New murals on boarded-up storefronts have become a common means of beautifying San Francisco neighborhoods during shelter-in-place. Now, a Mission-based florist is upping the ante by covering the exteriors of closed businesses in flower
arrangements.
With her business partner Ashley Mueller, Katie Riesman operates floral studio Ash + Oak out of her garage at Guerrero and Market streets. The studio largely handles weddings and events, but with the COVID-19 crisis, most have been postponed.
As she waits out a time where large gatherings can once again be held, Riesman has decided to give back by decorating local small businesses with flowers. She and Mueller have dubbed the practice "flower flashing."
On Friday, Riesman threaded the exterior gate of Love Story Yoga (473 Valencia St.) with dozens of fresh flowers, along with a sign that reads "flowers can't solve everything, but they're a great start."
The sign also encourages passersby to patronize Love Story's livestreamed classes.
"We recognized that our story of suffering wasn't unique," Reisman said. "[We] wanted to devise a campaign that would remind folks to support and remember the small businesses in their community."
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