We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Kinoshita a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I strive to differentiate myself from industry standards by creating products that people haven’t seen before. I aim to carry flowers that spark curiosity and encourage people to ask questions and learn more. I believe that educating people about my work not only broadens their horizons but also ignites a newfound interest in flowers for them. Apart from crafting products, I also teach classes and educate individuals on how to care for and maintain what they receive.

What sets me apart is my passion for supporting small, emerging businesses like mine. I frequently host pop-up shops right within my store because I believe in fostering collaboration among small businesses rather than fostering competition. This, in turn, brings people together and strengthens our community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been a floral designer for 27 years and have had many amazing experiences along the way. These include learning and designing Ikebana in Japan, working in New York City for a large design show, creating designs for numerous famous people, and having my work featured in many bridal magazines.

Over the past decade, I expanded my journey by teaching art to kids and eventually began offering floral design classes. Teaching my craft has become both a passion and a privilege. I thoroughly enjoy educating individuals of all ages about design and the vast array of flower varieties.

Just last year, I fulfilled a dream by opening my first brick-and-mortar business in my hometown of Eaton, Colorado, under the name Hana Floral Artistry & Design. The word ‘Hana’ means ‘flower’ in Japanese, reflecting my incredible experiences learning the art of floral design in that country.

My store isn’t just a floral studio; it’s a sanctuary where people can escape daily life. We’ve curated a beautiful space featuring unique gifts and home decor. It’s also a hub for learning and socializing with friends. Unlike traditional flower shops, we offer a unique experience where you can discover rare flowers and even handpick and create your own designs if you wish.

I prioritize buying locally and directly from growers to ensure the freshest products for our customers. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are always available to assist our customers in any way possible, ensuring a fantastic overall experience.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for building my business since opening my brick and mortar has been variety. The best thing I have done has been to keep people engaged and coming back by giving them not just one reason to come in but multiple reasons. I have created a beautiful place for people to want to come and hang out. When you walk in our doors, you’re surrounded by plants, flowers and gifts for anyone on your list. We also offer classes monthly to keep people coming back and staying engaged. Not only am I a daily florist but also a wedding florist in an event florist for any life occasion. People like variety and by giving that to them I believe it has been the best thing for my business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hanafloralart.com
• Instagram: hana_floralartistry
• Facebook: Hana Style Designs

Image Credits
Janie Edwards