For nearly 30 years, Flower Basket has been the go-to destination for beautiful floral arrangements in Forney. As Valentine’s Day approaches—the busiest time of year for florists—we sat down with local flower expert Billie Kasper, who has been bringing joy to the community through flowers since 1994. With a background in floriculture and a lifelong passion for design, Billie shares her journey, insights, and advice for those looking to celebrate love with the perfect bouquet.
For nearly 30 years, Flower Basket has been the go-to destination for beautiful floral arrangements in Forney. As Valentine’s Day approaches—the busiest time of year for florists—we sat down with local flower expert Billie Kasper, who has been bringing joy to the community through flowers since 1994. With a background in floriculture and a lifelong passion for design, Billie shares her journey, insights, and advice for those looking to celebrate love with the perfect bouquet.
Thanks for chatting with us today. Tell us a little bit about The Flower Basket – how long have you been in Forney, and what made you decide to open a flower shop here?
Flower Basket officially opened on March 26, 1994 in Forney. I have always known the opening week of Flower Basket was special as it is bookended by both of my grandmother’s birthdays. I had been in the floral industry since 1978 first as a student then as an employee of different florist stores, as well as a wholesale representative and a Texas Certified Nursery Professional at a garden center. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Floriculture from Texas A&M that enabled me to work in many different areas in the field of flower production and design. Forney was my husband’s hometown and it seemed a natural for the location as we had moved to Kaufman County and had started a family. Also, Forney had started to grow and that helped me have a larger community to sell flowers to.
For many, flowers are tied to special occasions. What's your favorite part about helping people celebrate life's big moments, from birthdays to weddings?
I really enjoy being able to visit with my customers which enables me to design flowers that serve the purpose that is needed like anniversary or birthday bouquets. And of course flowers for newborns are terrifically sweet as are bouquets to celebrate live music or theatre performances. But some of the most important are final tribute flowers for somebody’s loved one– the last ones for them and they have to be as perfect as I can design them.
Valentine's Day is coming up, any advice for those buying flowers for the love of their life? How many roses do you sell each Valentine's Day?
Valentine’s Day is basically the Super Bowl for florists. We have been thinking and planning for it since the first of December. The statistics of flowers used and roses sold can be mind-boggling to someone who is a casual flower buyer. Our average base number is about 1000 roses for the years that we expect to have a lower sales volume up to 3000 or so. The day of the week that Valentine’s falls on really determines sales volume.
What are some of the most popular flower arrangements or types of flowers that customers in Forney tend to request? Are there any seasonal favorites?
The fun of being a bespoke florist is the opportunity to create as close to what someone would love to give to their person as possible even if they themself do not know much about flower types or names. We do as many Garden Style as Classic vase arrangements–mostly people really enjoy a full, flower dense look that feels like a wonderful garden.
Do you have a particular flower that you personally love working with, and why?
One time I was asked what my favorite flower is and before I could reply one of my friends who was there said I didn’t have one–but I actually do and it is a Calla Lily. I love these because of the line of the flowers –they are celebrated in the Art Deco style of architecture and art and that is the Era I most enjoy studying.
Beyond bouquets, what other services or products does The Flower Basket offer?
When I opened Flower Basket, my main items to sell was flowers, of course but as I told my daddy if I can attach it to a flower arrangement or add a flower to it, then I can add it into the gift section of the store. In 30 years, there have been some different gift items that have cycled through but pretty much we sell beautiful vases, green plants, stuffed animals, and of course Homecoming mums.
We've seen a growing interest in supporting local businesses. How important is community support to The Flower Basket, and how does the shop give back to the community?
I have been blessed through the years to actively participate in the business community in Forney first as serving as Chairman twice for the Forney Chamber of Commerce. As Chairman, I was able to interact with HUD through meetings held for nonprofit groups to help us increase our impact on the business community. I also participated with the Texas Historical Commission advisory group when Forney and Kaufman County was still considered rural. And then i was invited to join the Board of Directors for the Forney Education Foundation. I have served on the Board since 2006 and was honored in 2023 being named a Legacy Member of the Foundation. My mantra has always been it’s all about the kids! There would not be a Flower Basket without the Community that is Forney. Whether you are Old Forney or new to town, we are always happy to meet you!
What are some of the challenges of running a flower shop, and how do you overcome them?
The advantage my degree gave me in opening my own store was I understood many of the ongoing daily needs and responsibilities. It is always funny to hear that we must have fun “playing with flowers” all day which I would love to be able to do all day but, of course, there are many things that happen on the daily that are a challenge to control if you don’t keep ahead of and on top of to insure the customer receives our best.
For someone who might not know much about flowers, what's one piece of advice you'd give when choosing or caring for them?
Flowers are one of the many little miracles that people get to hold in their hands and see the lifecycle from start to end. When I have a conversation with someone about flowers, that is how I can create a relationship and figure out what type of flowers their person would like. So the best thing is to visit with whomever is at the store and can have a good conversation.
What are some of the trends you're seeing in the floral industry right now? Are there any exciting new styles or techniques you're exploring?
As the saying goes, what goes around, comes around. Trends in flowers now are low, lush and filled with beautiful blooms. There are still customers that like their arrangements big, bold, and beautiful so right now I am in a bit of floral designer heaven getting to create both styles. I attend seminars to help me stay on top of those trends and then get to create!
What's your vision for the future of The Flower Basket in Forney? Any exciting plans on the horizon?
As we begin year 31, the future is bright since we moved the business location in July as the building we were located in was sold. So, happily we have returned to Pinson Road and are enjoying meeting new to Forney people.