You will never go wrong with flowers!

Receiving flowers is enough to brighten one's day, serving as a tangible reminder that life can be beautiful and vibrant no matter the occasion or the circumstances. However, buying the right kind of flowers is just as important.

Alvin Justiniani, the general manager of Holland Tulips PH, may not fit the stereotypical image of someone running a successful flower retail business for more than two decades now. However, he is a master of his craft and a true artisan in the field as he recognizes the delicate nature of flowers — that even in their thorny exterior, flowers possess an undeniable charm and long-lasting allure.

"We were able to maintain the service and the quality of flowers — those are the two things that we offer," Justiniani told DAILY TRIBUNE in a PairFect interview, adding how his commitment to operating the business, as well as their wide variety of fresh and quality flowers at a reasonable price are the factors why Holland Tulips continue to flourish even after more than two decades.

Blooming and booming

Before his life revolved around flowers and operating five other companies, Justiniani was a licensed architect.

"I've got burnt out with the work from the construction industry," Justiniani said, adding that the burnout prompted him to make a life-changing decision.

"Being an architect, it helped me a lot because of the artistic side of managing a flower shop," he added.

Established in 1996, Holland Tulips continues to bloom as the largest flower retailer in the Philippines, with more than 18 shops located in Metro Manila and Cebu.

The company's customer-centered approach is what sets it apart from other flower retailers. Aside from managing brick-and-mortar stores, it also partners with hotels, events stylists and coordinates, and other flower shops that do wholesale. It also offers arrangements for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and more.

"We always talk to our customers, 'What is your budget? We can work around it,'" he said.

The flowers are customizable as well. This allows the customers to freely choose among the wide variety of high-quality flowers within their preferences and budget.

Language of flowers

One might view flowers as expensive, dispensable and unnecessary, but flowers hold a significant value that translates into an unforgettable memory.

Justiniani recalled how their flowers are a sure hit for their customers, adding that he has received messages from repeat customers and known personalities who have bought flowers from them through the years.

Their best-selling tulips are Holland Tulips' pride and joy — a constant favorite from most customers. Sourced from Holland, their tulips are enough to make one's heart bloom with love and exuberance. Another best-seller that is worth everyone's buck is the preserved Ecuadorian roses, which can last from two to three years.

They also offer a wide range of flowers apart from tulips, including sunflowers, roses, carnations and gerbera, which are sourced from Australia, Africa and Ecuador.

Before a flower blooms in its full glory, it requires a lot of time and effort — and this effort is reminiscent of Justiniani's hard work in operating the business. Now, the fruits of his hard labor are just as sweet, colorful and bright as the tulips that he and his team have cultivated over the years.

"Any work that you go into… there is no secret formula. You have to put hard work, you have to persevere — blood, sweat and tears. And lots of prayers, too," Justiniani concluded.