*

Laura "Fifi" Flowers


Web Site: http://fififlowersdecor.blogspot.com/
Email: fifi@fififlowersdesign.com



Tell us more about your woman-owned business.

I am an interior designer and an artist. These are the two passions that became the foundation of what today is Fifi Flowers Design. My business allows me to fuse my interests and create beautiful interior designs and bring those designs to life with my art. My goal in starting Fifi Flowers Design was to brand the company as FUN and WHIMSICAL and I believe I’ve achieved just that.

Why did you decide to start this type of woman-owned business?

I’ve always had a passion for art and the desire to share my creativity with the world. Nothing thrills me more than to walk into an empty room and turn it into a beautiful place that is going to reflect my client’s personality and put a smile on their face. The same thing happens when I have a blank canvas in front of me. I start with an idea, but the outcome is always more pleasing than what I initially envisioned. Because of my passion for art and design, I can’t imagine doing anything else in this world. For these reasons, I couldn’t find better ways to put my interests at work than to have my own business.

What makes your business unique?

The Parisian influence in my work! But I also consider my business unique because it truly encompasses my vision and creativity. When I’m working with a client, I put myself in my client’s shoes and go to work with their personality and style in mind. I work with their preferred colour, texture, furnishings and in many cases, original paintings that reflect the vision they have communicated to me.

Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered related to starting a business?

I find my biggest challenge has been time management…lol..and yet somehow I manage to get it all done. Clients still need to get their projects and art delivered on time! I guess, I always feel there just aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on my to do list (how about a 36 hour day…anyone?!) As an Interior Designer, Artist, Mom and wife, sometimes I feel like I have four full time jobs!

How did you overcome these challenges?

If I could impart a tiny bit of advice to all the women entrepreneurs of the world is would say this: Prioritizing is the key! First, I am a mom and I must take care of my family. Secondly, I line up my projects in order of priority (deadlines, appointments, and such). Lastly, I make sure I take care of myself too. From enjoying an afternoon out with my girlfriends, a Saturday morning at the spa, or simply having quiet moments to myself, I find these are the things I need to help me get through challenging weeks. These kinds of things truly allow me to rejuvenate and recharge my creative mind.

What has been your biggest success thus far?

One of my biggest successes is to put a smile on my client’s faces every time that receive a finished product. Perhaps that falls under a “biggest satisfaction” category, but I consider that a great success. I would also say that I’ve been blessed with the ability to really get into communication with my clients and fully duplicate their vision for their home or art. I listen and make sure that the environment or art work that I have created for them makes them happy. To me, success comes from bringing joy to others, and I truly believe that I get to accomplish that every time I undergo a different project.

What is your favorite free business resource?

In this day of evolving technology, I would have to say that BLOGGING has become my favorite free business resource. Fifi Flowers Design now has worldwide reach! Through the Internet I’ve been able to show my work and promote my business on a global level. I even have a client in Denmark that found me though my blog.

Can you share with us something that is not widely known about your business?

My business is named after ME. Most people I know personally call me "Fifi"as it is a nickname that was given to me by my husband (boyfriend at the time) when I was in art school. Once I married and took my husband’s last name, I became Fifi Flowers.

What words of advice would you provide to other women who are considering starting a business?

My advice to any woman considering starting a business is this: Make sure you have a true passion for the type of business you want to start. Passion will make you strive to succeed and will make the process more enjoyable. Plus as I mentioned above, since we don’t really have the luxury of a longer day… prioritizing is key!

Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?

I would love extended an offer a 20% discount to anyone interested in purchasing artwork in MY ETSY STORE. Pop in and shop for FUN and whimsical art!

Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!