Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheritta Horne.
Sheritta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a 4th generation business owner, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Although I’ve been a pharmacist for the last ten years, I knew I wasn’t interested in owning a pharmacy. I wanted a business I could be passionate about. A business where I could showcase my creativity! One day I was assigned to work in Tom Thumb Pharmacy. This pharmacy happened to be right across from the flower department. In between the scurrying of customers and prescriptions, I couldn’t help but notice how pretty the arrangements were. It became my oasis, in the middle of my usually mundane and repetitive day.
A few months later I heard that Flowers of Las Colinas which is located in the exact same shopping center was now for sale. What a fortune! I quickly approached the owners to get more details about the sale. After meeting with them, I could see why they were ready to let it go. The store needed some updating and a lot of polishing up. However, even with the chipped paint, the store itself had tons of potential! It’s centrally located in the heart of the DFW metroplex. I dedicated my time and put forth the hard work, it proved to be a diamond in the rough! I took a step out on faith and went from being an employee to an employer!!
Now, two and a half years later, I have a fully functional online catalog, monthly host events on Facebook Live, and I’ve even been spotlighted by the women’s business center as a sprouting entrepreneur. Being a business owner is definitely more challenging than I thought, but it’s also rewarded me far beyond my wildest dreams
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?
Nothing worth having comes easy!! This business has pushed me completely out of my comfort zone and challenged me to grow in ways I didn’t even know were possible! The flower business is constantly changing, which means we have to remain innovative and think outside of the box. Our biggest challenge, by far, has been COVID-19. The majority of our reoccurring business stems from local businesses, restaurants, and hotels, all of which have shut down/limited their service due to quarantining. Once again, we had to think strategically to grow and adapt. This summer, we started hosting wine and design classes. Similar to painting with a twist, we invite patrons to learn the art of arrangement over wine, music, and laughs. While it has been slow to start, we are beginning to gain momentum! Beginning in July, we will be able to offer two classes a week! Not only is this increasing our revenue stream, but its allowing us to connect with a customer base that we have yet to tap into!
Flowers of Las Colinas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in everyday and event florals. One of the things I’m most proud of is my amazing staff! The diversity of my floral team is a dream! We have a designer that specializes in funerals and weddings, a botanist who can bring any plant back to life, and a designer that specializes in ikebana flower arranging, which is a specialty for tropical flowers, such as orchids, birds of paradise, protea and etc.
In addition to having an amazing team, we have also found a unique way to connect with the community. We have found our nitch in partnership with minority and women-owned businesses. We feature these items with our flowers in package deals. From candle to crystals to artwork and wine accessories, Flowers at Las Colinas is a one-stop-shop for the perfect gift, design, or decoration.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Honestly, stepping out on faith to even become the owner of Flowers of Las Colinas has been greatest yet most rewarding accomplishment. I’m generally not a risk taker at all, however I left the stability of an guaranteed paycheck in order to become my own boss. I’ve always knew that I was meant to be more than just a pharmacist and Flowers of Las Colinas has allowed that vision to become a reality for me. Literally running a business is harder than pharmacy school! But I wouldn’t trade the experience I have gain from being business owner, let’s just say the risk was definitely worth it ; )
Contact Info:
- Address: 4030 N MacArthur Blvd #120
Irving, TX 75038 - Website: www.flowersoflascolinastx.com
- Phone: 972-281-1000
- Email: flowersoflascolinas@gmail.com
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