Karin's Florist Serves Virginia on Valentines Day 2025

David Eller
Communications and Strategy Intern, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

February 10, 2025

Karin’s Florist has been serving its local community of Vienna, Virginia for 67 years. The current President Maris Angolia joined the business with her father in the mid 1990’s and has helped guide the local shop with a steady hand through multiple generations.

For Angolia and her employees, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day are some of the busiest of the year.

“The 13th is probably the biggest order day of the year, and the 14th is one of the biggest delivery days,” said Angolia.

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The preparation needed for a successful Valentine’s Day starts well before the celebration day. And, Angolia says, getting ready for days like this one highlights the value in having a talented, dedicated staff.

Valentine's Day preparation includes scheduling design and delivery contractors, purchasing the flowers to reserve the ones they would like, and doing a photo shoot to have features on the website for the holiday starting about six weeks in advance of Valentine’s Day.

“It’s the people and the product we provide” that separates Karin’s Florist from the rest of the industry, Angolia says. “Our talent that we have in our store and our designers are just beyond anything I can ever imagine.”

Celebrations like Valentine's Day are an opportunity to recognize the team's work and dedication, Angolia says. The team goes that extra mile, no matter what, to make sure the customer is happy.

An Enduring Flower Business

Having dedicated employees has been key to the flower shop, which opened in 1956, becoming a go-to place for families in the community for flowers that bring every life milestone to life. From anniversaries, to celebrations, to holidays, Karin’s Florist has remained a reliable staple in the Northern Virginia community.

“I love the customers. I love getting to know people. I love the fact that people come in,” Angolia says. In addition to Valentine’s Day, other busy seasons include Christmas, Mother’s Day, graduations, and more.

The shop’s enduring success has gained national recognition. In 2024, Karin’s was one of 100 small businesses across the country to be recognized on the U.S. Chamber CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses. They’ve also been called the “Best Florist in America.”

It means a lot to Angolia, who still remembers visiting the store as a kid when her dad was running the shop. Several of her customers visited the store as young kids years ago. Now, she sees the same longtime customers coming into the shop with kids of their own purchasing flowers.

“People stay with us and it’s all about relationships,” Angolia says of being part of a family business.

A Flower for Every Occasion

Karin’s Florist is known for its wide selection of flowers—everything from arrangements for special occasions and holidays, to unique gift baskets, to flowers that are just plain fun. The shop curates flowers and gift items from all over the world.

Some of the most popular items to purchase in the store are flowers from Holland, Ecuador, Chile, or Kenya; ceramic containers and dishes from Argentina; and French wine.

Karin’s is constantly looking for ways to differentiate itself through their products and services. They specifically look for items that are not seen everywhere.

“If you’re going to see it in the big stores, you’re probably not going to see it in our store,” Angolia says.

Over the years, Karin’s has expanded from just flowers to also curating a selection of plants, gifts, children’s toys, and home goods. Angolia wants customers coming in to buy flowers or a gift—and hopefully walking out with much more.

That spirit of growth and innovation is what keeps Karin’s thriving—and makes it one of many important local small businesses to the Vienna community.

In communities like Vienna all over the country, other small businesses from coffee shops to beauty salons are stepping up to help provide memorable Valentine’s Day experiences for their customers.