Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angelina Beckman, owner of Hawthorn Floral Atelier, located in Warman SK, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am primarily a wedding florist, which I absolutely love! I've been working in the floral industry since I graduated high school 20 years ago. I love everything there is to do with flowers. I am grateful to be able to serve clients in Saskatchewan on such an important day in their lives. Over the past couple of years, I've also started growing more cut flowers, specifically dahlias, and ranunculus, to use in my own wedding work. As someone who has always gardened, it was a natural transition to growing flowers for my own use. In the coming years, I hope to be able to provide my fellow floral designers with locally grown blooms as well. The Christmas season is also well-loved at Hawthorn. During the holidays, I take joy in offering handmade wreaths and outdoor planters to purchase. As well as host wreath-making workshops where I teach individuals how to create their own outdoor wreaths from scratch. In all areas of my work, I strive to create in a sustainable way, always consciously working to leave no impact on the environment.
Tell us about yourself
I am naturally a creative person with many creative hobbies. But floral design has had the most impact on my life, from a somewhat young age. I grew up with a family who gardened and a grandmother who loved flowers. In many ways, creativity has always been a part of my life. I lost someone very important to me at the age of sixteen, and to this day, I clearly remember the funeral flowers, and I was so astounded that they reflected this person so well. From that moment, I think I was truly captivated by them. Not only their beauty but mainly what they bring to our lives in a variety of experiences. Flowers are there to uplift, encourage, cheer and celebrate all of life's milestones, the good and bad, and that is the part that makes me love them to most. I consider it an immense honour to design for my clients on such an important day. Marriage is such an important part of life and to be able to provide beautiful touches to someone's day is, quite frankly, just the best feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Knowing my worth. This industry, any creative industry, can be overwhelming and tricky to manage. Not everyone values the floral industry as much as those working in it, and it can be crushing when you're faced with that. I have found my place in the industry here, though, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me personally, it is always time. There never seems to be enough of it to get done all that I would like to do. Managing it all since COVID struck, and then as things have opened back up this year, has probably been one of the most difficult things to maneuver to date. In an overall business sense, though, it is important to know your limits and to know when you need help. I tend to try to be the person who wears all of the hats and then becomes incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated when things aren't going my way. Don't do that; I don't recommend it. I'm very thankful for my small team, who are there when I need them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Oh, this is tricky; there are so many things that come to mind. But top three? I'd have to say, don't worry about what others are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy; it truly is. Second, you cannot control everything. Honestly, there are some things you will just have to learn to let be. You will go crazy worrying about them otherwise, leading to poor mental health, and you just won't be at your best if you're always trying to control all the things. Last, the whole saying about if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life, yah, that's a lie. I promise you, you're going to work harder, way harder than you ever have before. You care more; it's inevitable. But when you have that moment of complete joy over what you've created, what you've accomplished, it'll be worth it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Flowers are soul-filling. They're good for everyone; I truly believe that. Find a way to have flowers in your life. Stop at a local florist, farmer's market, or local flower farm and grab some for yourself whenever you can. And if you have the time, come Spring, plant a few for yourself. Nothing compares to growing your own blooms, whether in a large garden or in a pot on your apartment patio; I promise they will bring you joy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hawthornfloralatelier.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawthorn.floral.atelier/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawthorn.floral.atelier/
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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