Port Moody Flowers

With a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Victoria under her belt and early career aspirations in nursing, followed by a few years in banking as a lending and mutual funds specialist, flowers were the furthest thing from Celia Chiang's mind — until she met her husband; his parents had a produce and flower business years earlier.

Celia started out under the tutelage of her mother-in-law and learned the ropes of the florist business from the staff and designer at Blooming Buds Florist in Coquitlam. What began as a side hobby turned into a full-time career for Celia, who became owner and designer for the business in 2001. She sold the shop in 2011 to spend more time with her family.

In spring 2013, Celia returned to the floral industry and opened Port Moody Flowers in Newport Village. With her commitment to purchasing from local growers, her customers can feel good about supporting the local economy while knowing their flowers are of the highest quality and freshness. Celia buys from United Flower Growers in Burnaby, a co-operative of more than 80 B.C. floriculture growers with Dutch-style flower auctions and an online Floral Market Place.