We were lucky to catch up with Elissa Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elissa, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My first client stumbled upon my Facebook page after searching for unique floral arrangements for their significant other. They liked the arrangements on my page and reached out to discuss their vision. Their aim was to find something truly special and outside the realm of typical commercial offerings—an arrangement that would not only convey their feelings but also reflect their creativity and thoughtfulness.

It was incredibly gratifying to have someone unfamiliar with my work appreciate the individuality of my floral designs.

This client purchased many floral arrangements, but one of the standout pieces was a custom design featuring an impressive 100 red roses, elegantly dipped in gold glitter to add a touch of glamour for a significant occasion.

In addition to that show-stopping arrangement, I also crafted a Hawaiian-themed floral arrangement. This fun piece included miniature pineapples and bananas, artfully arranged with tropical greenery and bright flowers, capturing the essence of a sun-kissed paradise.

Working with this client was a delightful experience, and I cherished the opportunity to bring their creative ideas to life. This by far was one of my favorite clients.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my floral business a year after my grandmother passed away. This year will be three years we have been in business.

I firmly believe that one of the most crucial aspects of being a successful business owner is the ability to respond to inquiries promptly and effectively. Timely communication not only fosters trust and credibility but also demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service.

Following up with potential clients is equally important; it shows that you value their interest and are eager to assist them in any way possible. This proactive approach can often be the difference between securing a new client and losing an opportunity.

Additionally, my journey to launching my business was significantly influenced by my experience in creating floral arrangements as a form of therapy. I discovered that the process of designing and arranging flowers not only brought me immense joy but also provided a much-needed outlet for stress relief and creativity. As I honed my skills in this art form, I realized that it was a talent I excelled at and could share with others. This realization sparked the desire to turn my passion into a business, allowing me to combine my love for floral design with my entrepreneurial spirit.

My arrangements differ from the typical grocery store offerings that often look alike. I strive to create a unique arrangement for each client, ensuring that none of them look the same.

One of the things I am most proud of is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and build strong relationships with them.

Additionally, I take pride in having had the chance to work with at least six different brides, and I was honored to be chosen as their florist.

My hope is to attract future clients and assure them that my focus is on making sure they are happy with the floral arrangements from start to finish.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I realized that the majority of individuals on social media were predominantly active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With this in mind, I decided to concentrate my efforts on these two networks to explore how much engagement I could generate.

As a newly established small business, I recognized that many potential customers were unfamiliar with my brand. This realization underscored the critical importance of building trust and credibility in my community.

To enhance my online presence and foster relationships with my audience, I made it a point to ask each client I collaborated with if they would be willing to write a review. This proactive approach not only bolstered my social media visibility but also significantly amplified the power of word-of-mouth referrals, helping to create a robust foundation for my business’s growth.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I decided to use my personal savings to fund my business because it held immense importance and value in my life. While I understand that many entrepreneurs typically seek external funding or loans to kickstart their ventures, I believed that investing my own money was a more meaningful approach. For me, it wasn’t just about financial support; it was about demonstrating my commitment and faith in my vision. By pouring my own resources into this project, I aimed to create something that truly reflected my passions and aspirations. It felt like a significant personal investment, one that underscored my dedication to succeed and grow, not only as a business owner but also as an individual who believes in the potential of their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_e_floral_/profilecard/?igsh=a213dTVpdGkyeDhz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B17SdxaFp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Catherine McKinley Photography