Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angelica Pagani, Owner of Angelica Floral, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a floral business here in Ottawa, focusing on sculptural and design-focused floral arrangements. I design for events and weddings. I love creating floral installations and showcasing flowers that are seasonally available here in Ontario. Our customers are couples looking for unique and alternative wedding florals.
Tell us about yourself
I studied fine arts and art history at Concordia University in Montreal. I've always been drawn to design, colour, and nature. I found a job at a floral shop in 2016 and was hooked. I worked there for a number of years, and when the pandemic hit, a few things changed, and I eventually started my own business. Working with living things every day keeps me inspired to continue practicing new colour combos and pushing the mechanics of what I can do with floral.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment would be that I'm still going. Floral is a very hard business, and balancing the act of working with a perishable is difficult. A forever fleeting product and the over-saturated work for so many amazing businesses in my area. Having clients love my style and appreciate all the hard work I put into every piece I create is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner would have to be wearing so many hats. Being a small business, I do everything, and I definitely have my strengths and weaknesses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My tips would be that you have to be passionate about what you are doing. To trust your gut and know when something doesn't feel right. Lastly, it's okay to say no and be mindful of your time and energy to avoid burnout because it can happen fast as a creative and business owner. This was a learning curve for me; narrowing down on what you want to offer is very important, and also sticking to your values so that what you give to your customers is authentically you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://angelicafloral.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelicapaganifloral
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelicafloral/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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