| Flower Expressions Tent & Party Rentals |
| Donna Kaufman began Flower Expressions as a market test in a booth at the Owen Sound mall Valentine's Day of 1993. Today it has blossomed into Flower Expression, Tent & Party Rentals and occupies a 6000 sq ft location in Owen Sound. After that first successful test, Donna opened a small flower shop in the mall and developed a retail clientele along with a thriving wholesale flower business that kept her busy fall, winter and spring. When the business outgrew the little shop, Donna moved to a 1750 sq ft store that gave her the room she needed. It was during this time that she began a partnership with Tara Tent and Party rentals. They were looking for someone to work with them to provide full range of services for weddings and events. Donna saw this as an opportunity. The flower industry had been changing. Funeral sales were declining because of changes in the way services were held and hospital deliveries had dropped because of shorter stays. Wholesale deliveries to Macs, shortstops, Pierson and Ottawa airports were generating revenue fall through spring, so the summer season seemed like the right place to focus on a new venture. Donna did so well with the rentals that Tara Tent & Party Rentals that they asked if she would buy the business. Again, Donna saw this as an opportunity. So in 2007 she moved into her current 6000 sq ft location and now offers a one stop shop for events. Tents, linens, dinner and stemware, decor and of course – flowers. Her key to success is customer service, pricing and customer service. Along with the business she is involved in her local Kiwanis and Lions Clubs and does a great deal of business and social networking as part of her marketing plan. Donna Kaufman is truly an entrepreneur that takes opportunities when they are presented and adapts to changes in the industry in order to not only survive but excel. |
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