Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer McNally.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a former special education teacher who has always loved teaching and working with children. As a teacher, I taught my students through using a variety of hands on and some open ended activities and methods. I also enjoyed spending evenings and weekends exploring my own creative side, including crafting, florals, and event planning. Floral design has always been enjoyable for me. I have had experience planning and creating decor for parties. I love sharing the joy that flowers have brought me. Flowers can brighten up any event, room, foyer, or desk. It has been proven that having flowers around can improve someone’s mood and connection with others. I have had the desire for years to create my own small business. I took the plunge, and I have recently started a floral company called Bloom Bar Knoxville. I love setting up bouquet bars where guests get to make their floral bouquets as part of a party or event. I love helping with decor and using fresh as well as dried flowers. I have explored flower subscriptions for offices, homes, and hotels. I love sharing the happiness that flowers have always brought me.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have learned a lot about what it takes to start a small business! I have friends who have created very successful small businesses, and I was unaware of what went into them! I have spent time learning how to create a small business correctly. I have learned one step at a time, from creating a name and logo to using spreadsheets to keep me organized. I am still growing my clientele, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me in the small business world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in creating custom designs for each client. I start every project from the ground up. I listen to the client’s needs and ideas to feel their unique style and preferences. I enjoy this process because it keeps my creative mind growing and learning; seeing the result and the designs together is always fun. I do what I can to keep costs down and can work with any budget.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I have been listening to “Thrive,” a podcast for florists. The creator’s name is Kathleen Drennan. She gives practical tools to help build a thriving floral business. This podcast has helped keep me motivated when I have doubts.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bloombarknoxville
- Email: bloom@bloombarknoxville.com
