An Eclectic Stem :
When you first meet the fun and fabulous Paige O'Connor, you get the feeling she does something amazing for a living. Or she drinks a lot of coffee. Or both. The high energy O'Connor, with her bright blue eyes and platinum coif, just happens to be owner and designer of Westport's boutique florist, An Eclectic Stem.O'Connor's outgoing personality and cutting edge sense of style combines with an artistic flair to bring one-of-a-kind floral designs you won't see anywhere in Kansas City-- and the result is one tres chic floral boutique.
Not Your Ordinary Florist :
As the name implies, An Eclectic Stem isn't your ordinary florist--it's here you'll find find brightly painted pink and orange walls in the retail space overlooking Westport Road, just a few doors down from Kelly's Irish Pub. You'll also find an absence of pre-made bouquets--in fact, you'll only find one cooler. Why? O'Connor and crew take the time to get to know their customers and their style, whether you're stopping in for a simple arrangement, need an anniversary bouquet, or are planning the wedding of the year.What Goes on at An Eclectic Stem:
On a typical day at An Eclectic Stem, you'll find Paige sitting on her bright red couch working on her Mac, while dog Violet sits in the doorway greeting passerby of the Westport Manor building with the wag of her tail. 'I swear Violet is the best advertising I've ever had', said O'Connor on a recent Thursday afternoon.How It All Began:
O'Connor started her journey in college, working part-time at a local florist. 'It was mindless and fun--and it let me be creative,' says Paige.It was here she honed her skills, learned the business, and did a friend's wedding for fun. Then the word was out. 'That wedding started it all,' O'Connor laughs. 'People would say, 'I loved what you did, will you do my wedding?' 'Then it was friends of friends weddings, then friends of those friends...and it started to get out of control'.
At the time, O'Connor was working the night desk at a local TV station and was taking late night orders undercover. Her then boyfriend, now husband said, 'Paige, I think you really need to make a choice.'
I said, 'Ok, ok. I'll stop doing the flowers.' 'He gave me this look and said', 'I think that's the wrong answer.' In 2004, An Eclectic Stem was born.
The Knot.com Best of Kansas City Award :
O'Connor's floral masterpieces haven't gone unnoticed. In August 2008, An Eclectic Stem was honored as 'The Best of Kansas City' from infamous bride website, The Knot, as O'Connor blazes the trail as KC's hippest wedding designer.An Eclectic Stem does uniquely beautiful floral arrangements for any kind of event. From weddings and special occasions, to sprucing up your office and the occasional boutonniere, An Eccletic Stem does beautiful floral arrangements for any kind of event.
Stop by An Eccletic Stem--where you'll find Violet waiting for you at the door.
Location 508 Westport Road, Kansas City, 64111
Phone 816.256.8585
Website www.ilovethestem.com
