We were lucky to catch up with Ani Gurgenidze recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ani, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My grandfather has been a profound inspiration in my journey to becoming an entrepreneur and starting my own business. In his twenties, he moved from rural Georgia to the capital, Tbilisi, and built his life entirely from the ground up with no support and no financial resources.

He was a kind and principled man who taught me, my siblings, and my cousins that hard work truly pays off. His example showed us that with determination, integrity, and resilience, it’s possible to achieve great things.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started making flower arrangements as a hobby. It became therapeutic for me to work quietly in my basement just me and my craft creating something I could truly be proud of.

Over time, I decided to turn that passion into a wedding and event business. I was determined to build something successful, which is now Ani’s Flowers. In the beginning, I focused on learning as much as I could. I took every opportunity to grow freelance work, YouTube tutorials, classes anything that would help me refine and master my art.

I’ve always tried to maintain a positive mindset, even in difficult situations. I truly believe that hard work and determination always pay off.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I look at every new client as a new friend someone I genuinely want to get to know. I take the time to listen carefully to what they like and what they don’t. During our initial meetings, I aim to learn as much as possible so I can create a proposal that truly reflects their style and taste.

The most rewarding part of this business is building lasting relationships many of my past clients have become friends.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To manage a team effectively and maintain high morale, it’s important to lead by example. I believe in being the kind of leader who sets the standard I’m willing to take on the hardest tasks and show my team that no job is beneath me. When your team sees your work ethic, it naturally inspires them to give their best as well.

It’s equally important to notice and appreciate the small things your team members do. Recognizing their effort especially the details that often go unseen—makes people feel valued and motivated. Kindness, respect, and consistency go a long way in building trust and a positive work environment.

Clear and open communication is essential. Address problems early, be honest, and create a space where your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Listening is just as important as leading.

I also believe in empowering your team giving them responsibility, trusting their abilities, and supporting their growth. When people feel trusted and supported, they take more pride in their work.

At the end of the day, strong leadership is about creating a culture where people feel respected, inspired, and excited to be part of something meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anisflowersny.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anisflowersny/
• Other: TikTok @anisflowersny

Image Credits

Elysa Schwarz (@elysamariaphoto)