Happiness stems from flowers

NORWALK — A nationwide initiative blossomed into the local area with a small business aiming to make a massive positive impact on unsuspecting community members. Throughout today, dozens of florists and floral businesses across the nation intend to surprise people with flowers simply to brighten their days. Among those participating: Petal Pushers by Mandy, which is owned by Norwalk resident Mandy Stoll. Stoll and her "do-it-all sidekick," Ella Stieber, intend to visit area cities where Petal Pushers often does business — including Milan, Norwalk and Sandusky — presenting two free bouquets to each selected individual: • One to keep • One to distribute, such as to a friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger As a note: Flowers at Petal Pushers' locations still come at a cost. People should not visit these spots and expect to receive free flowers. They can, however, still visit places with a Petal Pushers presence — including the Sandusky Book Bar, the Milan Coffee House, Sheri's Coffee House in Norwalk and Fisher-Titus' hospital gift shop as well as online at petalpushersbymandy.com — to buy flowers and give them to people. Petal it Forward Petal Pushers — a business specializing in custom floral designs for weddings, events and all special occasions — joined the random-acts-of-kindness effort known as Petal It Forward, which is organized by the Society of American Florists. It's "designed to help people start their day with more smiles and less stress," according to a statement summarizing the initiative. A study conducted by the University of North Florida shows in-depth research about how receiving and living with flowers greatly reduces stress levels. Another study undertaken by the Wakefield Research in July, which questioned Americans, revealed: • 68% experience stress weekly • 32% feel stressed daily • 25% get affected by stress multiple times a day "Petal It Forward is the floral industry's way of giving back," said Elizabeth Daly, the society's manager of marketing and communications, citing that the effort was purposely planned for a Wednesday to help someone in a midweek slump. The local impact While this coast-to-coast initiative began 10 years ago, this marks Petal Pushers' first year officially participating in this nationwide effort. Petal Pushers has, in the past, undertaken many other and similar charitable efforts. Stoll jumped at the opportunity to join this mood-boosting effort and make a difference in her hometown and the surrounding areas. She pointed to two other studies helping to underscore Petal It Forward's keep-one, share-one concept: • About 80% of people reported that receiving flowers makes them happy. • Even more people, 88% in the same survey, said giving flowers makes them happy as well. "Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone's day a little brighter amidst the hectic pace of life," Stoll said. People can visit facebook.com/mandy.stollpetalpushers for the latest updates on this initiative.