Floral arrangements can be a beautiful addition to a wedding, can bring extra flair to a mundane event and can brighten up any home, but they can also be very expensive. Ashlee Willis of Ashlee Willis Floral Decor wants to give people the opportunity to brighten up their events and homes in style without paying big bucks.
Founded:
Ashlee Willis
The Problem Being Solved:
By using high quality, artificial flowers and offering the arrangements for rental rather than for purchase, Ashlee can help brighten up a day for a smaller price. She is also trying to eliminate the stigma around artificial arrangements. “I want to show people they don’t look ‘dollar store.’”
Where the Idea Came From:
While she’s had the formal business for around two years, Ashlee has been creating arrangements for seven years. She often saw people struggle with the costs of buying floral arrangements and she decided she wanted to help in that area. She moved from simply offering arrangements to an online business and is now known for renting arrangements and offering “Floral decor shipped right to your door.”
The arrangements are fresh, bright, and perfect for decorating a home, office or event. “And renting saves dollars,” says Ashlee. She even has repeat, monthly customers that rent new arrangements each month to give their homes or businesses a fresh pick-me-up.
Exciting Opportunities:
Ashlee loves seeing others get excited when they realize there are convenient and affordable ways to get beautiful arrangements for their events.
Target Customer:
Ashlee’s clientele covers a large demographic; from Senior Citizens who love decorating their homes, to businesses hosting events, Ashlee caters to the floral needs of many.
Biggest Challenge:
Ashlee is just starting to face the challenge of promoting in other states.
Surprises:
Maybe not that surprising, but Ashlee loves just how much flowers can change a person’s mood and she loves having a part in that.
Funding:
Bootstrapped
The Future:
Over the next few years, Ashlee would like to expand her reach across the state and into others, eventually moving into a warehouse and then a storefront. Her biggest goal for the future is to expand her branding.
Advice:
Ashlee urges new entrepreneurs to really learn the business of business. “There are so many people starting their own businesses, you really have to stand out.”
You can find more information on Ashlee’s Website and connect with her online:
