We recently connected with Shelby Horton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby , thanks for joining 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?

Being a business owner comes with its highs and lows, from making impactful decisions to managing various aspects of the company. Occasionally, the thought of a regular job crosses my mind, with its stability and structured routine, but the allure of entrepreneurship’s challenges and rewards remains strong. At the end of the day building something myself outweighs all the pros of a “normal” job.

Shelby , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shelby, a passionate floral artist specializing in creating enchanting experiences for weddings and events. My journey into the world of flowers began as a teenager. After years of honing my craft through formal training and hands-on experience, I found my true calling as a wedding and events florist. My goal is to translate emotions into botanical designs, crafting arrangements that resonate with each client’s unique story and vision. I believe that flowers have the remarkable power to transform spaces, evoke feelings, and create unforgettable memories.

With every bouquet, centerpiece, and floral installation I design, I pour my heart into curating moments of beauty and elegance. My journey has been one of growth, learning, and joy as I collaborate with couples and event planners to turn dreams into reality. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, I thrive on weaving nature’s artistry into life’s most cherished occasions.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

The most shocking part for me when I bought this business was that no one tells you what you’re supposed to do after it’s a done deal. You’re handed this company with no manual or instructions. Google became my best friend and for the most part it was a trusty partner, but it only tells you as much as you ask. You can’t ask what you don’t know and taxes are something I didn’t know. I knew about the basic taxes such as sales, income, state and local, things like that. But I did not know that even if you don’t have a franchise, you have to pay franchise taxes once a year. Nothing is mailed to you telling you this so I did not file it my first year. The next thing I know accounts are frozen and I have no clue why.

I figured out the reason and got everything taken care of but for a minute I definitely thought it was the death of the business. I wasn’t sure what was happening or why as there’s no warning. Once I figured out the reasoning and learned it was an easy fix it was such a relief. There are so many factors that go into keeping a business afloat. It can be difficult to keep up with those things on your own and is definitely a learning curve.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One notable book that has had an impact on both my entrepreneurship and philosophy is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This book introduces the concept of applying lean manufacturing principles to startups, emphasizing iterative development, validated learning, and a scientific approach to building successful businesses. It challenges traditional notions of entrepreneurship while also sparking discussions about the philosophy of creating value, adapting to change, and embracing uncertainty in the business world.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.roanokefloristevents.com
• Instagram: Roanokefloristevents
• Facebook: Roanokefloristevents

Image Credits
@izziecerventasphotography @avery_earl