We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rosalie Oland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rosalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I’ve never had a “regular” job. I could never have a “regular” job.

There are no days off in a small business. I’ve ordered flowers at the bar, answered emails at 11pm, and spent countless hours editing photos for social media. Mullica Hill Floral Co. is an extension of myself

Having your own business is both a proud and humbling experience. I do envy my friends for being able to clock out and end their work day at a set time. They have the stability and security that a small business isn’t always afforded. And while all jobs have stressors, being responsible for an entire business is daunting.

I have fleeting moments where I wish someone else was in charge, and I could just show up to work, do my job, and go home at the end of the day without a care in the world. But they are just that- fleeting. The reality is that I have never known a world where I wasn’t my own boss, and I couldn’t imagine giving up that freedom.

Rosalie, 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?

I have never known a world without flowers. I am a third generation florist who was born into the industry. My mom, Hildegarde, started her studio in 1987, and I grew up playing in flower boxes and learning to design with leftover floral scraps. As a teenager, I worked in her studio, and then became her business partner in my early 20s.

My studio is a small, family owned business operated by women. We offer sustainably sourced and designed florals for weddings, events, and daily deliveries.

Working in harmony with nature is incredibly important to me, as well as limiting our environmental impact. Our designs are seasonal, intentionally focusing on flowers grown locally in the NJ/PA area. We work with women owned flower farms during the growing season, prioritizing other small, sustainable businesses.

It is incredibly important to have a cohesive, recognizable style. My designs are organic and inspired by nature, emulating the gardens around me. My greatest compliment is from clients who say, “I saw that design and immediately knew it was your work.”

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency, longevity. A genuine love for what we do. Passion for educating on sustainable design practices, dedication to maintaining and caring for the earth.

Our business has operated since 1987, and my mom and I have a combined 65yrs of design experience. That alone is enough to garner trust in our abilities, but more important is cultivating relationships with clients and other industry professionals. Advocating for locally grown flowers and sustainable floral practices opened up opportunities to connect and work with other like minded people, who are seeking those shared values.

Authenticity in our practices ensures that we maintain the same standards throughout our work. I don’t believe in cutting corners- quality is key. Every aspect of our business represents who we are and what we believe, from eco-friendly packaging to customer satisfaction.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Give people a moment of your time.

We’ve been with some of our clients through most aspects of their lives- bridal showers turn to weddings, to baby showers, to birthday arrangements, to sympathy flowers and so on.

It’s imperative in small business to be hands on and responsive. Every phone call, email, design, proposal, etc. is sent by me directly. I designed every aspect of our website and social media to keep things cohesive and create our “signature look.” I think in a world so dictated by computers, people rejoice in having human connection. Just offering people the opportunity to chat when they call or come through the door is a such a simple kindness that is remembered. It doesn’t matter if you spend $30 or $3,000. Flowers evoke such happiness, and I want every client to feel welcomed and seen when they work with us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mullicahillfloralco.com
• Instagram: mullicahillfloralco
• Facebook: mullicahillfloralco

Image Credits

Kate & Jill Photography
Sharyn Louise Photography
Mullica Hill Floral Co.
Kate & Jill Photography
Christie Greene Photography
Serena Rose
Brooke Bakken
Mullica Hill Floral Co.
Vow2Vow