Caroline Lahti is a floral designer delivering orders, events & weekly floral to individuals & businesses

BASED IN: NEW YORK

What do you do? 

I own a floral and plant design company focusing on custom orders, events and weekly floral for private individuals and businesses.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Did having an entrepreneurial family help you with starting your own business?

I always knew I needed a lot of freedom and endless room to use my entire drive and potential. I get bored easy and need things to constantly be changing and progressing, so owning a business gives you that ability to fulfill that need that I have. I figured this out more entirely after entering the working world.

What part of your personality has helped you the most?

I think a helpful tool that I have is flexibility. I don’t get stressed easily when things change last minute, or an obstacle is thrown my way. I think I’m good at quickly creating solutions when curve balls are thrown at me.

Also, the fact that I don’t get discouraged easily is and was helpful in the beginning too, because when something would go wrong, I wouldn’t waste time letting it get to me and would just learn and grow from it. I bounce back fast and can always look ahead for what’s next.

Is it important to have mentors and a good network?

For sure. First off my parents are pros at small business. This helps me with any technical questions. They are also always throwing out really amazing ideas and suggestions. I think growing up around this greatly influenced me as well.

Second, my boss from the first florist I worked at in high school always helps me out with any questions I have. Whether it be constructing something complicated, something about sourcing a specific product, or just general business advise, it’s really great to have someone who is on your side, so you can have someone in the industry to rely on for answers besides just yourself.

And of course network is extremely important to me, especially because I have no storefront. Florabrook is entirely word of mouth. Connecting with the right people is essential.

How do you balance being a creative person + being a business person?  Why do you think that so many people think it has to be either/or?

I actually really like both aspects. It’s a perfect job for me because I’m able to incorporate both. After sending emails and running numbers for a few hours, I get to go play with flowers. I don’t think I could do either one 100% of the time.

What is one piece of advice you can give to other entrepreneurs? 

I think you just have to believe in yourself. I have always known I would succeed, so I was always willing to take risks and just go for every opportunity. I quit a part time job to focus fully on the business, not knowing if I’d be able to pay my rent. I also have agreed to do many jobs that I have no idea how I will pull off while I’m agreeing to it – but I always work it out. It’s kind of a false sense of confidence. You have to be your own cheerleader.