<b>Owners: </b>
Sherrie McMullen, Suzie Clayton
<b>Short bio: </b>
Sherrie: Degree in fashion retailing led to a career in retail — five years with Learning Smith and then seven years with Discovery Channel, ending as a District Sales Manager for the tri-state area. Originally from Philadelphia, but has considered Alexandria her home for more than 10 years.
Suzie: Initial work experience in accounting was followed by six years in the Air Force. Suzie then completed an MBA in HR Management and worked for a large international consulting firm.
<b>Why did you choose this particular business? </b>
Sherrie has always enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. Owning a flower shop seemed like a great way to really enjoy her work.
Suzie was ready for a complete lifestyle change. Sherrie, a good friend for some time, suggested they go into business together, combining their diverse talents and backgrounds.
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
Sherrie wanted a change in day to day activities. She had been traveling far too much and wanted to do something closer to home that allowed her to choose her own activities.
Suzie wanted a different perspective and thought that owning her own business would be much more satisfying and rewarding than working as one more consultant in the corporate world. She thought she would work hard, but would enjoy it more.
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
Sherrie: Owning your own business is much harder than you think it will be, but much, much more rewarding.
Every once in a while Suzie feels that the flowers she has done for someone's wedding just aren't right and she will have ruined the happy couple's wedding day. What's been surprising is these are usually the brides that write gushing thank yous about how perfect their wedding flowers have been.
<b>Share an anecdote of a challenging or humorous experience or biggest surprise learned from working your business: </b>
Sherrie: Coming from a big business background it's sometimes a bit of a nasty shock to realize that you can't just call HR to deal with a problem and that when the toilet overflows the only person who can deal with it is you. The less than glamorous aspects to being your own boss aren't really something you think about when you envisage running your own business.
Suzie: Although working many more hours, it feels like fewer since she is working for herself and not for someone else. And of course the cliché about cash flow!
<b>What have been the advantages and/or disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria? </b>
Sherrie loves living in Alexandria and has found it particularly enjoyable working in Cameron Station. There is a real sense of community there that has made running Stems an absolute pleasure.
Suzie feels that Alexandria really takes care of its own. Stems is a local business patronized by local people.
<b>Key staff: </b>
Brooke, Linda, Ron, Kim
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
Fresh flowers, fresh and artificial floral arrangements, live potted plants and dish gardens, baby gifts, and assorted gift items. Stems is also happy to assist with seasonal home decorating and seasonal garden planting.
<b>Professional affiliations/associations: </b>
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Society of American Florists.