We recently connected with Will Craig and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Will, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is a product of life’s unpredictable challenges, much like facing unexpected curve balls. In those moments, I’ve honed the superpower of adaptability. Giving up easily has never been my style. When I set a goal, I persevere until it’s achieved. Regardless of the obstacles thrown my way, I possess the ability to forge ahead.
Within these challenging moments, I’ve not only discovered gratitude but also delved deeper into understanding myself. There’s a profound sense of empowerment in realizing the strength to navigate difficulties. I firmly believe that the act of giving holds greater significance than receiving. This principle is especially vital in the business realm, where a genuine heart for service becomes a cornerstone.
Throughout my entire life, I’ve been dedicated to serving others, an ethos seamlessly integrated into my business approach. This dedication isn’t just a professional stance; it’s a reflection of who I am. The journey is not without its challenges, but it’s through these challenges that resilience, determination, and a commitment to service paint the vibrant picture of my personal and professional story.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hey Bloomers and Future Bloomers!
Guess who’s bringing the floral magic to Kirkwood? It’s me, William Craig, the proud new owner of The Sidewalk Garden in Atlanta, GA! 🌸✨ I’m beyond excited to share my journey with you, and trust me, it’s been a wild ride!
Picture this: A guy with a passion for flowers and events, working his floral magic in the basement for a decade. Fast forward to a dream of having a turnkey floral shop. But, oh boy, the Atlanta real estate market had other plans! 🏡💐
I scouted 15 properties, dodging overpriced ones, squeezing into tiny spaces, and saying no to locations that just didn’t vibe with my vision. Five years ago, I quit the corporate hustle, armed with a vision board, Pinterest dreams, and a ton of determination. I ran my business as if I already had that dream shop, because, you know, you gotta hustle like you’ve already made it!
Now, let’s hit the rewind button to 2023. The first three quarters were a rollercoaster. Health issues, losses, and friendship dramas had me questioning everything. I even faced rejection from job interviews because they knew I was destined for entrepreneurship. Little did I know, September had a surprise waiting for me.
My wholesaler, Mayesh, dropped the bomb – a floral shop was closing, and it could be mine! A sneak peek on IG, a hesitant visit, and boom – I was hooked. Closed the deal on 9/22/23, started working the next day, and I haven’t left since. Talk about destiny, right?
I still pinch myself because this is my reality now. My story screams perseverance through the lows, and if it inspires just one person, then my mission is accomplished. Kirkwood, you’ve embraced me, and The Sidewalk Garden is flourishing – it’s more than just a flower shop; it’s pure magic. 🌿💖 Come bloom with us! #SidewalkGardenMagic #FloralDreamsInBloom
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience and Perseverance:
Why it matters: Life is full of challenges and setbacks. Resilience helps you bounce back from failures, adapt to change, and keep going.
Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Develop a mindset that views obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages and uplifts you during tough times.
Vision and Planning:
Why it matters: Having a clear vision and strategic planning provide a roadmap for your journey. It helps set goals, prioritize tasks, and stay focused on the bigger picture.
Advice: Define your vision and create a plan of action. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Regularly revisit and adjust your plan as needed. Utilize tools like vision boards, goal-setting techniques, and project management skills to stay organized.
Adaptability and Learning Agility:
Why it matters: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continuously learn is crucial in a dynamic environment. It allows for growth, innovation, and the ability to navigate unforeseen challenges.
Advice: Stay curious and open-minded. Embrace change as an opportunity for improvement. Seek out learning experiences, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed learning. Cultivate a growth mindset that views every experience as a chance to gain new skills and insights.
For those early in their journey, my advice is:
Embrace Challenges:
Understand that challenges are an inherent part of any journey. Embrace them as opportunities to learn, grow, and become more resilient.
Define Your Vision:
Clearly define your goals and vision. Understand where you want to go and what success looks like for you. Use this vision as a guiding force in your decision-making.
Continuous Learning:
Stay curious and be open to learning. Seek out knowledge, skills, and experiences that align with your goals. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.
Build a Support Network:
Surround yourself with supportive individuals who share your values and aspirations. A strong support network can provide encouragement, advice, and different perspectives.
Adaptability is Key:
Be flexible and adaptable. Recognize that plans may need to change, and be willing to pivot when necessary. Adaptability is a valuable skill in navigating the twists and turns of any journey.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and enjoy the process of growth and self-discovery.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mother is my ultimate dream team in my life’s movie! She didn’t just let me dream; she handed me a backstage pass to the universe, whispering, “You can have it all if you hustle for it!” Her motivational vibes fueled my ambition, and with her cheerleading, I learned to set my sights high, focus on the goal, and dance my way to success. It’s like she handed me a golden ticket to the Dream Factory, and I’ve been running the show ever since!
Image Credits
Ashley B Photography
