Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meredith Moore founder at Innerbloom, a curated flower shop in Ocean City, Maryland.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to where you are today
Owning my own business has always been a dream of mine. I started my career in the buying side of retail, eventually found myself needing a change, which led me to the floral industry. My love for flowers + plants comes from Meme, my grandmother.
I moved to the West Coast with big dreams and ended up working in the floral industry for some of the coolest jobs I ever could have imagined; installations at Coachella, weekly floral designs for a-list celebs, NFL Player Summer Social and the 2020 Spotify Grammy Awards to name a few. Some of the most humbling and beautiful collaborations I ever have ever experienced and I am eternally grateful for my time out there.
Fast forward to the global pandemic which changed it all. I left LA with a suitcase and headed back home to OCMD in May for what I thought would be an extended vacay - spend time with family + friends and navigate life in 2020. Coming back in town, I found out this little beach bungalow was going to soon be vacant and available to rent. It was a sign that I couldn't ignore and I completely went for it!
My LA friends packed up my apartment (forever grateful!) and sent my things back to the East Coast as I started the buying, reno and design process for my brand new store. With that I bring to you Innerbloom, what I hope is a beautifully unique floral + botanical design and shopping experience; a curation of local flowers & plants and home products that I have handpicked for you.
What motivates you to do what you do each day?
I love how the floral industry is forever changing and evolving. It keeps me motivated to stay present. I love how each day is different and every arrangement goes to someone that needs uplifting, a life event or just a reminder that they are loved.
Describe your floristry business to us? What makes you stand out? Who are your customers?
My business is a curation of my experiences and travels. I try to keep up with the trends but keep a style that will adjust to anyone. I think that because I have both new trends and old, depending on the arrangement and attention to detail my design stands out. My customers are mixture of all walks of life. My clients new and old are very dear to me.
What do you believe has led to the success of your floristry business?
Hard work and knowing my “end game” goal…Owning my own business. I’ve treated every company like it was my own, put all my love and energy into every experience. Those experiences and outlook have brought me to where I am today.
What's been your biggest accomplishment to date as a business owner?
Starting a business during a pandemic wasn’t the ideal time but my vision managed to float me to success.
What is the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing many hats!!! The ordering, the backend of the business, social media, estimates for weddings.. the list goes on! You're always trying to evolve and never really off but it’s rewarding doing it for yourself at the end of the day. Your vision, your call, your everything.
What are your top 3 tips that you'd give to anyone looking to launch, run and grow a business today?
Hire an amazing accountant, worth every penny.
Stay up to date on trends and keep things fresh!
Know your customer, wants and needs of the community.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help your business grow, what would it be?
Keep your website present, have monthly emails to keep customers coming back and curious on what’s to come.
What are the tactics you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Boundaries! Find a great staff to run the shop while you take a personal day off. I’ve struggled with going in on my “day off” but getting time away is just as important as being in there day in and day out!
Who are your favourite entrepreneurs and why?
Kelsey Harper - matriarch She was my boss in Los Angeles. She’s a self taught florist, single mother, constantly evolving and growing into something new. She made me realize that you don’t have to just be one thing in business, you can switch things up constantly.
Where can people find you and your business? (Please share details of your website/social channels)
www.innerbloomfloral.com
@innerbloomfloral
2908 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, md
21842 410.390.5666
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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