Gardelina Flowers | Sterling Mall Florist 

Welcome to Gardelina Flowers

Sheikh’s journey to flowers began unexpectedly, shaped by years of hard work, family tradition, and a search for something more meaningful. Walk into Gardelina Flowers next to Macy's, and you'll find him crafting arrangements with the precision he once applied to jewelry in Islamabad. This is not a typical mall flower shop. It is where a former car dealer found a business that aligned with his values, leaving behind an industry his father always told him to quit.

Our Story

Sheikh did not plan to become a florist. When his wife, who had been arranging flowers for 18 or 19 years, saw this shop for sale in 2015, he was running a car dealership. His father never approved of that business, saying there was too much dishonesty and too much interest charged against Muslim principles. When the opportunity came, Sheikh sold his share to his Romanian partner and bought the flower shop.

The transition was not immediate. Sheikh took floristry classes in Arlington, Virginia for a couple of weeks, and his wife taught him the rest. Nearly a decade later, the shop runs on a simple philosophy: customer happiness above profit.

Our Commitment to Customers

When a customer called about a Beautiful in Blue arrangement that arrived in a clear vase instead of blue, Sheikh did not just offer a partial refund. The original delivery was November 1st. When the sender called after receiving a photo from the recipient, Sheikh sent an entirely new arrangement at no charge. The sender from West Virginia was so impressed that she said she would order her Thanksgiving centerpieces directly through him.

This happens often. If a customer is unhappy, Sheikh creates a second arrangement. Still not satisfied? He will make a third. He refuses to risk a one or two-star review. His Lovingly reviews reflect that commitment &mdash consistently five stars from satisfied customers.

Our Team and Community

The mall around them struggles. Neighbors complain about slow business, especially during government shutdowns when federal workers are not getting paid. But Gardelina persists with ten to fifteen orders daily. Tommy Lusk, who worked there before and now lives in the mountains about an hour and a half away, still comes to help during busy seasons. Sheikh's daughter, who lives in California, manages photos and technology when she visits.

The shop atmosphere is warm and personal. Every arrangement is designed in view of walk-in customers, surrounded by color and fragrance. Visitors often stop to watch Sheikh work and chat about their orders &mdash a reminder that connection matters as much as flowers do.