Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mineko Hummel, Co-Founder of Hummel's Flowers, located in Anchorage, AK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a full-service florist offering same-day delivery, custom arrangements, and everyday pieces for the Anchorage community. Our customers live in and around Anchorage, and range from young kids coming in for their first bouquets, all the way to couples who have been together for 50+ years. We see people's lives from beginning to end, and we are so grateful to experience that.
Tell us about yourself
We started as a mom-and-pop shop in an old framing storefront on the corner of a busy intersection in Anchorage. We never expected to still be doing it 30+ years later, but our customers keep us motivated every day to keep doing the work we know and love.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being in business for 30+ years in the same location, with many of the same clients from our opening! We had a way to support our family as we raised 3 of our own kids and many employees' kids as well. It has always been a family operation, and we think it's something that has made us stronger.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing, and biggest sacrifice, is the personal time you lose as a business owner. We work most holidays, missing important events and milestones to keep the lights on. You can't walk away when you need time off, and you are always making sure that everyone else is taken care of before yourself. It's not an easy thing to do, and it is certainly something that has been a struggle the whole journey we've had.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Money management is KEY! You need to know what you're earning and spending and what keeps everything running. You should know it inside and out; it takes a lot of time.
- You must be willing to make big sacrifices when needed; holidays, evenings, weekends, whatever the business needs, you have to be ready to keep it running (on your own sometimes)
- Your customers are the reason you have the job you have, be honored they choose to shop with you and show them that gratitude in everything you do. They can be frustrating, but they are what makes you run, and you need to consider that in ALL things you do as an owner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://anchorage-ak-hummelsflowersinc.quickflora.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hummelsflowers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummelsflowers/
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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