Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry and events but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Clausen, owner of Victoria Clausen Floral Events, located in Owings Mills, MD, USA.

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

Victoria Clausen Floral Events is a floral and event design studio. I can proudly say that we are in the business of making people's dreams come true. We have the privilege to use flowers and elements of decor to transform spaces and create unforgettable experiences for our clients. It is not just about doing bouquets and centerpieces for a wedding; it is about sharing our couple's stories with their loved ones through well-thought-out decor. It is not just about doing permanent installations of faux botanicals for businesses; it is about creating an inviting setting in a small shop or a restaurant that's creative and memorable enough to have customers come back again and again.

Right before COVID, we opened a small retail flower shop in Baltimore Green Spring Station called Floral Fetes to share the love of flowers and plants with our customers and bring nature's beauty to everyday life.

In the spring of 2020 when we opened a small venue called The Tannery Barn in Taneytown, MD. Think Restoration Hardware vibe in a small town urban setting - a perfect destination getaway for weddings, social and corporate events a short drive from Baltimore and DC.

Tell us about yourself

I was always a dreamer and loved a challenge. In 1997 I had an opportunity to immigrate to the USA from Ukraine. Since I didn't get a chance to finish my education prior to the move and since my English was not strong, I started looking for a job in the service industry upon arrival. I ended up in a flower shop and absolutely fell in love with the world of weddings, events, and flowers. In 1999 I was able to start my own business (it was called Romance of Flowers at that time) from my small laundry room. Finding my passion was exciting. Seeing the difference, I was able to make in my Client's journey of wedding planning was extremely gratifying. I always try to challenge myself (and the team) to always think about what else we can do to make our job/processes more efficient and how we can continue serving our clients better. The biggest motivation is seeing the transformation we get to create of event spaces, seeing a design vision coming to life. The happy smiles of our clients - we are one of a few businesses with instant gratification:).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say staying in business and being able to employ a great team through several recessions and COVID. During the last few weeks of the horrific war in Ukraine, we were able to raise over $90,000 through sales of flowers and donations to help my family and friend back in Ukraine to keep fighting and serving refugees, orphans, and the brave on the front lines. I count my blessings daily and am so grateful for the business platform I have to be able to do some good and support Ukraine in this horrific fight for life and freedom.

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

Responsibility. As a business owner, I am responsible for my team and for our promises to our clients. Especially in the last couple of years was often a challenge to deliver 100% when it felt like we were fighting against the COVID world. But it becomes the most gratifying thing when you figure out how to make things happen and succeed against all odds.

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

  1. Don't expect things to be easy, but don't give up. Never get comfortable either, and always strive to grow.
  2. Never stop believing in yourself and always do you (never compare yourself to others).
  3. Surround yourself with great people, but keep the company's success above individual people's happiness (some wonderful people might not make the best employees - if the company's bottom line is not healthy, no one will be happy).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When starting a business, do good market research to have a good understanding of the cost and prices of similar products and services. Never compete on the price - it is not gratifying, and there is a danger of devaluing the industry.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://victoriaclausen.com/
https://floralfetes.com/
https://www.thetannerybarn.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/victoriaclausenflorals/
https://www.facebook.com/floralfetes/
https://www.facebook.com/thetannerybarn/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/victoriaclausenflorals/
https://www.instagram.com/floralfetes/
https://www.instagram.com/thetannerybarn/

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.