Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janine Sebastian, owner of Fabloomosity Floral Atelier, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
FaBLOOMosity, Edmonton's top, is an award-winning florist specializing in unique and innovative flower arrangements and designs for all occasions. Locally-owned and generally whacky, FaBLOOMosity offers personable customer service, punchy one-liners, and customized experiences with designs to fit your theme, personality, occasion, and venue. We also make everyday arrangements with fresh flowers, succulents, and plants for same-day delivery in Edmonton and surrounding areas (including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Beaumont, Leduc, etc.).
FaBLOOMosity has been a part of hundreds of different love stories and celebrations: the extravagant, the intimate, the classic, the bohemian. Our team has hoofed it up mountainsides, suspended from chandeliers, and trekked through kilometers of secret tunnels underneath hotels to ensure that our brides, grooms, and corporate clients get the weddings and events of their dreams. We've traveled all over Alberta: from Banff to Calgary to Jasper to Lake Louise (sometimes even on the same weekend because we're gluttons for punishment and adrenaline), and we can also be seen zipping around in Delilah, the Fab van, all over Edmonton on any given weekend.
When we're not on-site with independent and corporate clients, both large and small, from far and wide (including heavy hitters like Oilers Entertainment Group, Rogers Place, Shaw, BioWare, and Stantec), we're in the shop making fools of ourselves on Instagram and Snapchat. We ensure that we put that same creativity, energy, flair, and commitment to detail into our everyday orders as well. We balance our designs between what's trendy and what's innovative because, although it's nice to sing the same tune as everyone, it's even more satisfying to write your own song. We like to create new products and refresh our work constantly, so we don't get tied down to the same old designs — not only because we want to stay relevant and exciting, but also because we might have commitment issues. Always the florist, never the bride, right?
Tell us about yourself
I am "La Jefa" of FaBLOOMosity. I have been slaying in the floral industry since 2000 and slaying even harder since I opened Fab in 2011. I champion innovation and precision when it comes to designing. Although my high standards might seem intimidating, I also believe in having a blast at work. The backbone of my business is perfection and fun — that means stunning artistry and some of the funniest Instagram stories you'll see in your life.
I inspire FaBLOOMosity's talented designers to be daring and create new trends and standards. Together, we ensure every event is perfect down to the last detail. That's what has made us such standouts in the industry — enough to catch a nomination for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016 and featured in dozens of publications like Green Wedding Shoes, Bridal Fantasy, and WedLuxe.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
A nomination for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The sacrifice of time with family and friends- you build a business for your family, yet you have to spend so much time apart.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It will be infinitely harder than you imagine, so you need to be very sure that this is what you want. Surround yourself with people that will help grow your business rather than be jealous of your success. Get yourself an amazing accountant, do not cut corners just because they are behind the scenes- this is an integral member of your business team.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fabloomosity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaBLOOMosity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabloomosity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabloomosity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-sebastian-97202070/
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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