Parveneh Ishani, owner of Gypsy Rose Florist, has had a lot of careers in her lifetime – from project manager to teaching assistant – but when the opportunity came to take over a flower shop, she jumped at the chance. “I like to create and make people happy,” she says. “I decided I wanted to use my creative side and use my hands. I’ve always had a passion for plants and gardening and this was the perfect opportunity.”
Since Parveneh took over Gypsy Rose Florist in 2007, she has been able to spend her days working with plants and bringing joy to people’s lives. The business itself has been a staple in Calgary since 1984, and Parveneh aims to keep the original feel while doing things a little differently.
“The people who owned the store before me had it for 23 years, so there was plenty I wanted to keep, things they were doing so well,” she says. “But I’m also constantly changing to meet the needs of my customers. I’m always asking them what they think and feel when they come into the store so I can keep things welcoming and nice for them.”