In 1987, a Manhattan resident saw a need for color and beauty in the Manhattan area, thus, Steve’s Floral was born. Located in the heart of the town, on Poyntz, it is a convenient location for everyone’s floral, chocolate, and gift item needs. Steve originally opened the shop, but three years later, his sister, Jan Miller, bought the business and she has been running the store with help of her top notch staff of eight, including Hildegard Bembry and Lisa Nyberg . Since then, they have completely remodeled the store and cut cords with all wire services, which means that they do their own photography and run their own website.
“That has been a big change for us, it’s remarkable, people really love it,” says Jan.
Something else that sets them apart from other floral companies is their direct contact with customers. When you place an order, they ask for a phone number and email so that before the order is delivered to its destination, the buyer will be sent a picture of their order so they know exactly what is being delivered.
“Customers love it, they want to know what exactly was sent,” Jan explained.
Some of their most popular events are weddings, funerals, and a lot of K-State work, often with sororities. They offer buttons, keychains, magnets and even personalized chocolates, commonly put together to make a gift basket especially for the sorority. All of these items are offered for every sorority. Steve’s Floral not only works to help their customers from inside the store, but also works with customers to decorate their own homes.
Customer service is their biggest focus. They do custom home decorating; involving christmas trees; and a lot of other home items that can be complimented. There’s also the option to rent pieces out. There’s one piece called, “The Garden Gate,” a beautiful piece adding elegance to any atmosphere, that can be rented out for events.
During Manhappenin’s visit to Steve’s Floral, we learned how to make a floral halo which are popular for birthdays and celebrations.
Hildegard, expert florist for over 47 years, taught us some of her impressive techniques she has acquired by working in the flower business over her lifetime. She grew up in Germany, where her parents owned a flower shop and greenhouse. Growing up in the shop gave her a lot of first-hand experience in the industry. Then, she attended design school in Germany as well.
From there, Hildegard continued working in the field wherever she was. “It’s nice to work with your hobby,” she said.
With her husband being in the military, they moved to the Manhattan area, where she has been working at Steve’s Floral for 27 years now. They had two boys that grew up here, and also attended K-State.
When asked what her favorite thing to make is, Hildegard responded, “I like to make people happy.” She says her favorite thing to do is visit nursing homes, and bring flowers to decorate. Flowers do make people happy.
Lisa is another talented lady working at Steve’s Floral. She has spent the past 20 years as a floral designer, 11 of which have been spent at Steve’s. Her favorite category to work with is prom orders, more specifically corsages.
None of these amazing pieces could be sold without the lead sales person, Donna. She starts the process that matches customers with their most desirable purchase. With all of these wonderful ladies working together to create beautiful floral pieces for our community, Steve’s Floral has been voted the best florist in Manhattan, KS every year since 2001. Jan, owner of the business, said it best, “We never take one moment for granted.”
