Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fannie Trépanier, owner of Florestia Ferme Florale, located in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Québec, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is to share happiness one flower at a time! I own a small-scale cut flower farm, eco-friendly produced. My customers are primarily women (between 25 to 65 years of age) that love to offer themself flowers! They love to know where their flowers come from and know that they are not full of chemicals or pesticides.
Tell us about yourself
Before starting my business, I was a travel agent, and as much as I love traveling and talking about it, something was missing. The pandemic for me was literally my salvation. I lost my job and had a lot of time to think. The project at first was not a flower farm. I wanted to help my fiancé, who is a beekeeper, plant some flowers for the bees. So, I started to read and stumbled upon the Floret Flower Farm website. I was so inspired!
I began to dream about it all the time and imagine my life as a flower grower. One morning I said, "I am doing it!" I enrolled in university in a business program and ordered some seeds. It was so hard at first being new to the agriculture world, but I grew so much in such a short period of time. I fell in love with all parts of a growing flower. What motivates me the most is: Share the beauty of nature and bring happiness to people. And that fulfills my heart with so much joy!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Not giving up! Agriculture can be very tough. You have no control over the weather, the pests, and so many other factors. I overcame my fears. I let go and trusted that I would succeed. And I did!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say, for me, it was to trust that I had it in me and let go of my fears. It is easy to second guess yourself all the time in the beginning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your instincts and learn from your mistakes! You'll make some anyways.
- Accept help; it is ok not to know it all at first!
- Have a reality check with yourself often. It is easy to get overwhelmed, stressed, or drowning under a pile of work. Ask yourself: Do I take enough quality time with myself and the people I love? Do I need more rest? How is my physical and mental health?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Starting your business can seem like a giant step, but take it one step at a time. It will be less scary. And then you'll look back, and you'll be so proud! Chasing my dream was one of the best decisions I have made.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florestiafermeflorale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florestiafermeflorale/
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.