Eco-conscious florist - Flo and the Foxglove

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grace Winsor Cronin, owner, and florist of Flo and the Foxglove, located in Folkestone, Kent, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm Grace, and I'm a floral designer - I still can't say that seriously! I have always loved flowers. When I was furloughed in 2020, I realised that if I didn't take the opportunity to do something then, I probably never would. I started following a few florists who still inspire me to this day and realised there was another side of floristry that I'd never seen before - I don't think a lot of people have. It was at that point when I started to dream, and I booked on to a career change course at Tallulah Rose Flower School in the Lake District.

I have two children, so this wasn't an easy task; however, I had the most amazing time. I came away feeling super inspired and ready to show a different style while being as sustainable as possible. I had no idea, for example, how awful floral foam is for the environment, so I promise to make all my designs without it. It's impossible to be perfect, but if we all commit to something, it would have a huge impact. My designs are floral heavy with movement, a modern approach, I guess to what you might be used to seeing. I love to use flowers that people haven't come across or using them in different ways and what I love most is incorporating as many British flowers as possible!

Tell us about yourself

I'm married and have two children, so life is busy, my part-time job just fits in around my family, but I was craving something more. I knew I'd have to come home from Tallulah Rose and get the ball rolling to keep the confidence I'd gained, so that's exactly what I did, and I feel like I haven't stopped since! I absolutely love it, though; I use social media to develop, for inspiration, and to keep that motivation. I've also managed to connect with some incredible creatives; this has led to freelance work, which is a massive eye-opener and really inspiring.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is all still relatively new; however, completing my first wedding would have to be up there. I've also recently set up a pop-up area in our local Fenwicks store, which has been a surreal experience and something I'm incredibly proud of.

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

The juggle! I think when you own your own business, you never stop working. You never switch off. It's definitely important to do so, but it's really hard. I often go to sleep thinking - did I reply to that email? Have I ordered enough flowers? You get the gist!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I think it goes without saying that you need to make sure you're passionate about it. Definitely try and interact with others in the industry, create friendships - there's enough room for everyone. I know I couldn't be without it. And I think what I'm still learning is to value your worth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://floandthefoxglove.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floandthefoxglove/

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.