Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Longoria. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I believe everything happens for a reason and at the right time.

I had been working a corporate job in Houston but also wanted to start my own business. I’ve always loved flowers and being creative. I wanted to create something that combined both of my passions. I taught myself how to make bouquets and centerpieces by following online tutorials. I started creating wedding florals in 2017 and did both for about 3 years.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I ended up losing my full-time job. Forcing me to move back home to Dallas but it finally gave me the time to focus more on my floral career. I was very lucky that the transition from cities did not affect my business, as I had already gained a lot of experience and a detailed portfolio from my previous weddings.

While weddings weren’t going on during the pandemic, people were in full planning mode. By the time the pandemic was over, I was offered my full-time job back in Houston. My new floral business in Dallas had taken off so fast that I did not have to return to my 9-5. I was able to be a full-time wedding florist and business owner.

Had I not had that time off from my job, expanding my business would have not been possible. So I believe I started this journey at the perfect time and wouldn’t change a thing.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always wanted to own my own business and be my own boss. I started wedding florals on the side as well as working a corporate job. I was never formally trained on how to be a florist. Everything I know, I taught myself by following online tutorials. Due to losing my job and being stuck at home because of the pandemic, gave me the chance to focus on being creative and gave me time to further my business.

Over the years, I was able to develop my own style of design. At first, I was solely a wedding florist. Designing and working out of my home. It was just me for a while but as business started took off, I was able to hire employees to help me with my growing business.

This past year, I opened a floral boutique where we not only continue to work on weddings all over DFW – we now offer daily and sympathy arrangements and have a variety of boutique style items in store to pair with all your floral needs. We also love hosting different events in store and often have craft nights and workshops.

We LOVE being part of our community and do a lot of community events as well as work with nearby schools and hospitals. In store we offer a variety of local school spirit items and this year we were able to join the Texas tradition of making homecoming mums. It was such a fun experience and we can’t wait for next year!

While weddings is still a large portion of my business, I’m always eager to branch out and offer many other options to continue and grow. Whether it be a small bouquet to send to a loved one or a huge 300 person wedding. I will work with you to make sure that whatever the occasion, it is exactly what you envision!

What sets us apart is that we can do everything. I am so proud of how far I’ve come and the amazing team I’ve built, that helps make these events and daily tasks a possibility.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly… word of mouth, good relationships and social media!

I do have some people that find me through advertising but a lot come from social media and word of mouth from other people in the industry.

You will work closely with other vendors such as planners, photographers, venues, etc. to make sure the wedding day is perfect. I’ve created good relationships with a lot of people in the industry.

Planners that I previously worked with, will reach out to me to work on a new bride. Venues that have loved my work, have added us to their preferred vendor list. Some people have been at a wedding that we’ve done the florals for and reached out to us to do their big day.

Being passionate, kind and hard working has brought my business a long way.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

We are always looking for creative and high driven employees. While we get to be creative and have lots of fun doing what we do, it is also very hard work. Creating a team like this requires everyone put in a lot of effort and hard work. It does require a certain individual to be able to fulfill this role. Working together is also a must.

Sometimes being a boss isn’t always fun but I try my best to make it a fun work experience no matter what. I always plan an end of the year holiday party to thank them for all their hard work, all year long. I also try to show them daily how much their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and is essential for valued for making my business run. Whether that is buying them lunch on extremely long and hard days, to closing the shop and taking them all to the State Fair for a day of fun. I couldn’t do this without each and every one of them!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weddingsbylavenders.com www.lavendersfloralboutique.com
• Instagram: @weddingsbylavenders @lavendersfloralboutiquetx
• Facebook: Lavenders Floral Boutique

Image Credits
@goldenauerphotography @kmgcreativephotography @cassiehowardphotography @lyndiruth @wilderlove.co