Dani Christakos grew up with a Dutch father who took them to Holland every summer.
"I was always surrounded by beautiful flowers," says Christakos. "They are always just something that bring me so much joy."
So it seems natural that when her oldest of three kids left for college, she pursued her dream of opening a floral studio. The Flower Garage launched as a place for other flower lovers to gather, learn a new skill, and take home sunshine in a bouquet.
The Passion Becomes a Business
After being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years while raising three kids with her high school sweetheart, Christakos began building out her dream.
"I am a self-taught florist," she explains. "While I've done some formal training, I always felt what I was learning was something I already knew. Some of the best florists in the world are self-taught."
Today, she loves continuing her floral education by traveling the country and seeing what else is out there.
"I love educating myself with lessons from Sarah Campbell, a famous floral teacher who recently appeared on the Netflix show The Big Flower Fight. She has great energy, and I always learn something new from her!"
How The Flower Garage Differs From Other Florists
The Flower Garage is a custom florist. There are no pre-made arrangements sitting on shelves or in buckets of water. Instead, Christakos creates a unique arrangement for every client.
"All you do is choose the size, and we create something fabulous," explains Christakos.
With just 24 hours' notice, you can pick up your custom arrangement.
The Flower Garage is also known for its floral classes.
"Classes are what started our business," says Christakos. "We love teaching people how to make flower arrangements. We teach public classes where you can register with a friend or come alone. We also rent the studio out for private classes with at least 10 people."
Christakos focuses each class on the season. So, you can make your Thanksgiving table centerpiece in November or a wreath in December. They also offer special events throughout the holiday season.
Tips for an Ideal Thanksgiving Centerpiece
With the holidays approaching, everyone is thinking about entertaining—and entertaining often includes a beautiful bouquet. Christakos says that this year, both bold and neutral are trending. Do what feels best for your home, but don't be afraid to go with bold fall colors.
She also recommends mixing dried flowers with fresh ones to make a statement.
"I love to mix the two, especially in our neutral color palettes," she says.
If choosing a table centerpiece, Christakos suggests using a low-lying tablescape.
"You always want to ensure the flowers do not block you so you can see the person across from you!"
Flowers Make a Great Hostess Gift
When going to holiday parties, it's always thoughtful to take a gift. The Flower Garage can help you create the ideal bouquet to take with you. Christakos reminds customers to explain their needs when they order. She recommends arrangements made in floral foam if you're taking the arrangement to a party.
"They travel easily, and you will not be covered in water by the time you arrive," she explains.
Another great idea for a gift bouquet or arrangement is to incorporate succulents in the design.
"That way," says Christakos, "they have a keepsake from you, and you can use the succulents long after the arrangement has passed."
The Flower Garage is a Community Meeting Place
Christakos loves seeing her vision come to life and takes great pride in every custom arrangement or bouquet she creates. While The Flower Garage also does events, weddings, and in-home installations, she is especially proud of the classes and how they have become a meeting place for the community.
"The Flower Garage has become a really special place that people love coming to," she says. "Everyone leaves really happy and has something beautiful in their hands!"