We were lucky to catch up with Debra Bazile recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debra , thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Starting a floral business has been a dream come true for me, but it’s also been a journey filled with learning and growth. When I think about what it takes to be successful, a few key elements come to mind.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to surround yourself with the right people. These people must believe in you and your vision just as much as you do. I learned early on that I couldn’t do everything myself, and trying to was a recipe for burnout and frustration.

For example, when I first started, I was so passionate about the creative side—designing arrangements, choosing the best flowers, and making my clients happy. But I quickly realized that running a business isn’t just about having a great product. I needed someone to mentor me, someone who had already walked the path I was just starting on. I was fortunate to connect with a seasoned florist who guided me on how to scale my business, manage operations, and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

I also needed a financial expert. Understanding the ins and outs of cash flow, taxes, and budgeting wasn’t my strong suit. Bringing in a financial person not only saved me from potential pitfalls but also helped me make smarter decisions that set the foundation for sustainable growth.

Marketing was another area where I needed help. It wasn’t enough to have beautiful arrangements if no one knew about them. Working with a marketing person who understood how to position my brand and get in front of the right audience was a game-changer. They helped me create a strategy that not only attracted new clients but also kept them coming back.

Lastly, the support of loved ones has been invaluable. There were moments when things got tough—when orders slowed down, when the stress of running a business felt overwhelming. During those times, having family and friends who believed in me, who reminded me why I started in the first place, kept me going.

So, in my experience, success in business isn’t just about talent or hard work; it’s about building a team of people who share your vision and complement your strengths. With the right mentors, financial guidance, marketing strategy, and support system, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your goals.

Debra , 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?

Hi there! I’m Debra Bazile, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the owner of Flowers by Elonne, a brand-new floral business in the vibrant city of Miami, FL. My journey into the world of flowers began with a simple love for nature and a passion for bringing a little more beauty into people’s lives. I’ve always believed that flowers have a unique way of capturing emotions and making any moment feel extra special, which is why I decided to turn that love into a business.

At Flowers by Elonne, we specialize in creating customized floral arrangements for every occasion—whether it’s a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or just because. But we don’t stop there! One of the things that really sets us apart is our floral workshops. These workshops are all about bringing communities and businesses together through the art of flower arranging. We use the most beautiful blooms nature has to offer, and it’s a wonderful way to connect, create, and enjoy something truly special.

Our motto is “Blooms of Joy, Rooted In Every Moment,” and we take that to heart. We pride ourselves on providing only the freshest cut flowers because we believe that every arrangement should be as vibrant and full of life as the moments they celebrate.

I’m most proud of the joy our flowers bring to our clients. There’s nothing like seeing someone’s face light up when they receive a bouquet that was made just for them. I want everyone to know that Flowers by Elonne is here to add a touch of beauty to your life, whether through our custom arrangements or our fun and engaging workshops.

So, whether you’re looking to brighten up your home, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy the beauty of flowers, we’ve got you covered. Let’s create something beautiful together!

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

What helped me build my reputation in the market was my commitment to follow up with my clients 2 to 3 days after delivering their flowers. This simple check-in lets them know that at Flowers by Elonne, we’re not just creating beautiful arrangements—we’re building lasting relationships. By ensuring that they’re completely satisfied and that their flowers bring them joy with every glance, we’ve earned their trust and loyalty.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media following by actively engaging with the floral community and supporting my new floral friends. I made it a point to comment on a multitude of posts and check in on the people I came across on my feed. By being genuinely involved and showing support for others in the industry, I was able to create connections that helped grow my audience organically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flowersbyelonne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowersbyelonne/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowersbyelonne/?paipv=0&eav=AfbIs3oXuTugWUCoMYJ3YETecB5Dwhssu6SPmp3Ikwnnb0fWjwSH8f355Wlr6cDO_eE&_rdr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flowersbyelonne

Image Credits

Winter Raven Photography