Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carmela de Castro, Owner of Orchid Republic Floral Boutique, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Orchid Republic is a luxury floral boutique with locations and same-day flower delivery service in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Santa Monica. We're a female-led business that has been blooming since 2016. We specialize in exquisite orchids and floral arrangements.

Tell us about yourself

Finding more time to spend on myself and my family, but also trying to create an environment for floral industry workers to be treated fairly. Knowing that one step at a time, I am making a difference in my reason for beginning the business, both for my personal and work goals

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to grow the company as an immigrant, as a woman, and as a minority.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Unable to control the time that I devote to work even though I create a work and home balance both for myself and my team. People underestimate my capabilities because I am a woman and a minority. Lack of resources to grow the business (although I've been so blessed that I met people along the way who spared me some time and knowledge to help m grow the business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Always be open to learning new things.
  2. Always be ready to change when the business calls for it.
  3. Always be humble and treat people right no matter how far you've gone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://orchidrepublic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orchidrepublicusa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchid.republic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orchidrepublic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchid-republic-floral-boutique/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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