We recently had the chance to connect with Angela Farris and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angela, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’m surrounded by fun, smart, creative, and a family-focused team who make me proud to be a part of their lives. We all still smile remembering when we made an unrehearsed birthday video for my mom to the song Cake by The Ocean. We hid under the counter and would pop up impromptu to sing a part of the song, but when we unexpectedly popped the dog up for an appearance we could not stop laughing. The look on his face was priceless, and the joy of that moment endures.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Angela Farris, owner of Lane Florist. I started my work experience in banking but dreamed of owning a florist. I wrote a business plan in college detailing the challenges of opening floral kiosks in the city. There was less information on the inner workings of the flower business then and kiosks became a thing of the past. But I never lost sight of wanting to be a part of this industry. Since I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, I knew I would eventually own a company. I also spent many lunches with a friend at the bank considering opening a salsa manufacturing business – looking back that was a great idea! Small businesses owners wear many hats. I believe to be truly successful we must first be a subject matter expert as well as good at fixing problems while not looking like we are fixing problems. Luckly, I spent my early years learning numbers and business fundamentals. My goal with this business has always been to provide an amazing product at a fair price, have fun, live with integrity and make money doing what I love. My happiness is when I see arrangements going out for delivery I want for myself. Plus, this last year has been a gift for us. We bought our own building, and for the first time in 26 years, we have parking spaces for customers, ourselves and room to play.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My family were workers by nature. Each member taught me different skills. For instance, in the eighth grade my grandmother ran a hamburger stand with her 5 sisters. She taught us to cook with quality ingredients and to work efficiently, insisting the kitchen be cleaned before serving a meal. My father demonstrated an innovative approach to business and instilled in us the belief that no challenge was insurmountable. My mom, an artist and an accountant, taught me creative skills and bookkeeping. Lessons like these have greatly influenced how I run my business and live my life.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss family. After losing family members, I did not realize how much I would miss the simple things like their voice, sense of humor or even just big warm hugs.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think I am the same everywhere. I really love life, and I am truly not smart enough to have different behaviors based on where I am. Mostly, I like to laugh, have fun and I try to live as authentically as possible.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
We love this business and there are always challenges and opportunities testing our skills. It is our job to fulfil our customers’ needs. For instance, if I must creatively source replacement flowers for shipments lost or delayed by customs, the customer remains unaware. Our goal is to ensure each client enjoys an exceptional experience with both our team and our floral arrangements and we strive to deliver our best work every time without revealing what it took to make it happen. We are truly honored by our clients’ continued support and appreciation of our work. We value their loyalty and the existing relationships and the new ones we are building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laneflorist.com
- Instagram: @laneflorist.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaneFlorist
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lane-florist-dallas?osq=lane+florist
Image Credits
All images were taken by Angela Farris
