The US Small Business Administration recognizes October as Women’s Small Business Month. On each Friday this month, we will highlight local women who are business leaders. The 10-million women-owned business in the US hold tremendous value, generating $1.4 trillion in revenue and employing 8.4 million people, according to the National Women’s Business Council.
Carla Harris, chair of the National Women’s Business Council said this month is “a time to acknowledge and applaud the talented, dedicated and driven women whose entrepreneurial spirit helps drive our nation’s economy forward.”
Our first feature is on Kassandra Ringle, who is the owner of Rose Leaf Flowers in Seneca County! To learn more about Ringle, see this article from the local newspaper. Also, be sure to visit Ringle’s website.
Describe your business and how did you get started?
My business started with a small dream, to provide brides the expertise and knowledge to create their dream wedding or event. I have had a passion for flowers since the young age of three. I’ve always said that flowers have been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Flowers are truly my passion that I enjoy sharing with others! I continued my dream of working with plants and flowers when studying floriculture at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I graduated with a degree in Sustainable Plant Systems Specializing in Floriculture. During my college experience, I continued to work in the horticulture and floral industry. In college, I spent a semester abroad studying floriculture and floral gardens in the United Kingdom, it really opened my mind to new aspects of design and florals. During an internship is when my passion for floral design truly developed! During this time, I came to the realization that I had an impeccable eye for design and creating beautiful bouquets with flowers. In my opinion, floral arrangements are masterpieces of artwork that I can share with others!
After spending several years working in the floral industry in Columbus and learning some of the latest designs and techniques I chose to come back to the Tiffin area to share my passion locally! In 2018, I officially started my business by helping a dear friend with her wedding by designing the floral designs and assisting in the coordination of the day. This is when my passion to fully strive to start my own business began. Now I’m happy to say that my business is growing and developing far beyond my dreams! After this wedding is when Rose Leaf Flowers was established. I’m often asked where the name Rose Leaf Flowers came from, roses are my favorite flower particularly a blush garden rose, the name Rose was my grandmother’s middle name and the color rose was my great-grandmothers favorite color. The name is my way of honoring them for the wonderful women they were.
A few details about my business, the business focuses on providing exceptional floral designs and arrangements for weddings, events, anniversaries, funerals, corsages, boutonnieres, for homecoming, proms, and any event that needs flowers. I also offer event planning for weddings and events. At Rose Leaf Flowers we also offer design classes, for a group of individuals at a baby shower, bridal shower, or any event interested in learning aspects of floral design in creating their own bouquet. I also provide services where I set up a pop-up flower shop at events such as dance recitals, programs, and events. You will also find Rose Leaf Flowers at farmers’ markets and specialty markets in the area selling floral arrangements. In 2019 Rose Leaf Flowers established a flower farm in which we are continuing to grow and develop. For me, this is one of the most exciting portions of the business, because this combines my passion for flowers and growing all in one. We are excited to offer locally grown florals at farmers’ markets and events.
At Rose Leaf Flowers our mission is to provide excellent customer service for floral/event needs. We strive to bring floral vision to life, with honest, dependable and passion for each event.
What is the hardest thing you’ve encountered?
One of the hardest things in starting a business is stepping out; taking the leap of owning and operating your very own business. Owning a business is scary; at times stressful because it’s hard to know what the future holds and if you’re making a good decision. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. Having a hard-working and determined mind will help any entrepreneur be successful. Learning to juggle the demands of life and a business are also a challenge when starting a new business. However, in the end, it’s all worth the stress and worry for me when I see one of my couples on the wedding day happy and love the flowers we designed. I truly love my work! This is what I enjoy about owning a Business.
What advice would you offer to other women who might be interested in starting a business?
For any woman wanting to start a business, my biggest suggestion would be to fully understand what exactly you’re wanting to accomplish with your business. Do you have the necessary tools and abilities to successfully achieve your goals? Having a hard-working and determined mind will assist in creating a successful business. Often in business you feel discouraged wondering if you’re doing the right thing and how you can better serve your customer base. Don’t let naysayers determine your destiny in owning a business if the business is truly your passion go after it and continue to strive for developing and maximizing your business. Honestly, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something only yourself can determine that. If you’re willing to put in the work and determination to successfully create a business, then do it! Own who you are and continue to maximize who you are through your business. My biggest advice would be to, be yourself! Customers want to build a relationship with someone that is genuine and someone who cares.
Entrepreneurs are not built overnight, don’t get frustrated if things might not be going the way that you intended initially in your business. Entrepreneurs develop over years of hard work and determination. Sometimes it seems that businesses pop up quickly but sometimes we forget that that individual had most likely been working for numerous years to create the business. Through education, planning, and a dream! Surround yourself with individuals who want you to succeed, people that genuinely care and will continue to support you through the journey of owning a business. Find a successful mentor to help guide you through the beginning stages of owning a business. These individuals will have years of experience and wisdom to assist a new business!
