Let’s extend the pretty things to this week as it’s just getting warmer and prettier here in Chicago. Meet one of our friend Beata Orwat, floral designer and owner of Dahlia Blooms. Not only she’s running the family own business, but she also studied the horticulture which I think is really different and awesome at the same time.
Now read on more about her…
What’s your background?
I was born in Chicago and my famliy is Polish, German & Hungarian’
Tell us about your education background.
I studied business at Northeastern, acting at Columbia College, & horticulture at Harper College
How did you start your business/what you do for living?
My family opened up a flower shop in Des Plaines in 1996 and that is when my passion for flowers began. We opened up a second shop two years later in Chicago & I recently took over the shop 3 years ago.
What inspired you as a creative women?
What inspires me as a creative woman is meeting other business owners/leaders and helping each other grow our businesses and become stronger individuals
What was your first job ever? Any funny or memorable story?
My first job was an assistant at a jewelry store at a mall. I was cleaning the owners office and accidentally left a rag on the edge of the owner’s desk. He ended up throwing the rag back into the hallway as I was walking by. I didn’t stay too long after that….
Walk us through your day as a floral designer.
I start my day out at around 7-7:30am, walk our dog Gizmo, sometimes I have to pick up flowers in the morning from our warehouse if I need them early before I go to work. As soon as I get to work, I check all our messages and orders and get them ready for delivery. I usually have wedding appointments during the day and or send out quotes for weddings. We usually get more deliveries and walk-ins throughout the day so there is always something going on.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
The highlight of my career has been taking over the family business 3 years ago after working at the shop for 15 years.
Where or what do you think you will be/do in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I can see myself teaching floral design and focusing on weddings and events. I would love to have pop up flower classes across the city
Share a quote/advice that you’d like to tell the 25 year-old you
Advice that I would like to tell the 25 year old me is not to take everything so seriously, to always keep learning, and stay strong & keep your head up in your most difficult times.
My favorite quote is the one by Napolean Hill
If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way
