Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina Barabonoff, owner and floral designer of Platinum Floral Designs, located in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an event-based floral boutique catering to weddings and corporate events.
Tell us about yourself
Becoming an event florist almost landed right into my lap. I was trained as an Interior Designer but quickly realized I needed a more hands-on career. During the 2008 economy crash, I decided to plant in flowers instead of vegetables that year to have flowers in my home to brighten our days as the crash affected my husband's business.
I decided very quickly designing flowers made me happy, and I began to sink my knowledge into design skills. Fourteen years later, it has proven to be a very amazing career change, and now we are known within our city as floral installation specialists, and it is VERY exciting to create amazing floral installs that are artful and unique. The creativity and consistently having to be challenged is what keep my team and me going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishments have been winning Best overall Florist in multiple categories for several years, both on Vancouver Island and BC Wedding Awards. We have now purchased land to also micro flower farm, and that is our most recent accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing being a business owner is consistently 'working.' There isn't a moment where you stop working on your business. It's like having another child to mold and grow. Finding staff within the industry has also been challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips.
- Always continue to learn new techniques and tricks.
- Set particular times for emails and work so that you have mental time to rest.
- Lean on other professionals within your industry for help.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a florist is challenging and oftentimes physically demanding. However, most rewarding.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.platinumfloraldesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinumfloraldesigns/
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.