Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina Soetaert, founder of Bloom Stones Floral and Gifts, located in St. Albert, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bloom Stones Floral and Gifts is a brand new shop just north of Costco in St. Albert. Our floral arrangements consist of classic and modern designs. We pride ourselves on using local vendors for both flowers (when weather permits) and our giftware. The majority of our vendors are within 35 km of our store! We love to support Canadian-made products.
We offer a relaxing and welcoming environment in which customers can find their treasures or shop from the comfort of their own homes using our brand-new online store.
Tell us about yourself
I started a small floral studio out of my home. My daughters were the driving forces behind me. Brooke inspired me to start designing again, and Morgan was the motivator for an online presence, and she created my first website.
I designed a floral base made of slate and called it a "Bloom Stone," which is where the name for the shop came from. I absolutely love what I do, which is enough to motivate me every day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel my biggest accomplishment was opening the shop in such a short time frame. I realized in February of 2021, I was running out of room in my home studio, and by July 29, 2021, Bloom Stones was opened. So within five months, I was able to choose a location, have renovations accomplished, permitting, licensing, staffing, and purchasing giftware and florals. I had good people working with me, so it went quite smoothly (except for the odd shipping issue, LOL).
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a sole proprietor, I do not have a franchise backing me. The business I have is the business I have built myself. This has been very time-consuming and a lot of hard work, but I know it will all be worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your product, and do your research. The more time spent before opening your business will be fewer headaches later.
- Talk to as many people as you can in the industry. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it's the only way we grow.
- Be kind to yourself. There are so many aspects to running a business: accounting/financials, customer service, purchasing, staffing, creating/designing, etc. We can not be good at everything right from the start. Take time, get good at one thing, and move on to the next.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I really appreciate the people of St. Albert and the surrounding areas. The support and feedback we have received are unbelievable. I feel so fortunate to have chosen St. Albert to start my dream job!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bloomstones.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomstonesfloralandgifts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomstonesfloralandgifts/
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.