We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Haley Ray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Haley below.

Alright, Haley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents laid a strong foundation for my success by instilling perseverance, responsibility, and empathy. They always gave me a nurturing environment where I felt supported to pursue my passions and explore my interests, no matter how often they changed! And being a creative, my interests changed OFTEN.… Their encouragement and guidance helped me develop a strong work ethic and the resilience to overcome challenges, there was never an unsolvable problem. They truly lead by example and emphasized the importance of education, integrity, and kindness, they gave me all the tools I needed to thrive in both my personal and professional life. They have always been my biggest cheering section. When my life & my career path changed drastically in 2001 & I could not have done it without knowing that they were beside me, every stumble of the way.

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?

From my earliest memories, the allure of artistic expression captivated me. Whether painting, photographing, or sculpting with clay and glass, I found solace in creation—a passion nurtured during cherished moments spent with my grandmother, who shared my fervor for crafting.

Our shared joy in watching shows like Mr. Dress Up, a program brimming with creativity, further fueled my artistic drive.

However, life took an unexpected turn in 2001, taking me from a career in graphic design & propelling me into the world of floristry during a time when I needed change.

The prospect of working with flowers intrigued me, and despite lacking any prior experience, I dove headfirst into the industry, determined to ‘learn on the job’. Over two decades ago, education meant venturing out of town for hands-on classes, as online resources were scarce.

This journey granted me a profound connection with each customer, allowing me to craft arrangements for their most significant milestones – birthdays, weddings, or farewells. I treasure the privilege of being a part of their lives, embracing their joys and sorrows with heartfelt sincerity. Reflecting on 24 years of fostering these relationships, from loyal patrons to collaborative ventures with fellow small businesses, fills me with immense pride. Moreover, the opportunity to work alongside my family, including my mother and children, within our tight-knit community, is a testament to the profound impact of following my passion.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word of mouth advertising has been instrumental in fueling my success, a powerful engine driving growth and recognition within my audience.

As with any business owner, striving to deliver exceptional service and personalized experiences to each person, I’ve cultivated a loyal clientele who enthusiastically spread the word about my creations. Their recommendations have served as invaluable endorsements for me, building trust and credibility far beyond any traditional marketing strategy.

With each happy customer sharing their positive experiences with friends, family, and co-workers, my reputation as a reliable and creative florist has flourished. This organic form of promotion has not only attracted new clients but has also solidified existing relationships, creating an amazing cycle of trust and repeat business that continues to fuel the success of my story.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Creating personal business bonds on social media requires a delicate balance of authenticity, engagement, and value creation. Watching trends, paying attention to what created the most engagement is how I’ve built my audience.

How we brand our business has evolved so much but right now, humanizing your brand, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, stories, and personal anecdotes that resonate with your audience is how to truly connect with customers.

My advice – respond promptly and genuinely to comments and messages, create a sense of connection and accessibility. Actively engage with your audience – initiate conversations, ask questions, and solicit feedback. Show appreciation for their support and contributions by acknowledging them, make it personal!

Consistently deliver meaningful interactions and content, cultivate genuine relationships, turn followers into loyal advocates who champion your brand both online & in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: badabloom-pa.com
• Instagram: bada_bloom_pa
• Facebook: Bada Bloom

Image Credits
Stephanie Gray Photography