Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy McManus.
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
You might say I always knew what I wanted to be, From the age of 16, I had dreamed of working in a flower shop, not even sure why. I didn’t grow up in a house that ever had fresh cut flowers, nor knew much about it, but I had a couple girlfriends that worked at a local flower shop, and I was so envious of their positions. Unfortunately, as much as I tried, I was never able to land a job at a florist until much later.
In college I felt a bit lost, I knew I wanted to do something creative but just didn’t know what. I still fantasized about working with flowers, but didn’t think it was a realistic goal, not something I thought I could make more than minimum wage at for a career. Definitely not something I took seriously. I changed majors and schools a few times over the years, settling with a degree in Art Education form Montclair State University in NJ. I never felt passionate about teaching, but just feel back on at as “something I could do”. I had already planned to move to Baltimore soon after graduation, to be closer to my sister. I tried to get a job teaching and when that wasn’t working out, I tried my old fall back, trying to work in a flower shop. And it happened. Joann Janda, of Janda’a Florist hired me, I was ecstatic and making under $5/hour. I didn’t care anymore if this was a job that I could consider serious enough to be a career, I was in love. Within the first week, I told Joann I loved working there and it was my dream job, I think she thought I was a bit naive.
For 3 years, I worked at different shops, learning everything I could about flowers and design. I eventually found myself as Lead Designer and Manager at Foxglove Flowers + Home, at the Can Company in Canton. When I learned that they were closing, I was heart-broken, I had formed relationships with lots of clients and didn’t want to go to another shop and start from the ground p all over again. I decided to branch off onto my own.
There was a vacant space just down the street, calling my name. I made the decision to open a flower shop in November and by the first week of April, Crimson & Clover was open and ready for business. I’m definitely a bit impulsive. Once I got that idea of my own shop in my head, no one could stop me. I loved making things with my hands and working with people. I worked out of this little space in Canton for 7 years and in 2009, I made the leap to move across the city to our current home in Roland Park. This is really when I saw business blow up.
With a much larger space and a more matured vibe, I was able to accomplish so much more than I had imagined. I was able to do much larger events, build an impressive rental inventory, and get closer to my ideal clientele. I just said “yes” to all the things I was scared to do, and never got too cocky. I think those are the key reasons why I have succeeded in this business for as long as I have. I know that I learn new things every day and there is still so much to learn. I am still super passionate about what I do and I absolutely adore sharing it with clients and younger designers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think one of the most difficult things about starting my business when I did, was the lack of internet and social media presence when I started. I see all these new florists just pop up out of nowhere and with not a lot of background experience and I can’t understand why it took my so long to grow my own business, but then i remember that when I opened my shop, I did not even have a computer at the shop with internet! I really didn’t know many other florists or business owners. There was a lot of trial and error and just figuring a lot out on my own. Then, once social media starting going, it was so amazing to connect with so many florists all over the world, learn about design classes and that I would go take, and have the mutual support of fellow business owners. Everything kind of fast-forwarded once everything I ever wanted to know was at my fingertips. I am definitely grateful for this road I have take though, it gave me so much confidence when I didn’t have much else to rely on.
We’ve been impressed with Crimson & Clover Floral Design, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Crimson & Clover evolved out of a love and obsession for stunning flowers, whimsical details, and a desire to create memorable experiences. The company began in 2003 as a small retail boutique in Downtown Baltimore. Over the years it has thrived under the loving direction of owner and founder, Amy McManus, and has moved to its current retail space, conveniently located in the heart of Roland Park. Crimson & Clover services the DC/MD/VA region and is available for travel.
Crimson & Clover’s work is on the cutting-edge and exudes a subtle sophistication that has made them one of Baltimore’s most coveted florists. Dedicated to delivering the freshest styles and highest-quality blooms, Amy’s greatest joy lies in providing her clients with more than simple beauty- Amy seeks to establish meaningful connections with her clients that last a lifetime.
Every client’s story is unique and Crimson & Clover strives to tell this story with ease and elegance. Utilizing lush foliage, fruiting branches, and sumptuous blossoms, Crimson & Clover gathers the finest flowers from farms around the globe. Local and seasonal blooms are resourcefully incorporated into the designs. Crimson & Clover carefully selects and transforms the best the market has to offer into stunning arrangements, customized for each occasion.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Every employee I have had along the way, has played a role in shaping this business. I always tell my staff that this is not all just about me, that there is always room for them to leave their mark as well. Alyse, was an employee I had for a long time who really helped support so many changes and growth over the last decade. And while it was sad to see her go a couple years ago, it has been so exciting sharing my business with a younger generation with my current designers, Kelsey and Bailey. These women are so passionate and excited to learn about this industry like I was as well and I love sharing it all with them. They both have a lot of say on how we present ourselves, especially on social media platforms.
I would say all of my friends are a huge support as well as my dear husband, Jerome. All of them are always willing to help out when I need an extra hand.
My family has always been supportive, especially when I was getting started. I don’t think I could have done without the confidence from my parents, who both ran their own businesses as well.
In 2013, I joined a group call the Chapel Designers, founded by the amazing Holly Chapple. Holly provided a world of knowledge that became truly priceless in my career. I grew my network exponentially and had access to learning every bit of what it takes to go the distance as a floral designer and business owner.
I have to also thank my friends at Baltimore Magazine for always supporting us with features us in their Weddings Issue as well as all the other publications and blogs that have shared my work.
All of these are precious supporters, but I would be remiss to not mention the special events venues, putting me on preferred lists, event planners, caterers, photographers, etc. for referring me to clients, and all of the other happy customers sharing my name as well. These are the people that keep me in business. They trust me with their own clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crimsonandcloverdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimsoncloverfloral/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimsonandcloverdesigns/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/littlecloverbus/
