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Saturday, 26 April 2014 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Interest in Mother Nature’s delicate assets
Dhanu has always been a nature loving person but her interest for flowers and floral arrangements developed when she worked at a flower shop ‘Roses’ in Canada during summer holidays.
Having being an active member at Roses where she was able to learn a lot about floral arts by helping out with events such as weddings, birthday parties, and graduations, she believes it is this exposure that set the foundation for theflowershop.
“I believe in customer satisfaction and I always thrive to put a smile on every customer’s face. And of course, after seeing my passion and talent, my parents and loved ones encouraged me to start-up my own little business, which is theflowershop,” Dhanu told the Weekend FT.
Thinking on the lines of CSR with her small business venture, she ensures that all her materials are sourced from local farmers and vendors. It is her small way of contributing towards empowerment.
“It is important that we use local materials to uplift our homegrown businesses. I also try my best to use environmentally-friendly products as much as possible,” she expressed.
Birth of an entrepreneur
For as long as Dhanu can remember, she always wanted to do what she loved and was best at. “I always wanted to do something I love and had that entrepreneurial spirit in me. When I found my passion for flowers, there was no looking back.”
Asserting that an important part of this dream is her family, she was full of praise for her parents for being supportive throughout and giving her room to do what she wanted in life instead of charting her course and deciding on her destiny themselves.
“When I told them I want to start theflowershop, their immediate response was ‘go for it’. That encouragement was the stepping stone and of course with my passion for flowers, theflowershop became a reality. Having a big brother who is an established entrepreneur also gave me a huge boost,” said Dhanu, who clearly has entrepreneurship in her genes.
Her inspiration is the guidance and encouragement from her parents and loved ones who pushed her to dream big and follow her passion. Following the famous quote ‘the best way to predict the future is to create it’ as a mantra, Dhanu says her passion keeps her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit constantly inspired.
Managing two hats
Since Dhanu also works at an IT firm, giving equal priority to her job and her own business could be tiring, but this is no excuse for this young professional to perform at a lower level in either of her roles.
“I have to admit there have been a few sleepless nights. However, with the support of my family and all my loved ones, I am managing both well. As a start-up business I have learnt a lot from my workplace and these experiences allowed me to make better decisions when I am running theflowershop,” she stated confidently.
Customer always knows what is best
If Dhanu were to ask for help for her business, she would turn to none other than her customers since they are the driving force of theflowershop.
“Their reviews and feedback will help me grow further to become more successful. I believe in the power of word of mouth so I urge my valued customers to spread the word and help me reach the top.”
Dhanu is also keen on moving her business from a click to brick and mortar business model to add convenience to her customers. As a result, the next activity in her road map is to open a physical shop.
Access to expertise
Dhanu identified that there is less access to other female entrepreneurs who can share their learning with those just starting out their journey.
According to her, if entrepreneurs such as her have better access to business advice and connections, there can be higher chances of success. “If there is an open network for female entrepreneurs, I think that will be ideal for us to collaborate and connect with one another,” she opined.
Dhanu would like to see those equipped with the relevant expertise, capabilities and experience to reach out and support young aspiring entrepreneurs.
Another area she said that hinders young female entrepreneurs to start-up their ventures is the lack of financial support. Speaking on behalf of all those young aspiring female entrepreneurs, she expressed a financial support system catering specifically to that segment will be most welcome and well-received.
Speaking on the hurdles she faces in the course of day-to-day business, Dhanu said: “I come across customers from different walks of life. I wouldn’t call it a challenge but my aim is to give all of them 100% customer satisfaction and I achieve this by always providing fresh and quality products and understanding the needs of the customer.”
Encouraging entrepreneurship
Stating that the word ‘entrepreneur’ was foreign to the majority of youngsters a few years back, she noted that now many young girls were starting businesses using social media as a tool to gain access to customers. “It is important that we plant the seed of entrepreneurship at the early stages. Our school system should teach and encourage children to pursue their dreams and aspirations and give them a better understanding on what and who is an entrepreneur,” she said.
Message for young entrepreneurs
“It’s very simple, you have to understand that if you really have a passion for something and you really want to make it happen, don’t waste time. Make it happen! Take challenges and always dream big. Also, don’t forget to use the power of social media. Trust me, these apps and platforms can do wonders!
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always surround yourself with people who will give you advice and support. Lastly, never try to compare yourself to others or imitate. Be innovative and find your own unique creativity through your products or services.”
