My Charlotte: Giovy Buyers

Tell us about yourself. How did you get to where you are today?

I have always had an entrepreneurial heart. Flowers are Ecuador's number one commodity. Starting a floral business just made sense while using every resource to my advantage. My inspiration for Southern Blossom was actually the flowers themselves and the power they have to deliver heartfelt sentiment in such a wide range from extreme joy and love to support and condolences. Flowers and plants are emblems of faith, love, and deep belief that better days are ahead.

How did you learn your craft?

I was self-taught and, in the beginning, I took some tutorial classes. With time I hired designers that had been in the industry for more than 25 years.

What can people do to support small businesses like yours?

People need to make sure they are buying from a local flower shop, not from 1-800-Flowers, FTD or Teleflora. These website giants gather orders and send those orders to local florists, paying them 40% for the floral arrangement. They mislead the consumers making them to believe they are buying a lush arrangement.

What inspired you to create the Charlotte Blossoms Together gift boxes?

During the COVID-19 lockdown, many small businesses reached out to me, desperate to figure out how to stay in business. Since some of them did not have a storefront, I used my website to help them to promote their products. Charlotte Blossoms Together is the perfect gift for someone looking for a unique box with local products.

What makes Charlotte feel like home to you?

Charlotte is a great place to live, and everyone is kind and friendly. Charlotte might look like a small town but offers many opportunities that you would find in a big city. I fell in love with Charlotte on my first visit. Coming from Washington, D.C., Charlotte had a sense of charm missing from the northern cities. I am happy to call Charlotte home.

How would you describe Charlotte in one sentence?

Charlotte is a growing, vibrant city with a good mix of southern and diverse cultures.

If someone is visiting Charlotte for the first time, what should he or she do and see?

Uptown Charlotte has beautiful rooftop views where visitors can enjoy the city skyline.

Where are some of your favorite gardens, parks and green spaces to visit in and around Charlotte?

A fun and beautiful outdoor place is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Romare Bearden Park is one of my favorite green spaces to visit.

What are some of your must-see attractions in Charlotte that you would recommend to friends and family?

When I have family in town, I take them to Carowinds, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or sightsee in Uptown Charlotte, to experience what makes Charlotte a great place to live.