We recently connected with Poppy Askew and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Poppy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
One of the most transformative lessons from my prior employment that greatly influenced my role as a business owner was learning to navigate challenging situations with resilience and adaptability. In my previous job, I faced numerous time crunches and budget constraints that required quick thinking and effective management.
Through these experiences, I honed my ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources wisely, and lead teams under pressure. I discovered the importance of strategic planning and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Moreover, I learned the invaluable lesson of embracing change and remaining flexible in the face of uncertainty. Whether it was adapting to shifting market trends or implementing new strategies, I realized the importance of staying agile and open-minded to drive innovation and growth.
As a result, when I ventured into entrepreneurship, I brought these lessons with me. I’ve established efficient systems for managing time and resources, ensuring that my team can effectively tackle challenges while maintaining productivity and quality. Additionally, I’ve cultivated a culture of adaptability within my business, encouraging creativity and innovation to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Overall, these experiences have empowered me to approach business ownership with confidence and optimism, knowing that I have the skills and mindset to navigate any obstacle that comes my way.
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.
Hey there! My name is Poppy. I’m excited to introduce you to Poppy Lavender Florals, where we’re all about celebrating the beauty of friendship, the strength of family, and the spirit of community through our floral creations. Based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, we’ve made it our mission to infuse every arrangement with these values that are dear to our hearts.
As for how we got into the floral design industry, it all started with a deep-seated love for flowers and a desire to share that love with others. Inspired by the connections we’ve made with friends, supported by the love of our families, and fueled by a passion for giving back to our community, we embarked on this journey to create something truly special.
At Poppy Lavender Florals, we offer a range of products and services designed to bring joy and beauty into the lives of our clients. From breathtaking floral arrangements for weddings and events to bespoke bouquets for everyday occasions, each creation is carefully crafted to reflect the unique personality and style of our clients.
But our work goes beyond just selling flowers. We see ourselves as problem solvers, dedicated to helping our clients create unforgettable experiences and memories. Whether it’s designing the perfect centerpiece for a wedding or providing a thoughtful gift that speaks volumes, we’re committed to going above and beyond to exceed our clients’ expectations.
What sets us apart from others in the industry? It’s our unwavering commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and genuine passion for what we do. We believe in the power of collaboration and community, and it’s this belief that drives everything we do.
What are we most proud of? It’s hard to pick just one thing, but if we had to choose, it would be the relationships we’ve built with our clients and partners. Each connection is a testament to the trust and confidence they have in us to bring their visions to life, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their special moments.
So, whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking to brighten someone’s day, we invite you to experience the magic of Poppy Lavender Florals. With us, it’s not just about the flowers—it’s about the love, laughter, and memories they inspire.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle as a florist eventually transitioned into my main full-time career. It all started during my time as a TV associate producer when I found myself drawn to the world of floral design. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a side business as friends and colleagues began requesting floral arrangements for various events and occasions.
I was taking floral courses online and in person and started with small pop-up events, selling small bouquets, succulents, and dried arrangements at fairs and farmers markets.
As I continued to hone my craft and receive positive feedback, I realized the potential to turn my passion into something more. One of the key milestones was when I decided to take a leap of faith and officially launch my own floral business while still working in television. Balancing both roles was challenging at first, but I was determined to make it work.
When my son Cassius was born, I bought and renovated a horse trailer and took my business mobile. I set up on weekends at ice cream and coffee stores, selling one-of-a-kind, hand-tied bouquets. These repeat bouquet clients became friends, and I began doing florals for some of their weddings, and things grew from there.
Over time, my floral business began to gain traction. I focused on building relationships with clients and floral vendors, delivering high-quality arrangements that exceeded their expectations. As demand for my services grew, I reached a pivotal moment where I had to decide between sticking with my TV career or pursuing my floral business full-time.
Ultimately, I chose to follow my passion and dedicate myself fully to the world of flowers. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Since then, my business has continued to thrive. I’ve expanded my offerings, built a loyal customer base, and even opened my own boutique floral design studio.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey that led me here. My background in TV production has undoubtedly influenced my approach to running my floral business, from creativity to attention to detail. While the transition wasn’t without its challenges, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my side hustle evolve into a successful and fulfilling career as a florist.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
As a floral designer, my reputation within the industry has been shaped by a combination of my creative flair, business acumen, and networking skills. With a keen eye for design, I strive to create arrangements that not only meet but exceed the expectations of my clients and customers. From elegant bouquets to striking centerpieces, each creation is infused with my passion for floral artistry and attention to detail.
In addition to my design expertise, I’ve also cultivated a strong understanding of the business side of the floral industry. This includes effective pricing strategies, streamlined inventory management, and staying attuned to market trends. By leveraging this knowledge, I’ve been able to run a successful and sustainable floral business that consistently delivers value to my clients.
My ability to make meaningful connections has played a crucial role in building my reputation. I’ve established strong relationships with floral growers, wholesale vendors, other florists and industry professionals, ensuring access to the highest quality flowers and materials for my designs. Plus my rapport with clients and end customers has been instrumental in generating repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
In essence, my reputation as a floral designer is the result of a multifaceted approach that encompasses both artistic creativity and business savvy. By combining these elements with a dedication to exceptional service and fostering strong relationships, I’ve earned a respected position within the competitive landscape of the floral industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plf.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppylavenderflorals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poppylavenderflorals/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/poppy-lavender-florals-los-angeles-2