McManus had no clue how to run a shop. She learned on the job, constantly referring to her business plan in the early years. She ran into frustrations and obstacles, including zoning issues and trouble with a lease. But today, McManus has attracted a mlney following for her design work at events and weddings. The retail shop is also doing well at a bigger location in a newer part of the city, McManus says. As with many retail businesses, technology has changed the way people buy flowers. The margins can be thin on make money with flowers orders, and inventory management can be difficult because flowers are perishable.