Entrepreneurs Week booklet digital - Catalog - Page 34
Getting to know...
Natasha Golubeva from Maison de Fleurs
Sustainability seems to be a key part of Maison de Fleurs’ identity. Why
is that, and what impact does it have on the business?
Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is something we are
very passionate about. As one of the leading international florists, we
feel it’s important to lead by example in the industry as we understand,
if we are to continue working with the best quality flowers, we need to
support their growth in sustainable environments free from exploited
labour practices.
In 2018, we implemented our ‘Flowers For The Future’ policy, committing
to our clients that we would reduce our environmental impact. This
includes buying fair trade and seasonal fresh flowers, where available, to
suit our client’s specifications, expanding our faux selection allowing us
to re-use elements and incorporate them into our fresh arrangements,
recycling cardboard, paper and glass as much as possible and
investigating options to recycle green waste.
We are committed to expanding our sustainability policies, and aiming
to improve all areas of the organisation over the next 12 months.
In the past four years of your involvement with Maison de Fleurs, what
are the achievements that you are most proud of?
Our team works very hard to ensure our service and designs are tailored
to suit the needs of our clients and I am extremely proud of how the
company has grown and the diverse selection of clientele we have had
the pleasure of working with. However, a highlight for me will always
be when a friend or family member recognises our work and messages
me. Nowadays, the standards for luxury goods (whatever they may be) is
incredibly high, so it’s always wonderful to receive such positive reviews,
especially from those closest to you.
You were recently featured in the Top Entrepreneur category of
the Walpole Top 50 Most Influential People of British Luxury, which
is a fantastic achievement. What advice would you give to other
entrepreneurs, just starting out with their businesses?
There will always be an element of risk in any business you start,
develop or product you launch. But risks need to be taken if you are to
become and remain a game changer in the industry. Without it you and
your brand get lost in an ever changing market place. Every risk taken,
however, always needs a purpose. Whenever I am looking into a new
idea or concept I always keep these two questions in mind: what is my
inspiration and who is my audience? It is important to keep your focus
at the centre of your ventures, as without it your brand authenticity
risks being lost.
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