‘The Sunday Flower Girl was born out of a hobby I rediscovered during lockdown and flowers quickly had me hooked under their unique spell…”

Today’s guest on The Business Diaries is ALL about the florals. Lisa launched The Sunday Flower Girl during lockdown and has since seen it flourish - so it’s a real pleasure to have a catch-up with this lovely lady on the blog today. Grab your morning coffee and get scrolling, where you can find out a little more about the story behind TSFG…

1. How long have you been running your business for? How was your business born?

I’d always known that I wanted to run my own business - I loved the idea of creating and building something that was all mine. But my biggest problem was that I didn’t know what I wanted my own business to be in! During lockdown I was working from home, and decided I should actually utilise all the free time I had to pursue something creative. I came across a floristry course and it really was a lightbulb moment! I would work during the week and then spend the whole weekend playing with flowers (which is how ‘The Sunday Flower Girl’ was born). After sitting on a laptop all week I found creating with flowers so therapeutic and relaxing. I enrolled in a face-to-face, two-week intensive course straight after lockdown, and that was it - I was totally hooked and knew exactly what I wanted to do.

2. What did you want to do for a career? Was this something you’d always intended on doing?

When I left school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I just did things that I enjoyed. I did a degree in Art History and then got a graduate fashion buying job, which was a good mix of creativity and business. I always knew I would do something that involved making things, I just didn’t know what that was when I left university.

3. What is one thing you know now that you would have told yourself when you first launched your business?

That it’s okay to not know which direction your business is going to go in. When I first started I thought I wanted to do local bouquet deliveries, but I quickly realised that I gained the most satisfaction and enjoyment from weddings and events. It’s okay to try lots of different things and then focus on the ones that feel right.

4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner, and how have you overcome it?

Managing time is a constant challenge because when it’s your own business there are no ‘working hours’. I’m a natural planner which has really helped me - on a Monday I make a list of all of the things I want to accomplish in the following week, and then I’ll pencil it into my timetable. Eg. one day might be an admin day, the next I’ll be going to pick up flowers for a weekend wedding. Being able to see the structure of the week helps me to make sure I have downtime and time to spend with family & friends.

5. Tell me an invaluable lesson you have learnt as a business owner?

Don’t compare yourself to others! Be obsessed with what you’re doing, not with what everyone else is doing.

6. Being self-employed can be a struggle! How do you stay motivated? Do you have any productivity tips?

Going to the gym, staying active and getting out into nature. As a florist a lot of inspiration comes from the outdoors, so I try and be out in it as much as possible. Having a dedicated workspace helps me to separate work and life - I have a gloriously tiny studio at the bottom of my garden which gets me in the right mindset to work. Also having a support network of other small businesses to cheer each other on is the best form of motivation.

7. Is there anyone (within the industry, celebrity, friend or family member) who inspires you and what you do for a living?

I definitely inherited my love of flowers from my Nan. She would arrange flowers for the local church and was a very talented gardener so I always think of her when I’m working away in my studio. I think she would’ve absolutely loved to see what I’m doing now!

Within the industry I follow so many inspiring florists that I couldn’t possibly name them all! But for me Willow Crossley stands out as someone who just looks like she’s having the best time doing what she does. She’s so passionate which really comes across in her work and socials.

8. Name me your go-to podcast, audio book or song that you listen to while working?

Girl Flower Podcast - it’s run by two amazing women who both have their own floristry business. Each episode is a chat with a fellow florist who has started their own hustle. I love hearing from such a variety of people - some are well established and others are just starting out. It’s so inspiring to hear other people’s stories, and to realise everyone’s journey is so completely different.

9. I’m all about supporting small businesses. How can your followers / customers / clients support your biz?

Book me for your wedding ;) Just kidding, although getting a new client is always the most amazing feeling! But some of the easiest ways to support small businesses are simply by commenting, sharing or leaving a review - every single one is so appreciated and really does mean a lot to a small business owner.

10. What’s one thing you dislike about being a business owner?

It can be impossible to switch off, or take time out, because there’s always something that needs doing.

11. What’s one thing you love about being a business owner?

Being the boss! Managing my own time and deciding what to prioritise gives me so much freedom to take my business in the direction I want it to go.

12. What is a common myth about your business / field of expertise?

That it’s very glamorous and it’s just playing with beautiful flowers all day! Whilst there are plenty of beautiful flowers, lots of people don’t quite appreciate the manual work and tonnes of technical preparation that goes into pulling off a wedding. Take a look at the state of my nails after a wedding job - definitely not glamorous!

13. If your business could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?

Bringing brides’ inspiration to life in ways they never thought of, and for simply creating the most gorgeous floral designs and installations!

14. What’s something your followers / customers / clients wouldn’t know about you?

My ideal Friday night is dog-sitting my best friend’s Bichon Frise and nestling on the sofa with a cup of tea and Gardeners’ World!

15. What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their own business?

To absolutely go for it! If you have a dream or an idea, don’t put it off; start before you’re ready and you’ll be amazed at where you get to. I would also say if you have a day job, don’t quit it until your business is successful enough to make a living from. Having a separate source of steady income can give you the freedom to make decisions that are right for your business at the right time - rather than making decisions purely on a financial basis.

16. What do you have in store for your business? Is there anything exciting around the corner?

Oh where to start?! I have so many ideas, but I have recently launched my first floristry workshops. I’m so excited to meet people in real life, share my passion for all things flowers and to encourage people to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.

17. Describe being a business owner in three words. (E.G Rewarding, freedom, challenging).

Rewarding, exciting, liberating.