We get a lot of orders, and I mean a LOT. Birthdays, anniversaries, “just because” – you name it, we’ve got a bouquet for it. But let’s be real, nothing compares to the madness of Valentine’s Day. It’s like the whole town suddenly develops a serious case of “flower fever.”

“Rhonda,” Kim will say, her eyes wide with a mischievous glint, “you’re on delivery duty!” And that’s my cue. It’s time to load up and get delivering!

I grab a cooler overflowing with arrangements, making sure to secure them with as many “floral transport delivery sponges” as humanly possible. You’d think we’d have a lifetime supply after Valentine’s Day, but somehow, we always seem to need more.

Deliveries are an adventure. You never know what you’re going to encounter. Once, a particularly enthusiastic dog decided our delivery van was his new favorite chew toy. Another time, we had to politely but firmly shoo a flock of curious chickens off the driveway of a farm.

And let’s not forget the time a rogue rooster decided to stage a one-bird protest against our presence. “Just breathe and smell the roses Kim would say, trying to stifle a laugh. And you know what? She’s right.

Even amidst the chaos, there’s always beauty. The smiles on people’s faces when they receive their stunning arrangements are priceless. The sheer joy of delivering a little bit of happiness to someone’s doorstep makes it all worthwhile any time of the year.

Of course, there are challenges. Coordinating deliveries for dozens of addresses can feel like solving a complex puzzle. It takes a village, and I mean that literally.

Our family and friends become honorary delivery drivers, navigating the streets of Murfreesboro with a mix of enthusiasm and mild panic. Sometimes you are so busy delivering you forget about filling up the gas tank.

There are those times when you are so busy getting from place to place that you forget to grab something for breakfast or lunch. Our GO TO is to grab a few coffees and doughnuts.

But despite the occasional near-miss with a runaway goat or a surprise encounter with a grumpy goose, we always manage to deliver on time, on schedule and sometimes we encounter the coolest pets that just know how to chill. And that’s something to celebrate.

So, if you’re ever in Murfreesboro, stop by Veda’s. We’d love to create a beautiful arrangement for you. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get to witness one of our legendary delivery escapades firsthand.

Just try not to laugh too hard at my attempts to keep a dozen roses from toppling over. Happy delivering!

Back then, the square was our canvas, and every visitor was a brushstroke. We greeted each customer with open arms, handed them a smile to-go, and cheekily asked for their email addresses because what’s a shop without a newsletter, right?

When Veda’s was new, the flow of customers was more of a trickle than a flood. But, oh, how we made the most of it! Between arranging bouquets and adjusting the displays, I busied myself creating a Facebook business page and an Instagram account for Veda’s.

My vision was simple: showcase our little shop’s personality through daily posts that could charm the socks off anyone scrolling through. I set ambitious goals for myself—500 Facebook followers and 1,000 Instagram followers within six months.

As the weeks rolled by, our Instagram gained momentum. I’d post pictures of vibrant bouquets, quirky gift arrangements, and behind-the-scenes antics.

Around the 600-follower mark, Brian, my husband, suddenly took an interest in my social media obsession. I should have been suspicious, but I chalked it up to his supportive nature.

Enter: Murfreesboro Square Shops

A week or so later, my sister Kim and I noticed a peculiar Instagram account named “Murfreesboro Square Shops.” It seemed dedicated to showcasing local businesses around the square, and to our surprise (and delight), they appeared to have a soft spot for Veda’s.

This mysterious account shared our posts at a rate of three to one compared to other shops. It was as if we had a secret admirer! Naturally, we wanted to thank this benevolent promoter. I asked Brian, my friends, and even the neighboring shopkeepers if they knew who ran the account.

All responses were variations of, “No idea, but they sure do like you!” Over the weeks, this “secret admirer” continued their campaign, boosting our posts at what became a 4:1 ratio. I was flattered, albeit curious.

The Plot Thickens

By the time our Instagram account hit 850 followers, Murfreesboro Square Shops had amassed 770 followers of its own. The account’s devotion to Veda’s was becoming a hot topic among the ladies of the square. “Rhonda, who is this Murfreesboro Square Shops? They’re practically your fan club!” they’d ask. I could only shrug and laugh, equally amused and mystified.

One Saturday, while driving back to Murfreesboro from visiting my Uncle Billy in west Nashville, the mystery took an unexpected turn. Brian was driving, and I was, as usual, glued to my phone, crafting an Instagram post for Veda’s.

“How’s it going?” Brian asked casually. “Great,” I replied, not looking up. “I’m almost at 1,000 followers—968 to be exact.” A few minutes later, Brian asked again, “How many followers does Murfreesboro Square Shops have?” I checked and replied, “1,012.” Brian grinned but said nothing.

Another minute passed before he blurted, “I know who runs Murfreesboro Square Shops!” I looked at him, wide-eyed. “Who is it?” With a sheepish chuckle, he confessed, “It’s me!”

The Secret’s Out

To say I was floored would be an understatement. Brian went on to explain that he’d created Murfreesboro Square Shops as a playful experiment and a way to help promote Veda’s Flowers & Gifts. He’d challenged himself to see if he could grow his Instagram account faster than Veda’s Instagram account, despite a disadvantage late start.

It had been a secret race to 1,000 followers all along! Apparently, keeping this secret wasn’t easy for Brian. He’d enlisted our niece Chloe and our daughter Aleia as accomplices knowing this secret from almost the beginning. Together, they all orchestrated the ultimate social media surprise sneak attack.

