The Campbell Reporter

Business

Photograph by Kevin White

Graduate with Flair: Rosie and Posies owner Malak Naderjah shows off one of many leis she orders from Hawaii that students at Campbell high schools add as accessories to their traditional graduation wardrobe.

Ring around the 'Rosies, a pocket full of 'Posies'

By Lynn Crocker

Most people are familiar with the typical graduation attire of cap and gown, but for many years high school seniors throughout the area have added a bit of flair to their robes, thanks to the Campbell-based florist Rosies and Posies.

Owner Malak Naderjah says high school students from Westmont, Prospect, Mitty, Presentation, Valley Christian and Bellarmine contact her to order floral leis to wear at their graduation ceremony, and this year was a continuation of that tropical trend.

"I am not sure how the tradition started, but kids keep coming here year after year," Naderjah says. "They used to order carnation leis, but now they are buying tropical leis. It used to just be girls; now even boys are wearing them."

A recent advertisement in the Westmont High School bulletin encouraged students to order ahead of time to take advantage of a significant discount.

"I order the leis from Hawaii," Naderjah says. "We can make them here, too, but the demand is so high during graduation season, it is less expensive to order them from Hawaii. I just placed an order for 200 leis, and when I order that many I get a price break."

Typically, a double string tropical lei is $45, but the florist is able to discount the floral necklace heavily, selling it for $27.99.

Rosies and Posies florist has been a hidden staple in the Campbell business community for 18 years. As a longtime business in the community, Naderjah says it is important to give back to the groups that support her business.

"From the very beginning when I opened my shop, I did a lot of fundraising for Westmont and other schools," she says. "Because my kids were going to school around here, I was aware that schools need financial support. I started advertising with the schools, and when students or parents ordered flowers from me, I would give money back to the school."

Naderjah says the support from students continues long after they leave high school.

Last month Nadejah did a floral arrangement for the wedding of a former student who had bought flowers from her when he was in high school.

Tropical leis aside, Naderjah says weddings are her specialty. The shop can design arrangements of any size and proportion, including swags and sprays. In addition, it has unique gourmet gift baskets including fine chocolate, beverages, fruit, stuffed animals and toys.

For more information about Rosies and Posies, 1518 W. Campbell Ave., call 408.378.4046 or 888.767.4377. Deliveries are also available.