We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Consqula Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Consqula , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I started Urban Lafleur as way to bring joy and love into peoples’ lives. At the time of me coming up with this idea, I was battling a serious health condition. I had just received some life changing news, and I decided to take a breather. In that moment someone walked past me with the most beautiful bouquet of roses, with tears in my eye, I smiled! It instantly changed my mood. I feel that roses can be an expression of many things. In life, we send roses to send a specific message to someone. It can be to get well soon, to congratulate someone, to send condolences, to say “thank you”, or to simply say “I love you.” I started my business during the pandemic with hopes of spreading love and joy to people.
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
When I first decided to sell roses, I wanted to be able to express my creativity. I wanted to be as unique as possible. I researched the market and came across preserved roses. These are roses that can last up to 3 years with little maintenance. There is no water required and they come in a box. These boxes can be custom made with so many colors to choose from. This is a perfect addition to any home or office decor. Within the past two years I have added rose bears, rose jewelry boxes, and rose make up boxes which are great gift ideas for any occasion. Customer satisfaction is always my main concern, and I strive to achieve that on every order. I would like future clients to know that I take great pride in making each box by hand. I made sure to research and provide the highest quality of preserved roses. These are eco-friendly as well. I believe this is what sets me apart from others. I’m most proud when I know that I’m helping someone put a smile on someone else’s face.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first started out, I realized that I didn’t fully research my market. At first I would just buy wholesale and then resale. This did not satisfy my creative side because I felt as though I wasn’t hands on with my products. This method also cost me more money with me just starting out. So, I decided to take a step back for a couple of months and I relaunched at the beginning of 2022. This allowed me time to research for the best rose quality and also add more products that was highly requested. This method was also less expensive because I am now making the boxes myself, per order.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My best source of new customers is social media and also referrals from past customers. Social media gets me access to pop up shops and networking events. This allows me to introduce my products. My past customers has their rose boxes in their offices at work and at home in common areas. My rose boxes attracts your attention, which leads to the question of “Where did you get this from?”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.urbanlafleur.com
- Instagram: @_urbanlafleur
- Facebook: @urbanlafleurllc
Image Credits
Personal photo credit: Myon Morgan at MM32photography Product photos: Hannah Mulik at Hannah Mulik Photography