Collective Smiles That Inspire Me

I’ve been an employee of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. for just shy of five years, during which time the company has shaped my understanding of what it truly means to grow a business. I’ve met some of the most intelligent, driven and humble individuals, many who inspired me to go back to school, resulting in the completion of my MBA and finding a new business acumen. The awareness of people, those in need of help or a simple smile, reflect the company's core belief system and also resonates with my personal values.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. provides a “Smile Guarantee” on every order, ensuring those customers with a concern feel the vigilant efforts the company takes towards correcting a matter. What’s even more special is the smile guarantee the company shares in the community. Did you know that 80% of adults in the U.S. with a developmental disability are unemployed? It’s one thing for me to bring a previous classmate’s resume to HR and to try and help him find work. But, to learn about an entire population of individuals struggling to find a job -- now that’s an effort worth pursuing. Smile Farms, the signature philanthropic partner of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., seeks to find solutions to this problem. And, it was birthed right here under our own headquarters roof in Carle Place, NY.

I’m honored to have been involved since the inception of Smile Farms. The organization's mission is to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. I love sharing stories of Smile Farms with other professionals, especially restaurant owners. The quality of the produce grown by Smile Farms employees, backed by such an immense cause, has piqued the interest of owners and chefs alike. In fact, if you’re doing holiday shopping this year at the famous Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, NY, try stopping into celebrity chef and owner Tom Colicchio's Small Batch Restaurant for lunch or dinner. You can find the heart shaped logo of Smile Farms next to a few plates and cocktails on the menu. My personal favorite was the Sagamore, which had Smile Farms cucumbers fused into ice cubes.

I have volunteered at dinners, golf outings, grand openings and “hoedowns” all in the effort of increasing awareness and funds to support Smile Farms. I’ve visited campuses where Smile Farms employees thrive and listened to them tell me about their day-to-day responsibilities. It has filled me with tremendous pride purchasing a handmade bracelet or decorating my CoOp with some of their amazing plants. Smile Farms has the greatest staff, 100% committed to growing the freshest plants, flowers and produce. Their hard work and constant positive energy are infectious, and I will continue supporting their mission.

It’s that time of the year, when the holiday season fills us with joy. Nothing is better than seeing a smile on the face of those who need it most. We all have loved ones to think about during the holiday season. When you’re purchasing gifts, know that there is a special holiday collection of products that will contribute to the growth of Smile Farms. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and its family of brands are showcasing 8 gifts to choose from with 20% of the net proceeds from each gift purchased going to Smile Farms. Visit the 2019 holiday collection here.

​Happy Holidays everyone!

Christopher J. Mills
Manager, Enterprise Partnership Marketing
1-800-FLOWERS.com, Inc.