Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Clarke, owner of Ethereal Floral Farm, located in Chilliwack, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ethereal Floral Farm is a local flower shop that supplies everyday blooms as well as flowers for weddings and events. We spend a significant amount of time each year starting flowers from seed to be used in our summer arrangements and wedding pieces. Creating a business of a flower farm was a natural step forward for me as my roots in farming began from my mother's hobby turned chicken farming history.
I grew up on a farm and felt it was important to do my part in creating a source of flowers that were sustainably grown. By growing my own flowers, I am able to cut down on flower imports during the summer months. As well as wedding work, we have daily flower bouquets available on our roadside flower cart from which customers can essentially 'grab and go.' Our studio shop is located within our home. We host workshops in the garden during the warmer months and in the studio during the winters.
Customers can get a hand on experience creating flower arrangements, flower crowns, or seasonal wreaths while being exposed to our knowledge of experience and expertise we offer. We enjoy the fact that we are not limited to solely flowers. We have curated a few specialty items that can be gifted alongside a bouquet, such as our taper candles with a dried floral tag attachment. Ultimately, we offer a variety of floral-inspired work that will suit every customer.
Tell us about yourself
I was first inspired to create Ethereal Floral Farm due to growing up on our family hobby farm. I was always spending time outside with my siblings and taking time to grow our food and flowers in the garden. Growing up, one could always find me in the garden playing with the flowers in whichever capacity my mind would allow. I have always been inspired by my European and French roots. This is what I allow to encourage my design style. In other words, I would describe Ethereal Floral Farm being a dream born out of a lifelong passion and love for all things floral-related. I was immersed in the agricultural environment, which provided the foundations for me to pursue my dream of growing and establishing a cut flower garden. This really came into fruition during the pandemic when my studies of becoming a teacher were halted, and university classes were switched to online. I needed an outlet.
I am motivated by my desire to want to help others. In many ways, flowers are a unique symbol for different aspects of life. They are used to welcoming a new life into the world, celebrating new beginnings, and saying goodbye to those who pass. They are integral to human connection, and that motivates me every day. I strive each day to challenge myself in my designs and incorporate the delicate and intricate details of different ingredients, evoking a whimsical ethereal atmosphere in the visual presentation of the designs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Currently, I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is proving myself wrong. I would never have envisioned that I would have been able to turn this idea in such a small amount of time. I started this in the midst of finishing my university degree during a time when no one knew what the future held. I believe a lot of people looked at my decision as essentially 'throwing away my university degree or having wasted my time. I am proud of the fact that I am considered a young entrepreneur. I would also say that this is only the beginning, and I am so incredibly excited about the things that I will continue to grow over the years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is work/life balance. While in university, I found myself juggling four jobs and my studies. This continued after I graduated. I was working multiple jobs and pouring every ounce that I had into creating this business. I was working myself to the inevitable breakdown and burnout. I had to revaluate what was really important and create a balance with firm boundaries. In doing so, I have found myself to be all that more successful and ultimately happier. An aspect that I did not expect was that everyone who starts their own business is, for lack of better words, winging it. No one truly knows what they are doing at the beginning, and that is okay!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
A word of advice for someone who wants to start their own business is to choose a path based on something that they have been passionate about for a lengthy duration of time. In doing so, one will not tire of their path, and they will continue to be inspired. As well, do not take people seriously or worry about what other people will think. I know it is a cliché, but it is true. The people who you are worried about judging you are not the ones who are going to pay your bills or create your future. Do it for yourself and try your best not to care what they think. The last thing that I would recommend is hiring an accountant who specializes in small businesses. They will help you every step of the way and remove a significant amount of weight from your shoulders.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etherealfloralfarm.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etherealfloralfarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etherealfloralfarm/
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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