May 17, 2017

Meet Marianne Ganow of Marianne’s Custom Florals in Plano

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Ganow.

Marianne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been dabbling in floral art for over 27 years. In January of 2013 my best friend, my confidante, and her best role as my mother, suddenly passed away. I was so lost and felt so alone. My job as an accounting supervisor had no meaning. My degree in accounting had no meaning, after I went to work every day it was just a job. Shortly after she was buried I quit to take care of her estate. I opened my floral shop in March of 2013 in a tiny 358 square feet shop in Adriatica in McKinney. No sink, and no running water but it was my shop! My hands were kept busy and my mind was constantly thinking about designing the perfect floral arrangement and not how much I missed my Mom. After (5) months I realized using a public bathroom was not the best situation for filling water bucket(s). I was released from my lease and rented a space on Spring Creek and Alma. No one knew me from Adam, I had to prove my design set skills and especially my customer service skills. I won Plano florist of 2015 and was over the moon. Still I worked even harder to be worthy of that title; Plano’s Best. In 2016 I was awarded my 2nd plaque of being Plano’s best for 2016!! Sales were soaring, and life on the 2nd floor at Spring Creek and Alma was not looking so appealing any longer. We moved my shop in August of 2016 to Custer Rd. and Hedgecoxe. Front door parking, brand new suite and with so much space! We just received “Plano’s Best Florist for 2017”. I couldn’t be any happier!!!! Some folks call and can’t believe they are speaking to the owner. Well folks, it’s just me as the floral designer and a driver. 1 gentleman works Monday thru Thursday, 1 gentleman works Friday, and (1) lady works Saturday mornings. That’s is it, my whole staff my whole story.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marianne’s Custom Florals story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an independent floral shop located in Plano, TX. We are a full service floral shop offering custom fresh floral arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, Weddings, funerals and so much more. Marianne is the only designer and offers custom made jewelry as well. We care a full line of plants, balloons, and plush animals for any occasion. We deliver to the entire Plano area, and provide limited delivery to McKinney and Frisco. Voted Plano’s Best florist in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and has earned the #1 spot on Yelp with over 50 five star reviews. I strive to make every design as beautiful as it can be. What makes us stand out above the rest? We take a photo of each order and send it to the customer for approval. We don’t deliver it until it has been approved by the client for delivery. We let the customer know either via text or email when the design has been delivered and even who signed for it.

We do not participate with 1800 Flowera, FTD or Teleflora. These companies take 50% of your order dollars and keep it. The florist that fills their orders earns 50% of the total of the florals only! The wire services keep the service fees, AND the delivery fees. We take care of your entire order from start to finish; no middle man, no guessing, no hidden fees.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Honestly, I see the stand alone florists being eliminated. Customers want convenience and quite a few of the grocery stores provide it. Online shopping is so convenient. Pick out your groceries, pick out your flowers, pull around and have someone load it and you go. Websites are amazing, but why go to another website when you can do it all in one place.

Pricing: