Free Business Portraits and Spirit-Boosting Flowers for Fired Federal Workers Thanks to Two Small Businesses
"Everyone can help out in his or her own way," says Matt Mendelsohn.
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Matt Mendelsohn is the kind of professional who practices what he preaches. This Sunday, March 2, he will be at it again, using his highly honed photography skills to assist federal government workers who suddenly find themselves without a job. He is giving away free headshot photos at his professional studio at 600 Madison Street, above the Royal Restaurant.
“Everyone can help out in his or her own way,” explained Mendelsohn, who is reaching out on social media to offer a helping hand in the job search process.
“If you’re an attorney, you can help out with legal fees. If you’re a photographer, you help with portraits. If you’re a florist, you can help out with flowers.”
That’s just what Gerry Rogers was thinking too. Rogers owns Petal’s Edge Floral Design, a 20-year business at 1105 Oronoco Street, in Old Town Alexandria.
Before turning to floral design, Rogers held four federal jobs, and her father worked at USAID for 35 years. She sympathizes deeply with those experiencing the trauma of the federal cuts. Recently, a customer canceled a large order and suggested to Rogers that she give away all the flowers she had already arranged in vases for the customer’s event. A lightbulb went off and Rogers posted on her social media, compassionately offering the flowers as spirit boosters, as if quietly telling people she “saw” them and knew what they were going through.
Her post was picked up by The Washingtonian and several media outlets on the same day.
“I asked people to email and tell me what agency they worked for,” said Rogers in an interview this afternoon with The Zebra Press. Quickly realizing the customer’s canceled order and what she had in stock might not be enough, she asked her supplier, Potomac Floral Wholesale, for a donation and received approximately 750 roses, and was able to extend the bouquet give-away this week. A sign in her shop window welcomes those affected and she has kept a tally of names and agencies.
“So far, I had about 45 people contact me—not all have shown up—I think I’ve had 25 people come by. Everyone is so shy,” she observed, adding that she senses their depression and anger.
Mendelsohn posted his offer on social media as well. Last Sunday, Feb. 23, he had several people show up. This coming Sunday, he is opening his studio again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to those who have become suddenly unemployed by the sweeping federal government workers cuts. Also in business for two decades, Matt Mendelsohn Photography is encouraging those in need to contact him through social media or to walk in on the honor system.
“As they said 250 years ago, if we don’t hang together, we will surely hang separately. I am of the hang together school,” he said. In times of urgency, he has stepped in to offer aid, most specifically in 2020 when he volunteered to take 500 photographs of Yorktown High School seniors whose senior year was gutted during the pandemic. His 500 photographs—taken over a two-month period show compelling images of every senior who posed for the shots outside of the school building where his then-high school senior daughter and her peers missed everything from the typical stock senior photo shoot to prom to graduation.
Backed by over 25 years of experience in journalism, including award-winning photographs seen in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post, Mendelson brings a special sensitivity to his photographs, dozens of which are displayed in his studio. He said he feels that his skill set may help those in need search for new jobs outside of the federal workforce. His studio is also filled with jaw-dropping dramatic portraits.
About the Experience
“A lot of people shared their stories,” Rogers mentioned. “There were a lot of amazing stories. This is just really traumatic,” adding that, “All the people I have met all bring unique expertise—that is all lost.”
More than one former government employee told Rogers that her gesture has brought a little cheer her way. “It really helps,” agreed a middle-aged woman who said she was a former federal employee of the FAA but asked not to be identified with her full name. “My friend said, ‘Erin, there is a shop in Alexandria giving away flowers to fired workers. She suggested I come by and it has brightened my day.”
“I will be reminded that there are still generous people. These days you feel everyone is against you,” she added soberly while smiling at Rogers.
For the acclaimed floral shop owner who is listed on The Washingtonian’s esteemed list of best D.C. wedding florists, the accolades from the fired employees is temporary. “I think it is all really raw for them. A lot of federal employees are traumatized.”
“One person (who came for the flowers) had just moved here three weeks ago and had not even finished unpacking,” Rogers commented. Some people she met told her they have just moved here (for federal jobs), and suddenly were against the seniority system.
About her business, Rogers said the ripple effects of the firings is already being felt as her Valentine’s Day sales were down from previous years, but she draws comfort from being able to lift spirits with flowers. “It is like second nature to me and I’m a kind of behind the scenes’ person. I don’t need credit (for trying to do something).”
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