Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Hubbard.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jess. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in the wedding industry about six years ago working with a wedding planner. I took a real interest in the floral part of weddings and I loved how much beauty flowers added to such a special day. I started doing small jobs for my friends and I fell in love with working with flowers. I officially started my business in January 2019 and have continued to make floral arrangements for friends and family. I have gotten where I am today because of the incredible support I get from my boyfriend and family and because of recommendations from people that I have worked with.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t want to say that it’s been a smooth road, but I am proud of how well I have done in my first year. Some of my struggles have been learning how to run my own business, building confidence in my work, and balancing work and family life.
I didn’t complete a college education so I am learning everything from the ground up. I have been learning from other business owners and by talking to local entrepreneurs about what they do to be successful. There are so many resources on the web and in the community to gain the knowledge that I need to build up my business.
Since I launched La Fleur de Phoenix and started doing a lot more work, I have been my own worst critic. I have struggled with being confident in what I make and not being too hard on myself. Often, I will finish something and love it, but then come back to it and hate it. But, like any artist, I make improvements. I feel like this has helped me continue to grow and love what I do.
Another struggle has been balancing work and home life. Being my boss and being ambitious in my first year means that I have taken on a lot of work. I have been trying to find a balance between providing enough for my family and being available to them. I have never wanted to be the parent that was “too busy” to do something fun together and I am still trying to find the sweet spot in dividing my time.
Tell us about your company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am a florist and I started La Fleur de Phoenix. I would say that my specialties lie in wedding florals like bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and flower crowns. I also do corporate events and special occasion flowers.
As a company, I would say that I’m most proud of being someone reliable. I try my hardest to make stunning arrangements and that fit the ideas of my clients. I love seeing a bride’s face when she sees her wedding bouquet for the first time and I love making a special day even more memorable with my work.
I am also proud to be a reliable vendor and business person. There is nothing more stressful than having late vendors or receiving something that you don’t like on the day of a big event. I do everything I can to be the best possible business owner.
I think something that sets me apart from others is that I am such a small business, just me. I feel like I can bring that extra personal touch that larger businesses can lose. I try very hard to be someone that a client feels comfortable with and I try to go the extra mile with last minute changes or requests.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I feel like Phoenix is a wonderful place to start a business. There are so many networks and connections for any type of business here. For my business as a florist, I am lucky to have a vast community of vendors in Phoenix and the surrounding cities to work with and get to know. There are also great opportunities with the Arizona Bridal Expo and other conventions. There are a lot of bridal focused businesses that have been around a long time and it is beneficial to make connections with those businesses. I have personally met a lot of vendors in Phoenix that are eager to network and make referrals. It is a great community that allows little guys like me to thrive.
I would recommend meeting as many people as you can. Personal interactions can make all the difference if you are just starting. Leave no stone unturned and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible.
Pricing:
- Bridal Bouquets $100-$300
- Centerpieces $75-$300
- Special Occasion Arrangements $40-$180
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lafleurdephoenix.com
- Phone: 480-532-0641
- Email: lafleurdephoenix@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lafleurdephoenix
- Facebook: facebook.com/LaFleurdePhoenix
Image Credit:
Phoenix Photo Design LLC
Erica + Jon Photography
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