Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenni Shillitoe, owner of Whimsical Flowers, a foam-free bespoke wedding & event florist located in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a foam-free bespoke wedding and event florist designing whimsical, romantic, and wild arrangements.
Tell us about yourself
Flowers make me smile and can light up any room. For ten years, I worked as a chief stewardess on private superyachts. Having to arrange flowers for the yachts for the UHNW owners, I soon fell in love with it and took a few courses to help understand the basics. Now I’m all about letting the flowers do the talking, letting them take their wild and enchanting ways to make a beautiful bouquet or installation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to make people smile and be happy for something I’ve done is tremendously satisfying. Making the choice to start my business was a huge accomplishment alone, but having people choose my style is amazing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
To me, it’s marketing. Get my products out there for people to see and make connections with the right people. I’m lucky, though, as I get to work with an incredible friend who owns an event company. Working with her has been amazing. She has given me great motivation.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear image as to what you want to achieve.
- Have funds behind you to be able to achieve it.
- Be passionate about it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Follow your heart.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.whimsicalflowers.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalflowersbyjs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsical_flowers_by_js/
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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