Get to know Chicago florist, Nancy Krause. Find out more about the inspiration behind her heavenly florals, why her clients are addicted to her store, and where she gets the best mochas in the city.
Q: You have a background in fashion and art. What brought you into the floral design business?
A: A natural talent for design, a love of flowers and fragrance, and the utter awe of what nature can create.
Q: What is your typical day as a florist like?
A: Just when you think it will be another “typical” day of creating arrangements, watering plants, and rearranging vintage pieces, a shipment of flowers comes in. Among the bunches of roses, tulips, peonies and hydrangea appears a flower so beautiful it makes you stop and stare. It may be a hybrid tulip, a monster dahlia, or perhaps a rose whose color and texture you have never seen before. Trust me, it happens. And when it does, I shake my head in amazement.
Q: Tell us about your store? What is the vibe? What do your customers say?
A: People who stop in for the first time often say, “Your store is so beautiful and peaceful. It smells divine.” A feeling of calm and peace prevails among the flora and vintage finds. Devoted patrons stop in to breathe in the gentle scent of the flowers and take a moment to calm their souls.
Also, I am called the dog-whisperer. Every neighborhood dog stops in for a treat and a hug. Some refuse to walk past and stage a sit-in until their owner agrees to come in. My newest favorite – Stanley the French bulldog.
Q: What is your shop known for?
Patrons love our exquisite hand-tied European bouquets and breathtaking, unusual arrangements (i.e. bushy kale, purple artichokes, scabiosa mingle beautifully with orange finesse roses, peonies, sweet peas and mini green hydrangea). The arrangements speak to a serene visual beauty that I believe everyone can relate to.
We are also known for our detailed customer service. New clients always get a call asking how their flowers are doing. Were they happy with their arrangement? Is there anything we may do further? Coming from the restaurant business I can assure you that superior customer service is often what separates a good business from a great one.
Q: What designs are popular this time of year?
A: Everyone asks for a colorful springtime design. In Chicago the wait for spring and warm weather is often long, tedious and painful. When spring finally emerges, we celebrate and honor all pretty things.
Q: What do you love to do most as a florist?
A: Every now and then, I will create a design that is truly amazing. All of the elements come together and create that perfect harmony of color, texture and whimsy. It is magical when that happens.
Q: What is the most memorable event you have worked on?
A: It is hard to choose just one wedding or event. But what I will say is that the tea party shower we just did was pretty amazing and beautiful. And when everything was in place for Janus et Cie, I was blown away.
Q: Favorite flower?
A: Without question… the pansy. I have a wall of vintage pansy art both at the shop and in my home.
Q: Favorite film?
A: I have four: The Birdcage, Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment and the original Mame.
Q: What are your favorite places to eat in Chicago?
A: There are many great restaurants in Chicago… MK for contemporary American and Pequods for pizza. My absolute favorite is Buona Terra. Imagine it as Cheers for those who are regulars at the bar.
Q: Other popular spots in the area you recommend visiting?
A: Cafe Floriole. It is amazing (forget the no carb diet) with homemade pastries, salads and the best mochas, made with chocolate ganache! I don’t drink coffee and I love them! I also recommend the Local Option, a long standing bar known for its small batch beers and great (I mean great) bar food. Try their spicy shrimp tacos and you will not be disappointed.
What else would you like to know about Nancy? What were you surprised to hear? Share in the comments below!
