Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Rech. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I would say partially from my faith, values instilled by my parents and husband, and from the way I am naturally wired. Growing up, I remember being told that I could do whatever I put my mind to, and I truly believed it. I think it’s led to a somewhat delusional sense of optimism at times. I’ve been able to laugh at this side of myself at times, but in reality I think extreme optimism is needed in order to take big risks, follow our dreams, and succeed in big ways. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have fear that all my plans will crash and burn or fear that I’m not capable. Those thoughts are still very much there, but the loudest voice within myself says to expect of good things to happen. Somehow my optimism has always been the strongest force in my life and I believe it is truly the key to succeeding. Although I think it’s essential to carry this optimistic voice within ourselves, I think it is equally important to surround yourself with other positive thinkers. Because there will always be those who don’t understand your dream and don’t believe in it – and that’s ok, it’s not for them. My husband, Josh has been the biggest voice of optimism in building my business and taking risks and I’m so thankful for his positive attitude and excitement to chase dreams and hope for the best. I also feel because of my faith in God and past experiences of faith that even if my plans end terribly, God redeems terrible situations in amazing and unexpected ways, so I know that everything will somehow be just fine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started Botanical House with the dream of opening a floral inspired cocktail/mocktail bar and boutique. I’ve started small with a mobile mocktail cart and flower cart that I bring to markets and private events where guests can enjoy a botanical mocktail garnished with an edible flower and then build a custom bouquet of flowers that they choose from our flower cart. It’s a whole floral experience.
My husband, Josh, and I are passionate about creating experiences for people and creating space for people to connect, There is something magical about experiences that allows us to be lost in the moment, forget our hardships for an instant and enjoy the little things in life – the beauty, the smells, the tastes, the relationships. Our goal is to create that magical little moment for people by creating beautiful and unexpected experiences.
When we set up our mocktail and bouquet cart at public markets, one of my favorite things is the joy and surprise customers experience as they watch us top their drink with a vibrant edible flower. Or the smiles when we hand back the custom bouquet the customer created after we’ve wrapped it up for them. It’s all about creating joy for people, that’s why we do it and we are always asking what can we add to make it even better for people?
The dream is to open our shop in Rock Hill, SC. I envision the space being covered in flowers. It will have a bar and cozy seating on one half for enjoying a beautiful cocktail, mocktail or other beverage in a decorative glass, and of course garnished with edible flowers. The other half of the space will be a flower boutique with a flower bar to build bouquets, a space for workshops, and boutique gift items like soaps, candles, gardening books and more.
Until we open our shop you can find us as public markets in the Charlotte area or you can rent our mocktail and flower cart for private events like weddings, birthdays, and bridal showers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Flexibility
A love for learning
Sales experience
I think these have been important for my business but this might look different for another business. I think a love for learning is crucial because the first few years of starting a business is like drinking from a fire hose in terms of learning the essentials for a business to survive and thrive, and the learning never really stops.
Flexibility is crucial because sometimes we start with a plan, and find that in order for the business or dream to thrive, certain things need to change. It’s so hard to hold a business plan or a dream loosely, because we pour our heart, soul and so much time into it. But I try to hold my plans loosely, always remembering the dream or business doesn’t define me, and I hold it up to God with an open heart and an open mind about where the business goes.
My sales experience at a past job has been immensely helpful in so many ways, from developing customer service skills, being comfortable sending quotes and asking for the purchase, learning time management in a very independent job, learning to create processes in the business to be efficient and save time.
I think anyone can develop these skills if we stay in a curious, humble state of self-developement and find great mentors.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I actually have two books…
“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz
There was a deep anxiety to build my business now and quickly, like I had to do it now or it won’t happen. It always left me feels stressed and behind all because of expectations I was placing on myself. It led me to make fast decisions, not always the best decisions for the business. If I didn’t complete what i hoped to in a day because of unexpected interruptions it left me feeling so stressed. I found an incredible peace in releasing these expectations and the deep-seeded feeling of hurry. I think some of the need for hurry and success comes from our culture and the hustle mentality. This book is so countercultural and it has allowed to me set down these unrealistic and unnecessary expectations of the timeline for my business. Now I make decisions more slowly and thoughtfully. A friend of shared a quote “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” and that really resonated with me and the need to work towards dreams slowly and methodically.
Profit First is a book that breaks down finance management for business in a very simple way. I highly recommend reading this book and implementing the system. I hope it brings you clarity and peace like it did for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.the-botanical-house.com
- Instagram: @botanicalhouse_thecarolinas
Image Credits
Cait Louise Co.
Made Original Video
Karla Welch Photopraphy
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