Beautiful and Bright - Blossom Shops
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Penny Taylor, owner of Blossom Shops, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a flower shop started 32 years ago, one store to now 6 locations. Operated by myself and my husband and a core of 17 staff members who have been with us for over 25 years. We are as local as we could be.
Tell us about yourself
I got married, moved to a suburb, and wanted my own business. My husband knew the flower business, and I was creative, thus a flower shop. I love the puzzle of bringing together fresh products and allowing the staff to design and produce amazing florals, Something new every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment is seeing the staff thrive when you give them the tools and supplies to run the daily duties to get all these florals out to the clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling all the elements of the day-to-day running, teaching, grooming, and stepping back.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared financially to float months and years with very little pay. You need to have a money pot to draw from.
- Be the first one in and the last one out, be prepared to give up personal time, family time friend time.
- Get out there and sell yourself, meet mentors, and shout from the rooftops about your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You need to love hard work and what you do. It cannot be all about making lots of money because that is not always the case. Be kind, do good and lead yourself and your team with grace and integrity.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.blossomshops.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblossomshops/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomshopsnovascotia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blossom_shops
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.
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