Emily Neubauer, a skilled and experienced florist, has turned her lifelong love for flowers into a successful livelihood with Belle Fiori, her flourishing floral business.
Neubauer’s infatuation with flowers began at an early age, as her mother fondly recalls her pointing at the beautiful blooms adorning their kitchen table, with “pretty” purportedly being her first word.
Each day, Neubauer combines precision with an artistic touch when crafting her flower arrangements. With a mix of creativity and efficiency, she approaches her work, occasionally embracing a touch of spontaneity. As she trims the stems of each flower, she lets the clippings fall to the ground, akin to casually enjoying peanuts at a ballgame.
“It’s exactly like eating peanuts at a ballgame,” Neubauer affirms, finding amusement in the analogy. “I’ll definitely use that the next time someone is bothered by it.”
Surprisingly, the floor of her shop appeared tidier than usual during the visit. Neubauer jokingly avoids discussing the state of the floor on Valentine’s Day, a bustling time that leaves her shop covered in a carpet of fallen leaves.
Celebrating her 19th year as a flower shop owner, Neubauer acknowledges that her profession is not all roses and daisies. The floral industry is highly competitive, and the demands of the job, particularly during wedding season, can be intense.
Despite the challenges, Neubauer has managed to thrive by prioritizing the trust and loyalty of her customers. By guiding them through the selection of flowers and colors, she ensures their confidence in Belle Fiori’s commitment to creating stunning arrangements.
“When we gain their trust and let them know that we want their flowers to be as beautiful as they do, that’s when we can build strong relationships and friendships,” she explains.
Neubauer takes pride in her team’s ability to handle even the most challenging situations. While the occasional “bridezilla” may make an appearance, Belle Fiori’s staff is adept at resolving mishaps discreetly, leaving no trace of any behind-the-scenes chaos.
“We once had a panicked moment when a bride’s flowers fell down a flight of stairs,” Neubauer recalls with a chuckle. “But no one ever knew.”
From birthdays to farewells, weddings to everyday gestures of love, Neubauer is ready to arrange her blooms for any occasion. However, it is the interactions with customers that bring her the greatest joy.
“During the pandemic, when Milwaukee closed non-essential businesses, many of our customers told us that we were essential,” she shares warmly. “It made me proud to know that they valued our product so much.”
With her unwavering dedication to her craft and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Emily Neubauer continues to blossom as a revered Milwaukee florist, spreading beauty and joy through her exquisite floral creations.
