Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Burns.
Vanessa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career in floral design when I was living in Baltimore. The first event company I worked for designed large scale affairs throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. So, it forced me to learn things very quickly. I relocated to New England for my husband’s job and since then worked at a number of different flower shops on the Seacoast. In 2014, I began working at the Flower Kiosk and when the former owner, Betsy Scott, was ready to sell her business, she approached me with the opportunity of a lifetime! Ironically, on my first visit to Portsmouth after moving to New England, I visited the Flower Kiosk and even back then I fell in love with the shop and thought it would be an amazing business to own one day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am not sure if taking over and running a business is ever a smooth road. I am definitely busier, at times, overwhelmed. But at the end of the day, buying the shop was the best decision I ever made and I couldn’t be happier! The biggest piece of advice I would give to potential business owners, is to surround yourself with supportive people both at work and in your personal life. It makes a tremendous difference when work does get hectic.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Flower Kiosk – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full-service flower shop that specializes in fresh floral designs, plants and unique gifts. We also do larger scale design for events and corporate accounts. The aspect of my job I love the most is being a part of people’s special day. It is so wonderful to be able to meet with a bride, help them create their vision, work with them throughout the process and see it all come together on their wedding day. I have been fortunate enough to keep in touch with a number of the brides with whom I have worked, which is very special to me.
One thing I try really hard to do is stay on top of, or even ahead of floral design trends. Floristry is like anything else, in that trends move quickly. I feel we have a responsibility to our customers to give them the opportunity to experience the newest ideas that are out there.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Two of the last three years I have attended a National floral symposium where I met a number of incredibly talented floral designers. Many of whom I have maintained relationships with. Locally, Portsmouth is a town where small business owners are supportive of one another. In particular, there are a number of women run businesses. We often get together to brainstorm ideas and support one another. Even though we are all so busy, we know how important it is to take time to get together and share our experiences.
Contact Info:
- Address: 61 Market St.
Portsmouth, N.H. 03801 - Website: www.flowerkiosk.com
- Phone: 603-436-1234
- Email: info@flowerkiosk.com
- Instagram: flowerkiosk
- Facebook: facebook.com/FlowerKiosk
Image Credit:
Lex Nelson Photography
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