Member Spotlight: Polly Klein, Proprietor, Creative Designer, Polly’s Petals

  

Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber:  Tell us a little bit about Polly’s Petals what makes your business unique?

Polly Klein: Polly’s Petals Inc., is an independent floral artist/event studio.  Currently, we have 2 locations an event studio in unincorporated Libertyville, that houses all our event décor and production space and our relatively, newly opened (August of 2022) retail space on Waukegan Rd., in Lake Bluff.  However, we have been in business for over 24 years and out of 40,000 florists, I am one of 1400 that are officially accredited through the American Institute of Floral Design and a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension.   What that means is that our floral compositions are created utilizing Principles and Elements of Design (which every Artist, Interior Designer, Stager, Architect utilizes in their successful businesses’). My team is trained utilizing these same principles. Additionally, the knowledge I have gained from the Master Gardener’s program has helped me develop and utilize my cutting gardens efficiently and organically.  We insist on quality, unique but VALUED floral compositions as well as a genuine floral/consumer connection.  We all love flowers, creating, presenting and receiving flowers.

 

LF/LB: What inspired you to pursue a career in floral design?

PK:   I was raised in the garden with my grandmother and mother since childhood.  Sustainability and eco “conscious” is in my DNA.  I started my career in a corporate role for Baxter Healthcare and my side hustle was creating and designing floral artistry for friends, co-workers and family.  Soon my side hustle became serious, and I dove into every class, organization and seminar to absorb all the knowledge and techniques of floral design.  That has turned me into the floral artist/designer I am today.  I LOVE it and I LOVE delivering joy to those who need it the most.  Yep, that’s me in the delivery van sometimes because the dopamine level for me is in that moment, that end consumer receiving flowers and expression of joy and happiness they communicate through words, sometimes tears and mostly smiles.

 

LF/LB: What is your vision or hope for the future of your business?

PK:   Our mission is to raise awareness of how fresh flowers advance healing, ease mental health conditions and artistically celebrate nature.  Raising our dopamine levels daily while still giving all our clients the ability to pick up fresh flowers for whatever the occasion.

 

LF/LB:  How does Polly’s Petals give back to the community? 

PK:  We celebrate community in different ways!  We love to educate and let our community participate in creating their own beauty, hosting workshops and teaching about the art of floral design. We support the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation team,  the Lake Forest Spirit of 67’ and the future of young children and adults with disabilities in the ASPIRE Non-For-Profit.

 

LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your business?

PK:  Yes!  Come check us out!!!!  Or call – our hours are 10:00 am till 6:00 p.m. Mon. thru Friday and open for deliveries only on Saturday’s.