Meet Sasha of LOVE BOX in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha.

Sasha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Many people know me as the florist and many also know me as the speech therapist. “Which one is it?” they ask me. I am a speech therapist and, LOVE BOX is my side hustle–my online flower boutique. I often get asked when will I quit my corporate job, or when will I quit making flower arrangements. My answer is “I am not.” I love both of my jobs and they both help me fulfill my needs using both the analytical and creative sides of my brain. I became a speech therapist about the same time I woke up one day and decided to start a small business in floristry. As I got busier picking up more clients for speech therapy, it only motivated me to keep pushing and working harder with both of my jobs. I thought, let me do my best and see where my work takes me. It has now been two years that I am working as a florist and as a speech therapist, and I don’t plan to give up anytime soon!

Two years ago, I wanted to offer something different than a traditional bouquet that is often forgotten about when the moment has passed. I always loved receiving and giving flowers, and for my mom’s birthday I thought, How can I incorporate flowers besides giving a traditional store-bought bouquet that was not personalized just for my mom? I wanted to give her something personalized just for her and handcrafted by me to make it more special and meaningful. That is when I created my first boxed flowers bouquet.

I believe that with creativity and thought behind a personalized unique bouquet, moments and memories can be enhanced. I believe that if someone loves flowers, they should be able to enjoy them every day while they are alive and can smell them.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For my first year in business, I wanted to learn the ins and outs of floristry as well as what it takes to be a successful businesswoman—just because someone starts a new business, it does not mean it will “bloom.” The first twelve months were challenging as I got to learn what works and what does not, and of course, figuring out the audience I want to target and how to do that.

LOVE BOX is still a young business and though it is slowly evolving, it is still a work in progress! I have many goals for LOVE BOX and even for myself as a speech therapist. I can’t wait to see what the future of my businesses have in store for me.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about LOVE BOX – what should we know?
LOVE BOX is my online flower boutique based in Scottsdale, AZ, specializing in luxury boxed bouquets. We offer options of fresh flowers as well as year-long eternity roses that retain their beauty up to a year without adding water. What draws people to LOVE BOX is that our bouquets are maintenance and hassle free! With fresh flowers, our bouquets generally do not need to be watered for up to a week and there is no daily vase cleaning and stem cutting. Likewise, with our year-long eternity roses, a milestone or special event can be locked in time, and the bouquet can be enjoyed even longer. I like to think that anything is possible with LOVE BOX, whether transforming flowers into different shapes or using mixed media to create colors and effects in a single bouquet.

What sets LOVE BOX apart from some of the larger corporate premium boxed bouquet companies around the world is the fact that everything we produce is handcrafted in house. I have heard of companies that do not even put together their own arrangements, and yet they charge an arm and a leg for their arrangements. I feel if I start having assembly lines or order products that are already crafted and ready to be sold as is, it is not personal and meaningful anymore. I am the sole florist in my business, with the help of my loved ones when an extra hand is needed for large orders and hand deliveries. Not to mention, compared to most local flower shops, we try not to break the bank!

What also sets us apart from others is that most companies that work with preserved roses do not offer fresh flowers. Fresh flowers are always something I want to offer; I don’t want to limit my bouquet options to in-turn limit potential smiles and unforgettable moments. Another difference with my company is not only do I target customers at the national level, but I still focus on Arizona specifically. As a small business made in Arizona, I love stepping out into the community by making pop-ups and meeting other local businesses and groups to support!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am the owner, the florist, the bookkeeper, the face behind social media, and everything else in between to make LOVE BOX run smoothly. BUT, I couldn’t have done it without my family and loved ones who help me along the way by lending an extra hand when large orders become overwhelming, for hand deliveries, for visual team strategies, and by helping me reach my goals.

Pricing:

• Year-Long Eternity Roses from $25
• Fresh Bouquets from $40

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LoveBoxAZ.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/loveboxaz
• Facebook: facebook.com/loveboxaz
• Twitter: twitter.com/loveboxaz
• Yelp: yelp.com/biz/love-box-scottsdale
• Other: pinterest.com/loveboxaz/

Image Credit:
Boban Photography

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