I think that start up costs can be crippling, sometimes impossible to overcome. I feel like you have been frugal and the investments can be used in new avenues in your business. I feel like people look for new or surprising things in roadside businesses. Continuing to add color, signage helps. People are just nosy 😂. Anyway, you inspire me. I hope to create a roadside stand too. I’m blind, so markets and delivery are very complicated for me. Thank you for the this series that reminds us that our businesses are nothing without accurate books. We might have wok followers, but are broke by the books. Thank you!!!🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸
Yes, those start up costs are no joke! And if you are trying to build a business for the long term, making those investments is so essential. The roadside stand is such an easy and efficient way to sell if you are in a high visibility area and/or can advertise it. I'm glad I inspired you! Good luck! 😊
I like the video! Hard enough to stand in front of the camera much less tell it about you finances! Keep up the good work and let’s hope for a better spring out here!
Glad to hear that! I think it's important to put that information out. This year already feels so different weather wise, hopefully it's a good growing year 😊
I really like your in depth videos very helpful. This year would be my first year selling flower I would like to sell to farms stand and florist. Good luck this growing season.
Fantastic job accounting for all your costs. I can't wait to see the difference in your 2nd year and so glad to see your negative net income has not discouraged you from going for it next year. I'm impressed with your analysis and evaluation of what worked/didn't work and being willing to make cuts rather than being married to them. That's how so many businesses are unsuccessful. Keep plugging away, I see a bright future next year for you!
Thank you! When I looked at what proportion of my spending was assets/investments, it made me much more okay with the loss! I think this second year will be a good one 😊
Thank you for sharing. Im a stay at home mom looking to do this with the kiddos. Please don't forget your losses can be used as a write off and you can take deductions on your phone , computer, camera, etc etc. This YT channel can also become a part of your business as well creating another stream. Then there is seed collecting which can help cut cost for next season. Be sure to look Into farming grants as well.
I’m so glad I found your videos! I’m starting a small flower business with my 13 yr old granddaughter. Our intention is to sell bouquets from a stand on our driveway. Your videos are well done and so informative. I’ve got a better idea of what we can expect and will definitely help with expectations this year. We’re also in the PNW and I’m finding city/county/state (Ore) regulatory information difficult to first find, and then understand. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your journey and instructing others like me who really need this information. I’ll be binge-watching your additional videos!❤
I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences with us. Not easy on your part, but very beneficial to us. The whole series was well assembled, and extremely watchable (What, not 10,000 views??). Thank you!!
I don't buy fertilizer, compost, or any seed starting, or growing mixes and yes, it is a huge cost savings. It does involve time and effort to save ALL garden waste and reintegrate it into the flower beds, but that is time well spent. I do incorporate a version of the hugelkulter method in order to do this.
Great point! It is definitely worth it to make your own compost. Especially if you already have the materials to do so. I've got quite the pile of chicken manure and wood shavings built up 😅
Small business growth curve is like that. No worries you will be profitable eventually. My most profitable (per square feet) flowers were lisianthus, asters and setaria. Of course sunflowers and zinnias were best sellers but they take space. I grow also potted flowers.. marigolds are easy and profitable. Think about it.
Yes when the bed space is a limiting factor it would be good to grow the most profitable flowers. I believe you can sell almost everything you grow so how to earn more is the question. Sure it is more difficult to calculate the profit when selling mostly bouquets. I sell my cut flowers 90 % to the florists and some in farmers market and groceries. But I am not as good in arranging flowers and making bouquets as you are which is more profitable at the end.
I'm bummed for you that you didn't have a profitable season. But I've very hopeful for the up coming and future seasons. Like you said, some costs were up-front, that you can now float upon in the future. 🙂 I'm curious about your signage. Do you have signs a few blocks/miles out in both directions, indicating that your stand is there? (Will your city allow that? 🤔) My concern about a roadside stand would be that people wouldn't see it until they're *right there*, and then it's almost too late to stop. 🚗🛻 Especially if there's not a convenient turn-around spot to go back a take a look.
I think if you're in it for the long run, you gotta make those investments. If I was just growing tender annuals it would be a different story! 😊 That's a great idea about the signage. Definitely something I want to improve this year!
Gorgeous flower bouquets shown in this video!
