An Interview With…A Small Business Owner!
Welcome to part two of my mini-series on careers! I really hope you enjoyed the first one – if you haven’t read it, check it out here – where I interviewed Olivia Tilley, a Quantity Surveyor working in the construction industry.
Our next interviewee is a small business owner and practically my family – say hello to Sophie Richardson. Sophie owns Charlton’s Florist in Crook, County Durham (give her a follow on Facebook) and here is her story.
1. What’s your name, age and what do you do?
My name is Sophie-Jean Richardson, I’m 23 years old and I own a Florist in Crook, Co.Durham. I currently arrange and sell flowers (from traditional to modern designs) within the local area.
2. How long have you done this job?
I have been a florist since I was 15 years old starting out as a part time Saturday girl, to now owning my own business for nearly two years.
3. How did you get your job?
I got my floristry job through my friend I had known since I was five years old. We cheerleaded together and spent numerous occasions together in the florist, dancing and creating routines then when I turned 15 and needed a job, I knew it was the place to ask and I started out working part time (4 hours) on a Saturday.
4. Is this a career that you planned?
This wasn’t the career path I had in mind – not at all! From being in school and working on a Saturday, I then went on to sixth form (Queen Elizabeth sixth form) to study a range of subjects such as; health and social care, sociology and performing arts while still working my Saturday job. Once I achieved my A-Levels, I applied to go to university as I wanted to be a social worker. I felt that studying to be a social worker was the direction where my education was heading. However, during my final dissertation (two months before it was to be handed in) I was approached by my boss at the florist and was asked if I wanted to buy the business. I was aged 20 at the time and trying to complete my final part of uni but after some careful consideration and meetings back and forth with the owner, I made an offer and it was accepted.
A month later on June 1st, the business was officially mine. It worked out well as I was able to gain a bit of experience in running a business as leading up to that date, the previous owner had taken some time off allowing me to learn the ropes. This gave me time to realise that I had definitely done the right thing in accepting the career change and in taking that jump from employee to owner! I always loved my part time floristry job as it was a way of showing my creative side and had chosen to study at a university closer to home so I could keep my job but never in a million years did I expect to own the shop!
5. If someone wanted to do what you do, what would you advise?
If someone wanted to do what I do, I would definitely say take the leap, take the risk, if you’re creative go for it! Never let anyone stop you or let their negativity put you down. Floristry is competitive as there are many florists out there but be different and stand out! That is what I believe in – don’t follow the rest. You don’t need to be qualified to be a florist, you just need to be creative and although I do have a floristry qualification now, I didn’t when I started. This was something I did on the side for fun.
6. Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I see myself in 2 years time, creating new styles and standing out from the crowd, showing the local community something different about flowers, showing a different glow and gaining customers and support along the way.
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