Campus Spotlight ______________________________

A Flowering Career

For 20-year-old Talene Kasparian, life as a college student isn't just limited to textbook responsibilities; it also requires taking care of a business

By KIMBERLINA ROCHA

When most college students are working part-time jobs, Talene Kasparian already runs her own business.

Kasparian, a junior majoring in advertising with a minor in Armenian studies, became the owner of the Fowler Floral and Gift Shop last November, at the tender age of 20.

The opportunity for Kasparian to own the floral shop just “fell into her arms” one day when former owner Karen Carstens decided to sell the shop last fall. Kasparian had been working there for two and half years.

“I always knew I wanted to own my own business,” Kasparian said. “It’s exciting and kind of scary at the same time.”

In addition to being a business owner, Kasparian is a full-time college student with a 13-unit course load.

Balancing schoolwork and the shop hasn’t always been an easy adjustment for the young entrepreneur, but she has the energy and devotion to find a balance between the two. Even if it means she has to miss a class to take care of business.

“Some teachers don‘t understand how hard it is,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t know how I do it. I just manage.”

Kasparian’s shop provides not only floral arrangements and centerpieces, but also interior decorating and gift-wrapping. Her family and staff members help her out with bookkeeping, deliveries and in-store repairs.

Even though being a florist may sound like a straightforward job, Kasparian insisted that it’s just as stressful as any other profession.

One of her busiest days of the year was Valentine’s Day. She said orders were filing in nonstop for red roses. She had her dad help make deliveries throughout the day.

“At the end of the day, he said, ‘I didn’t realize that this job is so difficult,’ ” she said.

“It’s fun and I absolutely love it, but people underestimate how much work it is.”

Now Kasparian is preparing her shop for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. In the fall, she will be in charge of decorating for three weddings. In October, she’s the coordinator of Fowler’s Fall Festival queen contest, where she won the title in 2000.

Justin Butchert, professor of recreation and leisure studies, had Kasparian in his recreation 135 class, a course for special events planning, last semester. One of the class projects was writing a marketing plan for a business. Naturally, Kasparian chose to write a plan for her soon-to-be floral shop.

Butchert said he remembered Kasparian telling the class at the beginning of the semester about buying a business that she was working for.

“She was more into the class than anyone,” Butchert said. “What she learned in class was applicable 100 percent to her business. That’s when school becomes fun, when you apply it to your real life.”

Butchert was also able to share stories and business tips for Kasparian. When he was a 21-year-old student at Fresno State, he became the owner of Kings River Expeditions.

“I really see a lot of myself in her,” Butchert said. “We were about the same age when we started running a business. We had great passion and enthusiasm.”

Because of her energy and passion for her work, Kasparian finds these traits as a motivational force to keep her going.

“Sometimes I’m so tired and I think, ‘How am I going to get up the next day?’ ” she said. “I’ll never trade this for anything. I’m responsible and it’s a good feeling.”

Editor’s note: Campus Spotlight is aimed to showcase individuals on campus who are making a difference. If you know anyone who qualifies, please send a brief description (no more than 75 words) of the person to features editor Chhun Sun at [email protected].