The Carmel Florist Celebrates 15 Years of Family-owned Success
Writer / Nicole Sipe
Photographer / Brandy Hornback
Kristine Schroeder never imagined that shed have a bustling floral business in Carmel. In 2003, Schroeder was a stay-at-home mom of four children, doing part-time bookwork and odd jobs for a florist. Then, an opportunity presented itself.
I developed a fondness for the craft of floral design while I was working for a florist, Schroeder says. When they decided to close their doors, I chose to venture out on my own and give it a whirl. Thats how The Carmel Florist was born.
Its been 15 years since she opened The Carmel Florist, and since then, Schroeders four children have grown and so has her business. She has incorporated her family into the business as well. Schroeder works side-by-side with her daughter, Carley, designing and creating floral arrangements for every occasion, including weddings, holidays, special events and memorials.
It is definitely a family affair, Schroeder says of running The Carmel Florist. My daughter and I are the designers. I do all wedding and special-event consultations. My dad did the deliveries for me until recently, when he retired and moved to Florida. Now, my daughter and I do the deliveries on most days, but my sons, husband and son-in-law pitch in on busy days, weekends, holidays or on the rare occasion that I have found a moment to treat myself with a day off.
Schroeder finds that its easy to work with family, especially when everyone is doing what they enjoy and doing work that benefits the whole family.
I trust my family, we love each other, we have each others best interests at heart and work beautifully together, Schroeder says. Its perfect. Plus, my business helps put food on all our tables literally. Thats very important to me.
Whats also important to Schroeder is pursuing work that allows her to be creative every single day. It also allows her to do what she loves while creating something that will bring joy to her customers.
When a customer gives me a budget and allows me to be creative, I have so much fun making the arrangement, Schroeder says. And I know that chances are, if Im pleased with the end result, then my customer will be, too.
Schroeder considers herself a self-taught florist and believes that quality has served her well all these years in business. Whether she is making a bridal bouquet, or a prom corsage, or arranging a vase full of flowers for Mothers Day, she puts her own creative stamp on each product that leaves her doors.
I am self-taught, and I am glad that I am, she says. That way, I know that my creations are truly mine, not a fast-food version of large assembly line design centers. I get most of my inspiration from my own minds eye.
To create her arrangements, Schroeder sources her flowers from all over the United States and around the world, including South America and Holland. When she can, she tries to acquire local flowers and plants for her floral masterpieces, too.
I love getting my summer local flowers from Indiana small farmers, Schroeder says. I am thrilled when I can help support another Indiana company.
Support your local florist and visit The Carmel Florist at 620 North Rangeline Road in Carmel. Visit them online at thecarmelflorist.com or give them a call at 317-846-2578.
