Truly Fresh, Truly What You Ordered! - True Florists

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Greg Tomei, Owner of True Florists, located in Suffolk County, NY, USA.

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

True Florists is a floral design studio specializing in creative floral arrangements. Our customers are individuals who only want the best! People who appreciate artisan skill and top-quality old-school customer service!

Tell us about yourself

One summer, when I was about 7 years old, I spent the afternoon with my cousin cutting the flowers in my grandfather’s garden (without his permission). Selling the cut stems in Dixie cups filled with water around the neighborhood. To no surprise, my grandparents were outraged! Due to the scolding from our grandparents, my cousin and I took our proceeds to the INN up the road (the time being the mid-90s), where we sat at the bar and shared a soda with a bag of chips. While eating the chips, I realized that although my cousin and I were in a lot of trouble for what we had done, we were also a success since we could afford food with no money from our parents! From that point on, I was determined to make it as an entrepreneur. Living every day with the mindset that success doesn’t come without a little bit of trouble.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been getting the chance to work with top-tier celebrity clientele and turning design ideas into a reality!

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

One of the hardest things you’ll discover when owning a business is how to manage expansion. Whether you’re expanding because business is booming or you’re trying to expand beyond a plateau you may have hit. Expansion is necessary for growing a business, but not easy.

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

1. Accept that business is “trial and error.”
2. Never focus on “being the best”; focus on how to get better.
3. Realize that it’s not about avoiding the problems but how you handle the problems; that leads to success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://trueflorists.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trueflorists
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueflorists/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trueflorists
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-tomei-05246322b/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.