Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teresa Porter, co-owner of Suelo & Faa, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are an urban flower farm. We grow specialty cut flowers in front and back yards provided by our community. We sell bouquets primarily through a CSA (community supported agriculture) model and also do special orders. Our members love receiving our fresh, sustainably grown, hyper-local blooms every week!

Tell us about yourself

I have a background in soil science and vegetable farming. Chantelle, my business partner, has worked in resource conservation, education, and communications. We connected over our love of dahlias. This work lets us spend time outside, get our hands in the soil, and be creative with our flowers. Every day, I'm motivated by the sense of wonder I feel when a new variety blooms for the first time, and getting to share that feeling with our CSA members!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Apart from meeting all of our sales commitments and not having any crop failures in our first year, the biggest accomplishment for me is our business relationship. Working together has been smooth, and I'm really proud of our partnership.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The uncertainty. There is so much of it!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be clear about your vision and values.
  2. It's ok to ask for help, advice, and/or seek training. People are often kind and generous when you reach out.
  3. Don't say yes to everything. What do you want to spend your time doing? What are you really trying to build?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Suelo is Spanish for soil, and faa is Cantonese for flower. Our name is a nod to our roots and a statement of what we are about!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://suelofaa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suelofaa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suelofaa/

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.