14/05/2026
Running a small business comes with many lessons, and today I experienced one I’ll never forget.
A customer first reached out the day before Mother’s Day enquiring about a native arrangement for her daughter’s graduation. At the time, nothing was confirmed, but yesterday I was asked if I was still available to create it — which I happily was. An invoice was sent through, with the understanding that payment would be made in cash upon collection today.
Like always, I woke up early and left home at 4am to source flowers for my orders. Because this arrangement was my only native order and had quite a generous budget, I spent extra time carefully selecting the most beautiful focal blooms possible. I visited four flower wholesalers and also purchased all the required sundries for the design.
One thing many people may not realise is that my business operates primarily on pre-orders. To ensure the freshest, longest-lasting flowers, I purchase blooms either the day before or the day of each order. My trips to the wholesalers involve over 200km of travel, plus petrol, tolls, early mornings, and countless unseen expenses behind the scenes.
Floristry is also currently my “5–9” after my full-time 9–5 job, which means very long days, little sleep, and sacrificing time with loved ones — all in pursuit of turning something I truly love into my full-time career.
After returning home, processing flowers, and beginning my orders, I then received an email cancelling the arrangement just five hours before collection.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Moments like this are incredibly difficult for small businesses, because so much time, planning, and money has already been invested long before a customer receives their order.
As a result, I will now be making some changes to my business policies moving forward. For all pre-orders, payment will now be required either at the time the invoice is sent or at least 24 hours prior to collection or delivery. Cash payments will only apply to purchases made directly in the studio, not for pre-orders.
If you need to cancel an order for any reason, I kindly ask that you provide notice at least the day before collection or delivery. If payment has not been received, unfortunately the order will not proceed.
Being a small business owner means constantly learning, adapting, and improving processes so the business can continue to run sustainably while still delivering beautiful work with care and love.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support, respect, and appreciate what I do. Your understanding truly means more than you know. 🤍