FAIRFIELD'S
HAMLETHUB
Your Town. Your Message. Our Mission.
Why Small Businesses Matter in Fairfield: Floral Surroundings
Published on Monday, 14 August 2023 10:00
Written by Dan
Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Floral Surroundings!
Three questions with Tina Ahlberg, founder of Floral Surroundings.
Why did you start your business?
I started my own freelancing business after 12 + years in a local flower shop, and 35 + years as a floral designer and felt the need for change. I wanted to be free from the "9 am-6 pm" days and wanted to have more freedom to find my customers and be able to give them full attention.
I also needed the freedom to be able to travel if needed to help care for my elderly parents in Sweden, and this platform makes me do that. We only live once, so I want to be able to spend it with family when it is needed.
What is your best-selling product/service?
My knowledge about flowers, special holidays, and weddings & events is something I love to share. I have held a few workshops at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, and I feel that I want to be able to teach others my passion for flowers. It is very low-key, and not advanced, to be able to reach more interested people. Hoping to develop this part of my business more.
Also, my many years of experience in talking, listening & guiding brides for wedding flowers, in a personal and calm setting, on a schedule that fits my customer, is something I can do as a freelance designer.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I have started to work closely with AMG catering in Wilton, who refers me to their customers, and I do the same, referring to Alison as a caterer for my clients. I also have a great relationship with the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield. I am a member there and know that as a struggling club after Covid, anything I can do to get people to book the club, just join events held by the club, or come to my workshop- is a win for everyone.
I also freelance for Carrie Wilcox Floral Design, and have built a great relationship with Carrie. I like the feeling and idea of supporting fellow freelancers, instead of competing with them, as you do more in a flower shop.
I have also started to freelance with Michele at Blossom & Stem in Westport, another small business that is concentrating on personal customer service.
Click the image to listen to the podcast!
Praise from Wedding Wire when I was working at Hansen’s