Get ready to hunker down! Colonial House of Flowers is proud to be included on the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.
Colonial House of Flowers, owned by 1997 UGA Grady School of Journalism graduate Christy Griner Hulsey specializes in merging nature, people, design and products to create an intentional environment that delights the senses through products, videos, and retail products. The designations are especially meaningful because Christy's was recently honored in the UGA 40 Under 40 and her family are avid dawg fans and alumni. Several Colonial House of Flowers employees are alumni, too. Go DAWGS!
Bulldog 100 Business applicants were measured by compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period. Each year, the Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors verify the information submitted by each company. UGA Alumni Association host an event each January to celebrate the Bulldog 100 and count down the ranked list to the No. 1 business.
Check out the full article 40 Under 40 and Bulldog 100: Christy Hulsey on the UGA Alumni website, here. And, see an excerpt below:
40 Under 40 and Bulldog 100: Christy Hulsey
CHRISTY GRINER HULSEY:
- 40 Under 40, Class of 2014 and Bulldog 100 2014 and 2017
- ABJ ’98
- Creative director and owner of Colonial House of Flowers
What She Does: “Colonial House of Flowers was started in 1968, and we’ve been designing flowers ever since. We have a historical and legendary local shop, and now host workshops, teach classes and do events all over the country.”
Her Experience with 40 Under 40 and Bulldog 100: “It’s meant everything to me; [the recognitions] give you credibility. Our shop was 50 years old when I came in, and it was in really bad shape. So, when we started getting awarded for growth, like with the Bulldog 100, it gave people, locally and regionally, confidence in our shop and that it would be around for another 50 years. Going [to UGA], and then being awarded by UGA, has been one of the most special things to me.”
Future Goals: “We’ve just been named the 2017 Mayesh Design Star, which is really big. This is the first time they’ve had a flower workshop tour that goes around the country – it’s eight cities in one year. We’re also doing workshops with Pottery Barn in five of those cities.”
UGA’s Role: “The advertising I learned though Grady is what saved my business, because I had no prior experience with floristry. I’m able to write copy, headlines and create a visual story that people can use. The idea of a flower shop is gone. Historically, flower shops have a certain brand and a certain look. They don’t normally focus on advertising and branding methods. Being able to come in with a fresh perspective and offer new advertising – that’s what saved our business, hands down.”
Tips for Success: “I really believe that you can build a business and a life that’s Y-O-U by bringing your individual skills to it. For me, advertising, journalism and writing are what I like to do. I also really like to lift other people up, so I’m able to bring that to floristry. Bloom where you’re planted, and bring the skills and the heart to whatever you want to do.”
Christy is honored to be in the 40 Under 40 class and ranked on the Bulldog 100 list. The Bulldog 100 recognizes the best of University of Georgia Alumni that own or manage their own business. To be nominated for this prestigious list, businesses must be dedicated to building better communities while embodying the strong values of the University of Georgia.
You can learn more about the Bulldog 100 here.
You can see Christy's LinkedIn Profile here.
You can Meet Christy Griner Hulsey here.
You can read more about Georgia Girls in the Bulldawg Illustrated here.