Keep Manhattan Blooming

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It Started With A Vision.

steve miller
Steve Miller

Steve Miller had a vision for Manhattan, Kansas. He wanted to bring a higher end floral experience to it. At the time, many of the local florists were focused on competing with the cheaper offerings found at grocery stores.

“He said, ‘People are leaving Manhattan to go get something better, why can’t we just offer the better?'” Jan Miller, Steve’s sister and current owner of Steve’s Floral remembers.

“He had a very distinct vision,” Jan said. “He had a purpose for coming to Manhattan and that’s why he was able to build an actual business.”

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Bucking the norms, Steve focused on quality, service, and value. “He said I’m not trying to compete with Walmart or Dillons or the grocery stores,” Jan said. “We just can’t do that. We’re going to have to set our own pace, build our own clientele. I think if we do the project right, they will come. And they did.”

We’re going to have to set our own pace, build our own clientele. I think if we do the project right, they will come. And they did.

After a slow first year because they missed the cut off for the phone book, one of the primary advertising vehicles for florists at the time, things began picking up. “He saw the dream,” Jan said. “He came and he offered wonderful silks and great design. It was really something.”

Even though Steve passed in 1991, just a few short years after Steve’s Floral opened in Manhattan, his legacy still lingers at the bright and happy store on Poyntz. “The whole store is based totally on what he wanted: how we handle customer service, how we do everything,” Jan said. “It’s based on how he laid the groundwork.”[/su_expand]

30 Years Strong.

This year Steve’s Floral is celebrating 30 years in business. In honor of Steve, we want to celebrate others in the Manhattan community who are working toward their own vision of a better Manhattan. We are asking our fellow Manhattanites to nominate someone who is making a difference in the community. We want to honor those who keep Manhattan blooming with creativity and vision.

Every week until our 30th anniversary, we’ll choose an honoree and surprise them with a flower arrangement to thank them for their work in Manhattan.

 


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