Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Basma Totah, owner of Petal and Platter Design, located in San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Petal & Platter Design is a San Francisco Bay Area-based and women-owned business creating gourmet grazing tables, boxes, platters, and floral arrangements. We offer something for everyone, whether a gift for one person or a table for hundreds to enjoy. We specialize in creating gourmet grazing tables with custom flower arrangements. Our grazing tables are filled with seasonal local produce, gourmet cheeses, crackers, charcuterie, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and a variety of other delicious treats. Our clients range from business professionals to people who are celebrating occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, and holidays.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Basma Totah. I am the owner of Petal & Platter Design. I have a deep appreciation for food, flowers, and nature. I'm a San Francisco native with over 25 years of experience in the customer service industry as a professional hairstylist. Growing up, I've always had a great passion for food, nature, art, decor, and entertaining.
It all started in November 2016 when I hosted a large party for my husband's 50th birthday and my daughter's 18th birthday (yes, they have the same birthday). I had a huge display of food and flowers on my kitchen island. Guests were amazed by my work and posted it on social media. Everyone was blown away and kept asking who catered the party. Since then, I started doing grazing tables with flowers for friends and family, and Petal & Platter Design was born.
What motivates me is my passion for presenting food beautifully and creatively. Everything from packaging boxes and platters to creating grazing tables. I love to be a part of everyone's happy moments and special occasions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing my business grow over the years and being able to survive the pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my events for grazing tables were canceled. I had to pivot and transition my business to offer COVID safe options. We had to pivot and expand our offerings to include individually wrapped cups, boxes, platters, and gift packages for delivery. I launched a Mother's Day Gift package with a small charcuterie box and a floral arrangement in April 2020. I wanted to keep the main focus on providing flowers and food as a gift. We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service, highest quality local ingredients, and fully customized options.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's non-stop work, and there are a lot of decisions to make. There's always something that needs to be done. Everything from sourcing ingredients, marketing, inventory checks, but I'm happy to do it and enjoy being able to share my beautiful creations with everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. There are many aspects to running a business. Make sure you specialize in something specific and be good at it.
- You are your own advocate. You need to promote yourself and network with other businesses and entrepreneurs. You need to put yourself out there; no one else will do it for you.
- Be ready to overcome challenges and obstacles. Be able to pivot and make changes as necessary.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://petalandplatterdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petalandplatterdesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalandplatterdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basma-totah-177977aa/
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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