Creating Something Personal for Someone Special

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry, but not sure what to expect? Then check out our interview with the owner and designer, Maureen Tenhoopen of Blooms on Main based in Drayton, Ontario, Canada

What's your business and who are your customers?

We are a floral studio in the heart of Drayton, ON. Creating custom work is what we do best. We can copy a picture, but creating something personal is our favorite thing to do.

Whether it's for the funeral of a dairy farmer using one of his creamer containers from his homestead farm or adding a bit of bling to that lovely lady's piece because she left a little sparkle where ever she went, you can also bring us her knitting needles or garden gloves, and we will be happy to create an arrangement around them.

Custom wedding work is a highlight for us, from a simple bouquet and boutonniere to the elaborate nine bridesmaids bouquets and entire arbor and tiny details. We will also go the extra mile to create something for your home and your space, which says YOU! We create all kinds of beauty to send to people you care about.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had a creative spirit. From about grade seven, we did an extracurricular activity where we made flowers out of wire and a liquid plastic (that dried like stained glass, transparent, but could tear like paper).

Then as an older teen, I would look at something and say to myself, "I could make that." Then I started doing friends' weddings with "silk" flowers and fell in love doing weddings.

When I was in my early 20's, a shop took a chance on hiring me (as I had only worked with silk, it was a risk for them). I learned how to handle and work with fresh flowers. And since I'm a fan of scents, I was hooked and loved all the things about flowers.

Fast forward after marriage, having kids, and homeschooling, then I'm back to work. I was blessed again to have another small flower shop hire me despite the gap in my working experience. But it was like I never left the floral industry. No matter how many hours we need to work each day, I'm still excited for the next day once I get up in the morning. I wonder what designs will be exciting for the day, and I still love flowers because they are beautiful.

Then I bought the already established business, re-branded, and now am enjoying the fruits of my labor, yes, a labor of love, creativity, and beauty. I am motivated every day by the love of flowers and the smiles I see when I make deliveries.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Besides running a successful steady business during a pandemic, I made a not-so-great purchase of fresh products during my first year, didn't sell as much as we should have, and caused me to be in debt in the amount of 20k.

I was working on paying it down when the pandemic hit, but within a year, I am debt-free. That was a great deal for me! I thought I would never be able to pay that off, but thankfully I live in a town that loves flowers and loves to send flowers, and I can't thank them enough!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Currently, I think it is keeping up with the changes that are quickly happening. Whether it is chain supply or increase in prices, and maintain reasonable retail pricing. It's not easy to guarantee anything with our current situation, but I can guarantee good customer service. I think that is worth its weight in gold!

What are your top 3 tips that you'd give to anyone looking to launch, run and grow a business today?

Be prepared. I don't feel I was during my first year especially, but then we ended up in a pandemic, and you have to learn pretty quickly to be ready for anything.
Be flexible. Don't promise something you are not 100% sure you can provide. Substitutions can provide better output.
Be kind, always! Don't let your frustrations or bad day change how you treat your customer/clients. Kindness will take you farther and earn you more than you expected.

You should surround yourself with great people who will encourage and help you in your journey. Be able to listen well to get those little nuggets that will help you walk through the journey.

Where can people find you online?

Website: https://www.bloomsonmain.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomsonmain28/

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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