When the World Freezes, So Do We
Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats; owner, manager, creative director, customer service rep, even part-time delivery driver. But when nature throws a curveball, like a major ice storm, the most important hat becomes protector, of your team, your customers, and your community.
That’s why we made the tough but necessary call to close our shop for five full days. Roads were slick, power was spotty, and safety had to come first. Trust us, it wasn’t an easy decision. Every day closed is a day of lost income, missed orders, and tough conversations.
And here’s the honest truth: this isn’t the first time we’ve had to make that call. Living and running a business in Nashville means you learn to expect the unexpected. But even with experience under our belts, it never gets easier. The stress, the worry, the ripple effects...it’s heavy every single time.
The Hidden Cost of “Closed”
Here’s something folks don’t always see behind the scenes: when a big box store shuts down for a day or two, it’s usually a blip on the radar. But for a small local shop like Amelia’s, just one day closed can be a major blow.
Let’s break it down:
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Perishable product loss: Flowers are fragile and when we can’t move inventory, we lose it. That’s not just a bummer, it’s money out the door.
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Fixed costs keep ticking: Rent, utilities, insurance don’t stop when the weather does.
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Interrupted momentum: Every day we’re closed is a day we can’t serve our loyal customers or grow relationships with new ones.
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Team impact: Our employees count on regular hours. When we close, it affects their paychecks, too.
We’re not sharing this for sympathy, we’re sharing it because it’s real, and it’s the kind of stuff small business owners think about constantly. Even when the lights are off.
The Heart of the Matter: Responsibility & Resilience
At Amelia’s, our goal has always been more than just creating beautiful arrangements. It’s about spreading joy, even during tough times. And wow, this storm reminded us how important it is to lead with heart.
Closing was hard, but staying open while risking someone’s safety? Not an option.
When the storm hit and we had to close, one of the hardest parts was reaching out to customers who had already placed delivery orders. We gave them two options: either receive a full refund or reschedule their delivery for when we reopened.
We completely understood that some folks might need their money back. Times are tight, and flowers are often tied to a special moment that can’t wait. But what happened next truly moved us: every single customer responded with kindness. Not one requested a refund. Everyone chose to wait and have their flowers delivered later.
Their understanding, patience, and support were more than encouraging. They were a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We’re not just in the flower business. We’re in the people business.
That kind of support? It doesn’t just warm our hearts. It keeps us going.
Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters (Now More Than Ever)
It’s easy to take our favorite local spots for granted, until one day they’re not there.
Here’s the thing: we don’t have corporate safety nets. We don’t have massive reserves. What we do have is you. Our customers, neighbors, and community.
When you:
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Shop local
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Share our posts
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Leave a review
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Tell a friend
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Wait patiently after a storm
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Or simply send a kind message
You’re doing more than you know. You’re keeping the dream alive...for us, for our team, and for every small business fighting to bounce back after a hard hit.
What We’re Taking With Us
If this storm taught us anything, it’s that we’re not alone. Running a small business is hard, but it’s also deeply rewarding when you're surrounded by a community that shows up, even when the doors are closed.
We’ll keep showing up, too. For every birthday, anniversary, or "just because" bouquet… we’ll be here, ready to add a little beauty back into the world.
How You Can Help, Even When We’re Closed
Can’t stop the weather, but you can help us weather it. Here’s how:
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Follow us on Instagram @ameliasflowertruck
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Spread the word to friends & family in Nashville
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Shop local whenever you can, every purchase counts
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Reach out with kind words. They mean more than you know
- Pre-Order your Valentine's Day Delivery.
And of course, when the sun’s shining and the roads are safe, we’ll be here, ready to brighten your day with blooms that speak from the heart.
Small businesses like ours don’t survive storms because we’re lucky. We survive because of the love, loyalty, and unwavering support of people like you. Whether you’re a longtime customer or someone just discovering Amelia’s Flowers, thank you for sticking with us.
We’re grateful. We’re hopeful. And we’re open (again)!
Want to brighten someone’s day today?
Pop into one of our shops or visit us online—because flowers don’t just say “I love you,” they say we’re still here, and we’re still blooming.
xx Mattie