After developing a passion for design, creativity and passion through working with Aesop, and Angela Zegir founded Bespoke Botanics, a beautiful Bayside Melbourne based florist business. We chat all things business, flowers, and work life balance.
What inspired you to start your business?
After 20 years in corporate as an executive I was burnt out. I had always had a passion for flowers and decided it was a now or never moment. And I haven’t ever looked back. I am driven to provide beautiful, affordable flowers to the people of Melbourne
Did you ever think your business would look like this?
It’s the perfect mix of event/design work and cute fresh posies lined up for delivery each day.
What has been your greatest career highlight/professional accomplishment to date?
I’ve been operating and working hard on the business for two years. That’s really paid off and I am finding people now seek me out to create creative and beautiful floral work. WE just had a bumper spring racing carnival which I was so proud of what the team achieved.
What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I truly love going to market 1-2 times a week and seeing whats new and fresh. I always over buy and end up with some goodies for me to play around with at home. What I love most is the joy my flowers bring clients. Seeing them delighted by my work gives me such great joy.
How would you define success?
This business is about providing me with a creative outlet leading to a viable business. Success for me now is so intrinsic and can be as simple as creating the most beautiful posy. My previous vision of success was so warped and built around corporate measures.
What was your dream job as a child?
I either wanted to be an art teacher or a florist. After a long 20 year delay (but completely worth it, especially the last 7 years as GM Aesop) I am very happy I made the decision to leave my corporate world behind and start my own business.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
Strangly it is much harder when working for yourself as you always have so many things to do yourself. Yet, I can completely pick and choose my hours and commitments and my family are much happier with this arrangement.
What is your current business goal?
To keep growing Bespoke Botanics to one of Melbourne’s finest floral studios. I want to be the first name people think of when they need to send flowers and want incredible value for money and not compromise on the blooms. We offer our medium posy for $35 including delivery to surrounding suburbs. That makes sending flowers so reasonable.
Who has been your biggest influence in business and why?
From a creative perspective working with Dennis Paphitis the founder of Aesop I learnt so much about quality, attention to detail and believe in what you are doing. Personally my mother was the hardest working single mum who always did her best to show us kids how you can work and be successful yet still raise a family.
What is the best advice you have received in business that you would like to pass on to our readers?
Prepare for your next career whilst you are still in the current one. Sadly so many women seem to feel they have to accept working in a job they may not enjoy. I would encourage everyone to consider what they really want to do in the future and work towards it. Find your passion and purpose and make it happen.
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