The moment has finally come! After weeks of designing, building and tweaking the website, it finally went live on Wednesday, February 21st 2024. It was officially the first day of Emerald La Fleur history!
Nerves started to kick in the night before. It was a combination of excitement and a bit of anxiety because it’s such a huge deal for me. But, all the anxiety was washed away the moment I announced on all my social media and friends and family, and even people I never met, started to come through with positive feedback and support!
The first order came in the first hour and I was ecstatic. It was from my Mother In Law, Connie, and I knew she would come through to be the first one to support but nonetheless I was excited to get my very first order ever! Then I kept getting more orders every hour and I couldn’t believe what was happening.
Honestly, I was not even expecting to get any sales on the first few days of launch. I was expecting people to take time to digest everything. I mean, there was a lot to take in. No one really knew about it until launch day. Only my husband, son, mother in law and a couple relatives in Cincinnati knew about it beforehand. So, I was expecting that it would take a few days to get the word out there for any sales to trickle in. And boy was I wrong, in a good way! I was pleasantly and gratefully surprised by the support and love on our first day!
That night, I had a hard time going to bed, I was on a high I never felt before. I mean, I was so happy and excited and I couldn’t calm myself down. I honestly couldn’t wait til the morning to make all the arrangements!
The next day, after just a few hours of sleep, I woke up very early, before sunrise. I wanted to get started early so all deliveries can be done before noon. They were all different arrangements and I enjoyed making each one of them, all with different personalities and stories to tell.
I must admit I am totally new to this flower business but having the background in business and finance management, social media and marketing, and of course fueled by my passion for flowers, I think I did alright on my first week! I’m officially a FLORIST now and I am really proud to call myself that because I EARNED it. I worked really hard to get here and it makes me so happy to be able to do it as a profession now.
I still have a lot to learn and I am enjoying discovering what goes on behind the scenes of being a florist. Being able to see the mechanics of the website from the backend, the process of flower delivery and the financial aspects of everything, are all first hand knowledge and experience that no one has taught or shown me. I am a humble student and I am eager to be the best I can be as a Florist.
To everyone who has made a purchase already, I am so grateful for you! I am also thankful for everyone who showed support and who shared my links and posts. Please keep sharing and continue to support me whenever you can! I’d grateful appreciate it!
Lastly, as a reminder, I have a PAY IT FORWARD Gift Giving Program, please check it out and see if you or anyone you know may be interested in this cause. I’m really hoping to get this program started!
Much love,
Emerald
