Today we’d like to introduce you to Alecia Huynh.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alecia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I originally started my business, Bouquet Appétit, to get closer to my dad. When we came to America from Vietnam, my parents were adamant that my sisters and I became one of three things: A doctor, an engineer or a lawyer. Typical, right? So, I eventually found myself in pharmacy school and knew almost right away that this was not for me. I hated it. A drift soon grew between my dad and me as his expectations did not match up with my reality. We didn’t talk for a very long time and I felt alone, ashamed, and upset at myself. I slipped into depression agonizing over what direction to take with my life. Thank God, I have amazing friends who are always there for me. One evening, my good friend surprised me with a fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements to cheer me up. It was a delicious and fun experience. We ate the whole thing that night and I told them… I could totally do this! My first fruit bouquet was born.
I soon found myself carving fruit in my free time…. watermelons, cantaloupe, mangoes… it was a therapeutic outlet for me allowing my mind to relax giving me peace, and I regained the confidence to express myself.
After having not talked for some time, I reached back out to my father and he soon began asking me questions about the carvings. My dad is a carver himself, his preferred medium being wood to make toys for my older brother and sisters when they were young. He also revealed to me that my grandfather had carved fruit for weddings and different events in Vietnam. We were able to grow closer and bond over our mutual interest, and my dad now helps me out every now and then with an arrangement or observes me to offer a critique on my technique. I’m very lucky to have my grandfather’s blood flowing through my veins. I feel he helps guide me when I am searching for inspiration. That is how Bouquet Appétit was born.
Has it been a smooth road?
Potholes everywhere! There was a point where I wanted to give up the whole thing. It was so draining when I first started with so little family support. Thank goodness for my best friend and my boyfriend for pushing me to pursue my dream. I also thank myself for always looking and challenging myself with a deeper understanding of what makes me happy.
Being a one-woman show, there were plenty of times I got only 2-3 hours of sleep or had to pull an all-nighter. Working with fruit compounds this problem a bit, as I always want to ensure my clients get the freshest, sweetest ingredients possible. Probably my most challenging obstacle is one of balance: working full-time while growing Bouquet Appétit and finding time for my boyfriend, family, and friends? Phew!
My advice to other female entrepreneurs is to truly understand what you want and love to do. Once you have that, there are many resources (EforAll, SBA, Meetup, and etc) that are looking to help refine your business and elevate you. Networking is huge, and Boston is a great city for it. Plenty of small business events, trade shows, and more in the city — I would highly recommend starting out somewhere like EventBrite or Facebook to find interesting things that are going on. Many events I have gone to inspired me to take my business to the next level.
Probably most importantly, I would advise self-care and self-reflection. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. You will feel lonely and helpless at times, but just remember you are not alone! You are part of a powerful chorus of female entrepreneurs who are with you and will support you in your struggles because we have all been there. Once in a while, take time to stop, relax, and treat yourself. Even your smallest accomplishment proves you are amazing an amazing woman.
We’d love to hear more about BOUQUET APPETIT.
Bouquet Appétit specializes in designing unique fresh fruit carvings, floral arrangements, and dessert table designs. We create custom orders for weddings, corporate affairs, and other events in Boston and the surrounding areas.
We want to offer our clients stunningly beautiful fruit carvings and arrangements for them and their guests. The arrangements are carved to “wow” and give the guests an extravagant and unique experience.
My business is built around providing healthier choices and alternatives to classic sweet desserts. We are proud of being able to elicit joy whenever we unveil a new carving. We take the time to carefully plan our carvings and tailor them to the event to create a truly unforgettable display.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Opportunities are more available to women now than ever before. Women are now holding many high executive positions in the corporate leadership world. We are increasingly more independent in terms of our voice, business savvy, career goals, and even raising a family.
The entrepreneurial spirit is hearty and there are plenty of opportunities present for women to gravitate towards. Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) is one such opportunity that I was fortunate enough to be chosen for. It is a 12-week intensive accelerated entrepreneurship program that helps entrepreneurs understand the foundation of running a business from all angles: legal, accounting, business finance, etc. The knowledge and mentorship that they provide will absolutely take your business to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bouquetappetit.com
- Phone: 617.447.6590
- Email: alecia@bouquetappetit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bouquetappetit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bouquetappetit
Image Credit:
@belmiaphotography, @kiem.lam
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