I think that start up costs can be crippling, sometimes impossible to overcome. I feel like you have been frugal and the investments can be used in new avenues in your business. I feel like people look for new or surprising things in roadside businesses. Continuing to add color, signage helps. People are just nosy 😂. Anyway, you inspire me. I hope to create a roadside stand too. I’m blind, so markets and delivery are very complicated for me. Thank you for the this series that reminds us that our businesses are nothing without accurate books. We might have wok followers, but are broke by the books. Thank you!!!🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸
Yes, those start up costs are no joke! And if you are trying to build a business for the long term, making those investments is so essential. The roadside stand is such an easy and efficient way to sell if you are in a high visibility area and/or can advertise it. I'm glad I inspired you! Good luck! 😊
I like the video! Hard enough to stand in front of the camera much less tell it about you finances! Keep up the good work and let’s hope for a better spring out here!
Glad to hear that! I think it's important to put that information out. This year already feels so different weather wise, hopefully it's a good growing year 😊
I really like your in depth videos very helpful. This year would be my first year selling flower I would like to sell to farms stand and florist. Good luck this growing season.
Glad to hear that! Good luck this year. Plant more than you think you'll need and don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned! 😊
Fantastic job accounting for all your costs. I can't wait to see the difference in your 2nd year and so glad to see your negative net income has not discouraged you from going for it next year. I'm impressed with your analysis and evaluation of what worked/didn't work and being willing to make cuts rather than being married to them. That's how so many businesses are unsuccessful. Keep plugging away, I see a bright future next year for you!
Thank you! When I looked at what proportion of my spending was assets/investments, it made me much more okay with the loss! I think this second year will be a good one 😊
Thank you for sharing. Im a stay at home mom looking to do this with the kiddos.
Please don't forget your losses can be used as a write off and you can take deductions on your phone , computer, camera, etc etc. This YT channel can also become a part of your business as well creating another stream. Then there is seed collecting which can help cut cost for next season.
Be sure to look Into farming grants as well.
I appreciate the thorough accounting of all your expenses. Kudos for being so resourceful and frugal and smart about your business!
I’m so glad I found your videos! I’m starting a small flower business with my 13 yr old granddaughter. Our intention is to sell bouquets from a stand on our driveway. Your videos are well done and so informative. I’ve got a better idea of what we can expect and will definitely help with expectations this year. We’re also in the PNW and I’m finding city/county/state (Ore) regulatory information difficult to first find, and then understand. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your journey and instructing others like me who really need this information. I’ll be binge-watching your additional videos!❤
I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences with us. Not easy on your part, but very beneficial to us. The whole series was well assembled, and extremely watchable (What, not 10,000 views??). Thank you!!
I don't buy fertilizer, compost, or any seed starting, or growing mixes and yes, it is a huge cost savings. It does involve time and effort to save ALL garden waste and reintegrate it into the flower beds, but that is time well spent. I do incorporate a version of the hugelkulter method in order to do this.
Great point! It is definitely worth it to make your own compost. Especially if you already have the materials to do so. I've got quite the pile of chicken manure and wood shavings built up 😅
Small business growth curve is like that. No worries you will be profitable eventually. My most profitable (per square feet) flowers were lisianthus, asters and setaria. Of course sunflowers and zinnias were best sellers but they take space. I grow also potted flowers.. marigolds are easy and profitable. Think about it.
Thank you for the encouragement! I should do a profitability per square foot calculation, I haven't tried that! 😊
Yes when the bed space is a limiting factor it would be good to grow the most profitable flowers. I believe you can sell almost everything you grow so how to earn more is the question. Sure it is more difficult to calculate the profit when selling mostly bouquets. I sell my cut flowers 90 % to the florists and some in farmers market and groceries. But I am not as good in arranging flowers and making bouquets as you are which is more profitable at the end.
Very helpful❤
I'm so glad!😊
You have to spend money, in order to make money!! You spend the majority upfront. You are going to do ver y well!!
So, so true! Thank you for the encouragement. 😊
I'm bummed for you that you didn't have a profitable season. But I've very hopeful for the up coming and future seasons. Like you said, some costs were up-front, that you can now float upon in the future. 🙂 I'm curious about your signage. Do you have signs a few blocks/miles out in both directions, indicating that your stand is there? (Will your city allow that? 🤔) My concern about a roadside stand would be that people wouldn't see it until they're *right there*, and then it's almost too late to stop. 🚗🛻 Especially if there's not a convenient turn-around spot to go back a take a look.
Spoiler alert 🧐
I think if you're in it for the long run, you gotta make those investments. If I was just growing tender annuals it would be a different story! 😊 That's a great idea about the signage. Definitely something I want to improve this year!