New Floral Studio Has Freshness – and Families – in Mind

As Mother’s Day approaches, Joy & Co. is, understandably, very busy.

The floral studio at 286 Sunset Park in Herndon was opened by Reston resident Joy Charles this spring, with the vision of creating custom, gorgeous arrangements.

More importantly, the goal is putting the freshest flowers in those arrangements, says Charles.

“I am really focused on freshness as much as local product,” says Charles. “If the flowers don’t last a week, then I have failed.”

The studio does not have a large refrigerated section and does not participate in online or mail-orders. Instead, Charles is focused on creating relationships and repeat customers.

She is building those with area Realtors, who come by weekly for fresh open house arrangements; brides, who seek her design skills for weddings; and, of course, individual customers who want flowers with a personal touch.

“We don’t have a big stock of refrigerated flowers,” says Charles. “But I can get anything on 24-hours notice.”

Charles previously spent several years working in floral studios. She branched out into a home-based wedding planning business as she spent time with her young sons, now ages 5 and 3, the last few years.

“It made me realize I wanted to return to floral design,” she said.

She still has kids in mind, though. The studio features a kids’ activity table, and Charles’ boys often come to work with her.

Kids can come in Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to create their own Mother’s Day bouquets and cards, says Charles. They can pick out flowers (Joy & Co. will charge by the stem), a vase, choose ribbon and make a card for mom (or grandma or any other special person).

Joy & Co. is also partnering with Sunset Park neighbor Scoop of the Hill for Mother’s Day. For $50, patrons can send a bouquet and a box of one dozen Scoop on the Hill macarons. Orders will be taken through Saturday at the store or by phone (703) 627-2725.