Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cydney Davis-English, owner of The English Garden, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The English Garden is a flower design studio specializing in creative bouquets for all occasions, flower and plant subscriptions, engaging design classes, and bespoke weddings and events. I am a third-generation florist (as is my husband). My little family flower shop is rooted in Main Street traditions and values with an equal commitment to creating a supportive, collaborative environment for my diverse, talented team. Our store is known for hyper-focused attention to customer service and community engagement. We prioritize buying local and sustainably grown products and sourcing giftware and vases from small-batch artisans.
Tell us about yourself
My playpen was in my Granny B's flower shop. I did my math homework and practiced tap dancing in my parents' flower shop. I've been in the flower business all of my life, returning to work holidays when I was employed in other fields. It's really in my blood. I want to make the flower business a more approachable career choice for future designers and help shape a more modern feel to working in the industry. At The English Garden, we enacted a living wage three years ago. It has paid off tremendously in employee morale and commitment. We focus on team-building activities, community volunteerism, and continuing education. I want to foster and grow a flower industry that any young designer would want to work in, knowing her/his/their talent would be appreciated and rewarded.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have answered this differently pre-pandemic, but after COVID, I would say that it is sustaining a business through the vast unknown of a major health crisis in our country while keeping my staff fully employed. My customers cared for at a trying, uncertain time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You never unplug. The buck stops with you, and you have to understand that your business will become a presence in your family and personal life. It does not mean you cannot carve out space for your loved ones and yourself, but it will present its challenges. From experience, I urge all small business owners to learn your YES and your NO early on so that you have control over your life. And one other nugget-learn to delegate. You are not always the best person for the job.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a strong network of colleagues in your industry and related ones.
- Foster engaged in productive vendor relationships.
- Build a team and empower them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning a business is a roller coaster ride, but the thrills outweigh the "Oh Crap" moments. Be flexible, nimble, and always humble. Wake up every day being ok with failure, ready to learn from what goes wrong, willing to accept your "oops" and excited to share your victories.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://englishgardenraleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishGarden/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishgardenraleigh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/raleighflorist
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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