Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Valen Ibarra, owner of Blumenhaus, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a floral artist who specializes in editorial, cosmic flower art. Blumenhaus supports the community and is always giving back, whether it’s floral donations or protesting. When I started Blumenhaus it started as just an average flower studio, but it quickly morphed into almost a community. I celebrate my clients through color theory and unusual color combinations. One of my personal favorites is nudes tones with blues and purples. I’m always sharing good vibes on my social media with Angel numbers, tarot, and astrology readings. I love helping people heal through flower magic.
Tell us about yourself
I’m 30; I started doing flowers seven years ago. I started by cleaning toilets in flower shops and begging the owners to teach me. I started working my way up and eventually became a manager. A lot of the owners wouldn’t listen to my ideas or thought my ideas weren’t good. So I finally realized why I shouldn’t put all these good ideas into myself. Blumenhaus was born. My family is Irish and German, so Blumenhaus in German means house of flowers. Finding yourself artistically can be such a crazy journey. I’m definitely not the same floral artist I was two years ago. The combination of flowers and art really motivates me. Sometimes I’ll have dreams about concepts or color combinations. It’s kinda wild. When I wake up, I feel like I have to create.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments was having my flowers in Vogue Italia. Stay tuned for some awesome publications coming in 2022.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One thing no one tells you about is how you have to do it all. You’re the delivery driver, the social media manager, the creative director, the accountant. It’s a lot. A good support system and never losing hope in yourself is so important. One lesson I’ve learned this year is, you don’t have to be constantly creating; you can have time for yourself, you can take breaks. Everything will be ok. Don’t compare yourself to anyone; compete only with yourself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Trust yourself. Don’t listen to haters. Focus on yourself. Your weird ideas matter, don’t let anyone talk you out of them. Bad art is better than no art. No one you look up to did it overnight.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please support your friend's business or small businesses. Support your friends like you support celebrities.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://blumenhausbyvalen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blumenhaus_/
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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