This is where we meet one of our Self Employed community in a series of blog interviews. This edition features Rachel from The Rose Shed.
This is how Rachel works
- Business location: The Rose Shed, 214 Paintworks, Bristol BS4 3AQ.
- Current venture: The Rose Shed.
- One rule I stick to in business: go with your gut instinct, always. If something feels wrong, it probably is, and it is ok to say no.
- Current mobile phone: iPhone 8.
- Current computer: MacBook Pro.
How Rachel got into SEO
I run a floristry business from my studio in Paintworks, offering wedding flowers, event flowers and bouquet delivery in Bristol, with peak seasons around Mother's Day and Valentine's Day and workshops throughout the year, including Christmas wreath workshops. A well-kept Google Business Profile helps significantly during peak season. I started floristry at age 13 as a Saturday girl in a local florist, moving to a modern florist at 14, and later worked for an artificial flower company supplying designs to Next, Laura Ashley and high street stores. As design team leader I gained experience with corporate clients, tight deadlines and budgets. After moving to Bristol I worked for one of Bristol's busiest florists in Clifton Village, then set up on my own at age 26. Now at 34, I have run The Rose Shed for 8 years.
What tools do you use to help get you through the day?
I am a huge stickler for a list and schedule, with each working day planned down to the hour. I wake up super early at 4 to 5am. Time-plan your day, and if you don't finish a task in its slot, move on. Social media is a major tool: I take dedicated time each day for Instagram to showcase work and engage with clients and suppliers, which over the long term feeds back into brand search volume when people look for The Rose Shed by name.
What's your working environment setup like?
My living space is above the studio, which is useful when getting up at 4am and working late on big weddings, though it means you never really leave your work environment. A desk and chairs are set up at the front for admin and consultations, with the rest dedicated to flowers.
What's your best productivity shortcut or life hack?
Delegation. For a self-confessed control freak it took a while to realise this. Get people to help and pay them to do tasks you could do yourself but lack time for, so your time is spent on the business. For example, having a cleaner frees time and is good for mental health.
How do you keep your to-do list in check?
I am pretty old school: a list with pen and paper, though the notes section on my iPhone is totally full.
What do you listen to while you work?
I am not good with silence. When flowering we have the radio on all day, switching from Radio 2 to Radio 6 and playing Ken Bruce's Pop Master. In the early hours I listen to business podcasts including She Did It Her Way by Amanda Boleyn and Small and Mighty by Sam Burgess, plus floristry business podcasts. Desert Island Discs is also a favourite.
What are you currently reading?
I recently read Start With Why by Simon Sinek, about bringing business back to why you do it. Another is Touching The Void, which I think of whenever I am having a meltdown, reminding me I can crack on.
How do you wind down?
As a small business owner it is crucial to switch off. I love running, which is great for mental health and fitness, and I walk my Irish Terrier Betsy in the countryside. This year I have blocked out a few weekends off to get away and come back to the business with fresh eyes.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Only worry about the things you can change. It is easy to overthink everything working for yourself, so focusing on how you react is a simple but important reminder.