Offered a University Heights flower shop off the heels of hard work, Michael Day found himself running a business right out of college, a stark detour from his dream to be a theater star. Forty years later, he wouldn’t change a thing about it. As Michael Day celebrates his milestone and Flowerville rings in 75 years of business, we asked him about the journey so far, and what might be next.
I was 15. Randall Park Mall had just opened. There was a little plant shop, and there was a ‘Help Wanted’ sign. I applied; they hired me right away. There was another florist in that mall, and she taught me how to make a corsage and boutonniere, so I started to get into it and do flowers at home.
In 1977, after I graduated from St. Ignatius [High School], I was going to John Carroll University. [Flowerville] is near there, so I got a part-time job.
I had also been doing theater throughout that, so after I graduated in ‘81, I was choreographing shows, assistant directing, performing in local theaters and trying to figure out what I had to do for a living. A couple years later, I wanted to move to New York, but [the owner of Flowerville] called me and said he needed to retire and was interested in knowing if I would want to take over.
All I had to do was find the money, which we didn't have. But after quite a bit of blessings, we were able to secure a loan. Next thing I knew, at 24, I was a business owner.
My father was very wise with business-kind of guidance, and my mother was very much a creative person. I think that's where I got the best of both worlds.
Of course, being 24, I had lots of energy and ideas for the store. I wanted to make it more open-concept, keep the traditions and bring in new types of flowers. It was time for new blood.
To this day, I learn something new every day. You have to be open to that.
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No matter how perfect I pretend to be, I’m going to make mistakes. I learned that from a very wise man who was a florist for many years. He said, ‘Don't get too set on being the best.’
Sometimes it is about me, I'm gonna be honest. But all-in-all, it's about everyone. I couldn't succeed without loyal customers, without staff that was supportive, and I think that was something I had to learn young.
One of the best things about this business, being in it so long: I am now doing weddings for the children of people whose wedding I did 30 years ago. In this industry, you're going to meet hundreds of people, but there are going to be some that just become very special to you. I have been blessed with clients that actually became friends.
Three to five more years is what I'm hoping to have. I started thinking about 2024, and I said ‘That's going to be 40 years!’ I'm not a person that likes to blow my own horn, but darn it! I did good!
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