If you’ve ordered flowers from Nanz and Kraft Florists, there’s a very good chance Pat Pendergrass was responsible for your bouquet. For more than 50 years, Pat has been a floral designer and trusted mentor at Louisville’s family flower shop.
Pat remembers her first interview with owner Ramsey Kraft, down to what she wore that day. “He asked me to make an arrangement, and I did,” she says. Creating a thoughtful bouquet on the spot helped win Pat her job, and she’s been working with flowers ever since. “I love my job and never get tired of flowers — they’re just so pretty,” she says.
One fun fact about Nanz and Kraft…
We’re able to rush and get arrangements done, and I love problem-solving and being creative under pressure.
My hobbies are…
Right now, my grandchildren. I like to visit them when I’m not working. And I used to sew all my own clothes. When I was younger, I’d make an outfit and wear it the next day.
One thing I’ve learned over the years that remains true is that…
Flowers are not a waste. I hear people say that giving flowers doesn’t serve a purpose, but when my mother passed, and also when I gave birth to my son, the flowers that people gave made a difference. It makes you really appreciate that people care enough to send flowers. Something as simple as a bud vase looks so pretty in the room and makes such a difference.
The best book I’ve ever read is…
War and Peace. I’ve read it twice, and it made an impact on me.
One thing I love about my job is…
Working with the people and different customers. Through the years, I’ve made quite a customer base, but of course, I’ve lost a great deal of my customers. One just passed recently, and I did all three of her daughters’ weddings. And I worked for one woman for years, and when she passed, I was able to do her funeral wreath. They even mentioned me at the funeral.
One thing I can’t get the knack of is…
Tatting. It’s a metal device you use to make lace, and I just never got the hang of it. My Memaw used to make little pieces of lace to send to my aunt in California, but no matter how hard I tried, I could never learn.
A meal I love to cook is…
Corned beef and cabbage with black-eyed peas, especially at Christmas dinner and now at New Year’s. I usually wind up nibbling on the food while I’m making it.
By Carrie Vittitoe | Photos by Melissa Donald
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