A Conversation With: Melissa Mega
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and in 2010 (the most recent year that data is available), an estimated 198 million roses were produced for that day alone, according to the Society of American Florists. It’s also the No. 1 day for florists. We caught up with The Ivy Green Floral Shoppe owner Melissa Mega to find out what’s trending this year, and how to ensure that you get what you – or she – wants this Feb. 14.
Q. How did you get started in this business?
A. I started probably when I was in my late teens, making silk arrangements, bows, things like that. I had worked at Four Seasons, which used to be in Washington Mall. So I always had a little bit of a skill; I could make arrangements for people. People would call me and say, “Could you make this for my house?” – they’d tell me what their kitchen looked like, and I would do silk arrangements for them. I had a room in a shop in Scenery Hill for a long time, and then after my son went to kindergarten, I came here to work. I had wanted to have a shop, and when the previous owner wanted to sell, I bought The Ivy Green in 2002. Instead of starting for my own, it just made more sense to do something that was established.
Q. How long has The Ivy Green been here?
A. The shop itself has been here since somewhere in the mid-’80s. There were two owners before me.
Q. What types of Valentine’s Day arrangements and gifts are trendy right now?
A. Roses are always a traditional favorite, but ladies like orchids. Potted orchids are hugely popular. The market for orchids is just on trend, and it just continues because they are low maintenance once they are in the home. Ladies like Gerbera daisies, arrangements that are a little more stylized. They enjoy the same things that have always been popular, but with a different twist. Everyone likes the stuff that’s a little bit flashy. So if you can get a really nice container or something that has that mirrored, sparkly look to it – that kind of presentation appeals to younger women more and more.
Q. What should people keep in mind when they are ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day?
A. Valentine’s Day tends to be a last-minute holiday. Everybody that wants home deliveries or deliveries to work, you need to really get that order in soon. The bulk of the orders for Valentine’s Day come in the two-day period of Valentine’s Day and the day before. You have orders that start before then, but the earlier you get your order in, the more selection you are going to have. If you need any special requirements as to timing, those things are easier to take care of if you place your order sooner.
Q. What is your favorite flower and why?
A. I really like hydrangeas. I tend to like anything that I see that’s new – or with a new twist. Some of the orchids are just amazing. They’re very delicate. I like a peach rose, it’s pretty. Usually I like whatever is new off the truck to work with.
Q. What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t at work?
A. I like to read a good book. I like to spend time with my family, my two sons. I like to learn about – you would think that when you are away from work it wouldn’t be on your mind – but I also like to read about what’s going on in my industry. I’m fascinated with what the new trends might be, what the next wedding style might be. It’s relaxing to me to look through that kind of stuff. So in the evenings, a lot of times I’ll just look through articles on the trade. I think if you want to grow your business, you have to have some awareness of what’s going on here, as well as other parts of the country.
Q. What has been the most unique or off the wall request that you’ve ever received?
A. I decorated a meat case. I do a lot of decorating for local businesses. There was a meat case at the Meadows Casino and they were going to offer products for their patrons to be able to buy. So I decorated it for Christmas – ham, ham slices, sausages. It was a challenge!