The Aftermath

I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Brian’s prank had not only entertained him for weeks but had also provided priceless publicity for Veda’s. By the time Murfreesboro Square Shops hit 1,000 followers, our shop wasn’t far behind, and the buzz it generated among our fellow business owners was icing on the cake.

Today, Murfreesboro Square Shops sits at a respectable 2,721 followers. Though the account has gone dormant, Brian assures me it’ll spring back to life soon. As for Veda’s, we’re thriving—not just because of our beautiful flowers and gifts but because of the love and creativity that went into building our presence, both online and in the community.

A Family Story for the Ages

Looking back, I can’t help but smile at the memory of Brian’s little social media experiment. What started as a playful challenge turned into a cherished family story that we’ll laugh about for years to come.

So, yes, I’ll admit it: Murfreesboro Square Shops won the race to 1,000 followers. But the real victory? The joy, laughter, and love that went into the journey.                                                                                                                                                                                        And if you’re reading this, Brian—thanks for being my biggest cheerleader, my secret admirer, and, above all, my partner in life.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here’s to more laughs, more flowers, and maybe a rematch on Instagram one day.

As she continued to sip on and enjoy her morning coffee, her gaze drifted to the vibrant impatiens bursting with multiple colors in her flowerbeds. On the white patio table was a yellow legal pad and a pen to jot down some ideas that she had been pondering lately.

Rhonda had recently thought about becoming an entrepreneur, to create something of her own. Her husband, Brian, was himself already a successful entrepreneur, creating a service business years earlier and she admired his drive and determination. But could she, Rhonda, with her more reserved nature, truly make it happen?

She grabbed a pen and a yellow legal pad, the familiar scribble of the pen against the paper created a grounding presence. “What if,” she mused, “I started a flower shop?” The idea bloomed in her mind, taking root and growing stronger with each passing thought.

A Family Affair: Turning Dreams into Daisies

Rhonda envisioned a shop filled with the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas of fresh flowers. Not just any flower shop, but a haven where beauty and community intertwined. A place where families could find the perfect arrangement for any occasion, from joyous celebrations to heartfelt condolences.

She quickly realized that this wasn’t just a personal endeavor; it could be a family affair. Her mother, Pat, retired and eager to stay active, would be a valuable asset. Her sister Kim, always enthusiastic to participate with family projects, would be an invaluable partner. And her sister Vickie, a talented floral designer, could provide invaluable expertise.

The vision expanded. Perhaps they could incorporate unique gifts – handcrafted jewelry, home decor, wind chimes, locally made pottery, merchandise of faith – to complement the floral arrangements. It would be a place where people could find not just beautiful blooms, but also meaningful treasures too.

From the Yellow Legal Pad to Flowering Ideas: The Entrepreneurial Journey

The yellow legal pad quickly filled with ideas, questions, and anxieties.

• What will we name our shop? “Blooms & Blessings,” “Petal & Prose,” “The Flower Market”? The possibilities were endless.
• Where will we find the perfect location? A charming storefront downtown? A cozy corner in a bustling shopping center?
• Where would we source our inventory? Local growers? A reputable flower market?
• How would we market our shop? Social media campaigns? Local partnerships? Community events?
• What about licensing and insurance? The legal and logistical aspects seemed daunting.

But amidst the questions, a sense of excitement grew. This wasn’t just an idea; it was a seed of possibility, ready to blossom into something truly special.

More Than Just Petals: Building a Community Through Blooms

Rhonda envisioned a shop that would be more than just a place to buy flowers. It would be a community hub, a place where people could connect and celebrate life’s milestones.

She wanted to create a space that reflected her values – faith, family, and community. A place where the beauty of flowers could uplift spirits and bring joy to others.

Blooming with Confidence

As Rhonda delved deeper into her planning, her confidence grew. She realized that she had the support of her family, the drive to succeed, and the passion to make her dream a reality.

There is a quote by Saint Francis de Sales: “Bloom where you are planted.” It resonates deeply with creating the opportunity to bloom, to cultivate their own unique talents and personalities to create something both meaningful and wonderful.

The Entrepreneur Leap of Faith

The journey ahead would undoubtedly have its challenges. There would be setbacks, obstacles to overcome, and countless decisions to be made. But Rhonda knew that with faith, family, and a whole lot of hard work, they all could make their dream a reality.

As she sat on her patio, the sun warming her face, Rhonda knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful family and community story.

The Powerful Intention of a Yellow Pad, Pen & Patio: A Manifested Adventure

Rhonda’s story is a testament to the power of a simple idea, nurtured by a spark of inspiration. It’s a reminder that dreams can bloom anywhere, at any time.

Whether it’s a yellow legal pad, a restaurant napkin, or simply a quiet moment of reflection, ideas have the potential to transform our lives.

So, the next time you find yourself with a fleeting thought, a spark of inspiration, don’t dismiss it. Jot it down, nurture it, let it grow. You never know where it might lead you or how something magical may manifest for you.

Rhonda’s journey, born from a quiet Saturday morning on her patio, serves as a beautiful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of faith, even the most ambitious dreams can blossom into reality.

This indeed was the spark, the inspiration that led to the creation of Veda’s Flowers & Gifts. You know it by now as, “the little flower shop on the square.”

]]> https://thelittleflowershoponthesquare.com/2024/12/26/the-powerful-intention-of-a-yellow-pad-pen-patio/feed/ 0