Into the Blue

It’s no wonder Sherman Oaks florist Jasmine Blue has flourished for 14 years. Whether it’s a simple bunch of fresh mint from her garden or a bouquet of pink peonies from out of state, Dokhi Mirmirani can find natural beauty and magically transform it into a show-stopper. Here, the owner shares what she knows and loves.

Whether it’s a simple bunch of fresh mint from her garden or a bouquet of pink peonies from out of state, Dokhi Mirmirani can find natural beauty and magically transform it into a show-stopper. Here, the owner shares what she knows and loves.

What’s your secret to success?

Dokhi Mirmirani: My work is very original. With clients, it’s all about “let’s do this together” and “let me discover the artist within you.”

How much money does one need to spend to get a nice arrangement delivered?

DM: A minimum of $50.

Can you really make a good arrangement for $50?

DM: Of course I can. If you have the imagination and the flowers, why not? It is silly to think you have to spend a fortune to send someone a thoughtful, pretty bouquet.

What’s your specialty?

DM: My work is spontaneous and diverse. I don’t know what I’m going to make until I actually pick the flowers. Every piece is significant. The more you look at an arrangement, the more you should discover how beautiful it is.

What’s the biggest arrangement you’ve ever done?

DM: For a wedding I built this unbelievable arc from scratch that was eight feet tall. I still look at the pictures of it and say “wow!” The price tag was $10,000.

Are there any flowers or materials you never use?

DM: There’s no flower I don’t like, but I hate using foam. It has formaldehyde, and it’s toxic. I also never use spray for shine. I never spray anything. It’s very unhealthy.

What would you send a man?

DM: I use lucky bamboo and bright-colored orchids. I make the arrangement tall and in a vase. Never compact for a man. Also, men generally like color. They may not know it, but they like color.

What advice would you give customers ordering an arrangement?

DM: The easiest ones are the ones who say exactly what they want. So, be specific when ordering. Some people know what they want. For others, you have to act as a psychic and intuit what they want. I do that a lot. It’s one of the challenges of the job.