16/07/2021
It’s been a little while since I’ve posted on here, connected with my lovely little community, or shared my open heart with you all ~ but I’m feeling a moment of vulnerability tonight…
Thank you so much to everyone who has sent lovely messages or comments about the two magazine features in Magnolia Rouge + Wedding Sparrow this past week ~ it is always so heartwarming to see my work that I put my whole heart & soul into recognised in a public space amongst other creatives that I truly admire. Honestly, all your encouragement, kind words & support mean the world to me… especially at the moment, during what has been such a tough year for so many small businesses and our wedding & events industry.
At the moment, with yet another period of uncertainty thrown upon us all, to be completely honest ~ some days it feels like continuing to run a small business in this climate, within an industry relying on people gathering together for weddings & events, during a time when our wholesale costs have never ever been higher but clients budgets seem to be lower, offering a service for what ultimately is a luxury item, well… some days it feels like such a challenge and uphill battle. There have been some tears & moments of anxiety.
Each and every small business owner is brave, no matter what it is they do or sell… They took the biggest leap of faith to forego a stable salary from an employer to follow their heart and take the chance on making their dream, their passion, their idea, into a business that can pay their bills… and right now (but realistically for the past year) again, we are all trying our very best to continue to be brave… to ride this storm & the emotional roller-coaster to the other side.
I’ve been asked by well meaning friends, why would I keep doing this when it’s so tough with Covid heavily impacting weddings at the moment? I have 10-years of corporate experience & qualifications to fall back on, wouldn’t it be easier to just let go of the dream & get a job?
Well, what I’m realising at the moment, is a need to really re-focus on & remember my why… why I started, why I do what I do, why I love what I do, why I need to continue to share my talents, what I’m good at, what I’m passionate about… and not feel defeated.
I started Miss Fleuriste with a love of floral design & appreciation for beautiful thoughtfully styled occasions ~ a desire to feel completely fulfilled ~ and to make others happy…
That hasn’t changed, even after all these years, and even whilst navigating these challenging times & unchartered waters.
So, I just wanted to share how deeply grateful I am to every couple, every new or past client, who see’s the value in what my little business Miss Fleuriste offers. Those who recognise & respect what myself and my amazing team do. Who trust in, believe in & invest in our work. You are the ones keeping us going!
A beautiful bride who booked in her wedding date this week said to me that although she had received cheaper quotes, she chose to work with me because of the connection she felt with my work, that she knew I fully understood her brief, and she could feel completely calm knowing she had a vendor she could wholeheartedly trust, then walk into her wedding day knowing it will look exactly as she envisions… That is THE number one most important reason for choosing a wedding vendor ~ connection & trust. It was a beautiful reminder & so uplifting to hear those words during a heavy time… so I take these moments as a little sign from the universe, a reminder to keep being true to myself, true to my heart, my integrity and values of high quality & caring service.
This too shall pass, and in the meantime ~ this is your reminder during lockdown to take a moment to check in with your small business friends. Remind them they are brave and strong, and doing their very best. I know they will appreciate the love 💗 xx
