Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with wedding florist and designer, Jess founder at April Days Design, located in Staffordshire, UK.
Tell us all about your business...
I'm a Wedding Florist and Stationery Designer.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
After years in retail working as a Visual Merchandiser I sadly saw the high street and its stores moving online. I was made redundant for the second time in 2018 and moved into the 9 - 5 life to focus on myself and what I wanted to do as a career.
After hours of scrolling through courses I signed up to a career change Floristy course, I completed this alongside my full time job. I then messaged a number of local florists to ask if they needed any help so that I could gain hands on experience in the industry - I was furloughed from my full time job in the lockdown which allowed me to focus on April Days Designs. This was when my brand started to blossom and has only grown since then!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a 'new' florist my biggest accomplishment is couples messaging to book me for their wedding flowers! It's the best feeling (:
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
It's admin! You really don't realise how much there is until you go it alone and as a creative it doesn't always come naturally to be organised with all the facts and figures - I have now built a system that suits me - but it has took a while!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Believe in yourself
- Trust your judgment
- Be a sponge - soak everything and learn from it
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
Network - There isn't always enough time in the day but it is so great speaking to other florists and people in the industry! There is enough work to go around and recommendations go further than anything else!
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
Start the week with a list and give yourself admin days, enjoy the evenings and stop work at a reasonable time (other than wedding weeks which are just mayhem!)
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There is no right time to start a business - so ask yourself if not now... when?!!
Where can people find you online?
@aprildaysdesign
www.aprildaysdesign.com
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
