Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Klausen, owner of Local Flora, located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Local Flora is a North Vancouver-based specialty cut flower grower and florist studio. We sell cut flower subscriptions from spring until fall, as well as sell bouquets through local retailers. We believe in the local flower movement and that flowers should be enjoyed seasonally, as nature intended. If you love local, seasonal, pesticide, and herbicide-free flowers, we are the florist for you!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Rachel, and I am the owner of Local Flora. Since I was a child, I have loved flowers and design and have always dreamed of turning it into a career. I worked as a florist for many years before learning about the local flower movement. I learned about the horrible impact the imported floral industry has on our world, the chemical use, the bleach and dyes, and the huge carbon footprint left by planes full of these toxic flowers. It was enough to change my direction from floristry to cut flower growing.
I currently grow specialty cut flowers on five residential properties in North Vancouver. When I need more than I can grow, I reach out to local flower growers in my area that share my values and methods of growing. Getting to share fresh bouquets filled with flowers that I grew from seed with my community is what gets me up every morning.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Every time a customer shares with me that they had no idea that most roses are imported from Ecuador or that they didn't know that once flowers are dyed or bleached, they are garbage and no longer compostable, I feel like I am accomplishing my goal. Knowledge is power, and the more people know about the floral industry, the better. When we know better, we can do better. So much is hidden from the consumer by the big floral companies that it is up to us little guys to show our customers right from wrong. While pursuing a career that I love, I will feel accomplished every day if I can do that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Little peace of mind. There is always something in the works or something I'm behind on. I come home after a long day and continue to problem solve through dinner and research a solution before bed. Taking a mental break is a challenge and something I hope to work on as I find my feet in this industry.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose something you are utterly in love with. If you have a passion and can make it profitable, you will be far more committed and willing to do the dirty work.
- Understand that you can not be at your best every single day. Yes, you will often have to push yourself, but sometimes you have to take a step back and take care of your mental health. One day of regrouping and relaxing will be far better in the long run than pushing through and forgetting to take care of the biggest asset to your business, you.
- Have patience with yourself. You cannot grow a business overnight. Social media can be an inspiration, but it is also a platform for comparison. Try not to stress yourself out over what other businesses in your field are doing or what you are not doing. We are all at different stages. Take your time and do it your way.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have tried to do in the past few years to connect with other women in my industry. Women who are business owners, who love flowers, who garden, and who support local business. Talking to people who are doing what you want to be doing and you will be far better for it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://localflora.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localflora_/
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.