Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Malori Maeva, Owner of Form Floral, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Form Floral is a retail and event floral design company that specializes in art-inspired floral designs. Basically, the blooms we sell aren't your grandma's bouquets. Our customers are people who appreciate the little moments of luxury in life and appreciate the place where art meets nature.
Tell us about yourself
Have been creative all my life, and from the earliest age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I tried on a lot of creative pastimes as possible career paths, but the only thing that didn't feel repetitive when it turned into a business was floral design. I absolutely love that I will likely never know the name of every type of flower, and I'm endlessly inspired by the uniqueness of each bloom. We start with a medium that's stunning, and our only job is to make sure we highlight it. On the business end of things, I really love building an environment that prioritizes experiencing life outside of work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My dad and I were really close, and I've always had an interest in architecture and interior design. So, when I was growing up, we'd often drive through different neighborhoods and properties around Arizona that had beautiful structures. Last year, we had the honor of creating a concept for and implementing the holiday decor for the Arizona Biltmore. When I got the email that we had gotten the job, I did a little happy cry in my car. My dad and I wandered through the Biltmore on one of those excursions, and it felt so beautifully full circle to get to create in that space as an adult.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the most challenging aspect of being a business owner is growing and managing my team. I started Form Floral when I was 23, and prior to this company, I had very little management experience. When we started scaling up, I realized that finding the right group of people and training them, and articulating my vision to them was much more challenging than I had anticipated. It's been a massive area of growth for me, but I do think I see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is so rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Everyone is going to give you advice, but the best thing you can do is trust your gut. You have a vision, and if you let too many folks change your course, you're going to lose your purpose or create something different than what you had intended.
- Don't price with your feelings or your wallet. So many creative entrepreneurs feel intimidated by math but sitting down and figuring out your costs and setting appropriate pricing is the most freeing thing you can do. Set your prices based on facts, not feelings.
- You're building a brick house. Good things take time, and the people who seem to find overnight success on the internet are often living in houses built of straw or sticks. Take your time, lay your foundation, and know that once your brick house is built, it's going to be able to withstand any big gust of wind.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.formfloral.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Formfloral/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formfloral/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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