WORKING -- RUTH ANNE HOOD

Story by Torus Tammer, photo by XXXX

SHE IS

Providing flowers for all occasions.

PRIDE

Hood has lived in Huntington Beach for 32 years. The heart and soul

behind Kiss Flowers on Beach Boulevard, this florist takes great pride in

what she does and how she does it.

“It takes a lot of care and hard work to have beautiful fresh flowers

every day,” Hood said. “We are unlike other stores because we have 50 to

60 greens and flowers at all times. We also include a candy kiss on each

bouquet . . . that is our trademark.”

SERENDIPITY

Hood has been working at Kiss Flowers for the past 13 years, the last

three of which she has taken over as the owner and the force behind the

floral designs.

“A friend of mine owned the store, and I used to come in and help her

on major holidays,” Hood said. “My friend wanted to get out of the

business so I came in.”

EARLY RISE

Working as a florist and designing bouquets isn’t as glamorous as most

would think, said Hood, who previously owned a beauty salon. She added

that buying flowers at marts all over town is not a job for the faint of

heart.

“Twice a week, I’m up at 3 a.m. getting fresh flowers from Carlsbad,”

Hood said. “The other days, I leave home at 7 a.m. and have done half a

days work by the time the store opens at 10.”

NONSTOP

Kiss Flowers is open from Monday through Saturday, and during the

summer it stays open until 7 p.m. For a majority of that time, Hood said

there is barely a moment to sit still.

“As soon as I get in, I set the shop up, clean and prepare the

flowers, put them in arrangements and take orders all day long,” Hood

said.

THE RESULT

Hood said that being known for making pretty bouquets keeps her

customers coming back. There are people, she added, who have been coming

to the store since they were kids, and as adults, they continue to come

back.

Hood believes that her loyal customer base is related to the quality

of her product as well as her love of the creative aspect of designing.

“The creative part of designing flowers is so much fun for me, and

because I’m an avid gardener as well, I love flowers and am always

overwhelmed by their beauty,” Hood said. “But the best part for me is

being able to interpret what people want and be on the money for

designing something to someone’s liking. When that happens and I see

their reaction . . . it is a real good experience.”