Walker
Designer
Randy has a sweet daughter who loves riding, and working with their horses on the weekends.
Favorite thing about the shop:
"There is so much creative
freedom. I enjoy taking simple flowers and turning them into something amazing.
I look forward to seeing a bride walk through the door, because I love giving a
young lady her perfect idea of wedding flowers. You can always put your faith
and trust in me...if you do, I'll do my best to make your wedding day special.
You'll look down at your bouquet before you walk down the aisle and smile,
because it's exactly what you wanted."
Stop by, and get to know us in
person!! 5808 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155
You can call to order, or we can
do a consult on the phone!! (816) 452-5947
Hope to see you soon!
