6 Years of The Real Florist: The Biggest Lessons I've Learnt in Small Business

This year marks six years of The Real Florist in our beautiful Albury CBD.

When I opened the doors, I had a dream, a whole lot of determination and a passion for creating meaningful connections through flowers. What I didn't have was a crystal ball to show me what the next six years would look like.

I've now spent 12 years working for myself, but nothing quite compares to running a multifaceted retail business with staff, customers, stock, deadlines, opening hours and all the moving parts that come with it. Add being a single mum into the mix, and there have certainly been days where I've questioned my sanity.

Running a small business in today's climate is not easy. Rising costs, changing consumer habits, staffing challenges and economic uncertainty have tested many business owners. Yet despite all of that, I still wouldn't change it.

The Real Florist has given me the opportunity to build something I love, create jobs, educate future florists, contribute to our community and most recently launch a second business, She Deserves, with a mission to empower women to celebrate themselves.

As I reflect on the past six years, these are some of the biggest lessons I've learned along the way.

1. Service With A Smile Matters

The easiest customer service tool is completely free. A smile when someone walks through the door.

A smile when you answer the phone. A smile when you're handling a difficult situation.

People may not remember every word you say, but they will remember how you made them feel.

In a world where so much is automated, rushed and transactional, genuine customer service still stands out. Never underestimate the power of making someone's day a little brighter.

2. Connection and Community Matter

Business is built on relationships. Some of the greatest opportunities I've had over the last six years have come from conversations, collaborations and community connections. The people you meet, the businesses you support and the relationships you build often become some of your greatest assets. I've always believed that supporting local isn't just a slogan. It's a responsibility.

When small businesses support each other, entire communities benefit.

3. There Are No Failures, Only Lessons

Every business owner has made mistakes. I've certainly made my fair share. The truth is, every setback teaches you something. Every challenge develops resilience. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve.

Small business requires you to adapt constantly. Plans change. Markets shift. Customer behaviour evolves. Sometimes you have no choice but to change direction. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. The lessons that hurt the most are often the ones that teach you the most.

4. Hard Work Still Matters

I know there is a lot of conversation about hustle culture these days. The reality is that building a successful business still requires hard work. There are no shortcuts for consistency. What changes over time is how you work.

In the early days, hard work often means doing everything yourself. As your business grows, it becomes about creating systems, processes and teams that allow you to work smarter.

Success isn't built in a single day. It's built in the small actions you repeat every day.

5. Be Your Own Biggest Cheerleader

Confidence isn't arrogance. It's belief. If you don't believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

As business owners, we often spend so much time doubting ourselves that we forget to acknowledge how far we've come. You don't need to be the loudest person in the room.

You don't need to know everything. You simply need to back yourself enough to take the next step.

Show up authentically. Show up consistently. Show up as yourself. Nobody can do what you do quite like you can.

6. Remember Your Why

When things get hard, your why gets louder. The reason you started your business is often the thing that carries you through the difficult days. What you do and how you do it is driven by your why. It's your purpose. Your compass. Your reason for showing up every day.

Your why is bigger than a bad week, a difficult month or a challenging season. Your why isn't just why you started. It's why you keep going.

7. Social Media Is A Highlight Reel

Let's be honest. Social media shows the wins, not always the work. The big launches. The exciting announcements. The beautiful photos. The success stories.

What you don't always see are the sleepless nights, difficult decisions, financial pressures, mistakes and moments of self-doubt happening behind the scenes.

Be inspired by others. Learn from others. Have fun creating content. But don't compare and don't copy.

The businesses that stand out aren't the ones trying to be everyone else. They're the ones brave enough to be themselves. Your authenticity will always be your greatest advantage.

8. Burnout Is Not A Badge of Honour

This lesson took me longer than most to learn.

For years, many business owners wore exhaustion like a badge of honour. The longer the hours, the more successful you were supposed to be. I don't believe that anymore.

You can't pour from an empty vase. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's necessary.

The better you look after yourself, the better you'll show up for your customers, your staff, your family and your business. Sustainable success isn't about surviving. It's about creating a life and business that can thrive long term.

Looking Back With Gratitude

Six years ago, I never imagined where this journey would lead.

Today, I feel incredibly grateful.

Grateful for every customer who has trusted us.

Grateful for every staff member who has been part of the journey.

Grateful for every student who has learned alongside us.

Grateful for every challenge that taught me something valuable.

And grateful for a community that continues to support local businesses like ours.

Small business is one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. And if the last six years have taught me anything, it's that success isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, staying true to your values, learning as you go and continuing to grow.

Here's to the next chapter flower lovers and thank you for your support over the last 6-12 years, I couldn't have done it without you