We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elissa Birke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elissa, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is such a good question! It took some time for me to realize that I wasn’t alone in worrying that my talent as a designer and my ability as an entrepreneur were somehow not as legitimate as the talents and abilities of other people whom I admire. I overcame this by working with a wonderful business coach who taught me how to change my mindset. I learned that self-doubt is normal; and that as a business owner, you don’t need to have all the answers before you launch – you just have to start, and over time, your business will evolve. I learned to watch my own thinking and recognize when I was having self-limiting thoughts; and began practicing a whole new belief system that is self-confident rather than self-critical. I learned to be as generous with myself as I would be to a friend. And, I finally gave myself permission to dream bigger by thinking about all of the people I could serve through my business!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born in New York City and consider myself lucky to have spent most of my life in my hometown. For those of us who live here, every moment of contact with the natural world is treasured. Some days, we may have a minute to walk through Central Park or watch the Hudson River flow by – but the sight of flowers in our homes, offices & private spaces is an especially cherished tonic for New Yorkers. That is precisely the reason I came up with the idea of launching DEAR BLOSSOM NYC and offering our signature service: floral subscriptions.
In my soul, I believe there is nothing like the color, texture and fragrance of flowers to delight the eye, refresh the spirit and elevate one’s space. Quite simply, a DEAR BLOSSOM floral subscription is a gift – for oneself or someone special. I begin by sourcing stunning blooms from local markets and beyond. Then, always inspired by the changing seasons, I lovingly design unique arrangements every month. And finally, our arrangements are beautifully packaged and personally delivered.
I also love working with local businesses, designing florals for restaurants, shops, galleries, schools and hotels; business meetings and brand launches; as well as set decoration for film and TV. And since I truly believe flowers add heart to any gathering, I love collaborating on special events – birthdays, anniversaries, showers – celebrating life for any reason at all!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. At the risk of sounding terribly cliché, I believe that, just like flowers, each us is unique and has something uniquely valuable to offer. I think it’s important to realize that, while your business won’t be the ideal solution for everyone, there are people who will see the value of what you have to offer, and love your product and your service. Those people, who resonate with your work, are your customers. My advice is to think deeply and specifically about who your customer is and all the ways that you can reach them, connect with them, and serve them.
2. I think it’s essential to be your authentic self and allow that to come through in everything you present to the world. I believe that authenticity draws people to you.
3. Finally, I think it’s important to learn how to ask for help. All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Finding mentors, teachers, coaches, colleagues, collaborators, partners and support staff will make you and your business stronger.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
During the pandemic, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a program called Flower Boss Bootcamp (now Flower Boss Academy). I would describe it as a mini flower-oriented MBA program, hosted by an amazing business coach who lives in Australia. Coaching was done via Zoom and through a private online community. The program focused on the business side of the floral industry and learning to think like an entrepreneur. It was a lifesaver during lockdown that enabled me to be productive and ultimately gave me the confidence to flourish. Although I am wary of the outsize presence of technology in our lives, I cannot deny that technology has enabled me to connect with friends and mentors from afar, who I never would have met otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Website: dearblossomnyc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearblossomnyc/
Image Credits
Katie Davis and Elissa Birke
