Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Forsyth.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised around gardening by my beloved grandfather, cultivating my desire to learn how to design from a young age; but it was pushed to the side as life became filled by grad school, working full time and raising babies. However, when my best friend got engaged, I vowed to not let her overspend on underwhelming floral. Her wedding coincided with the death of my beloved Grandfather and I needed a serious distraction from the grief. My friend very graciously provided me the opportunity to flower her wedding, thus igniting my passion and secret talent for floral arranging… and Forsythia Florals was born!
Next month (May of 2022), I will be celebrating three years in business on the day of my Grandfather’s birthday (my launch date). I could not be more proud, honored and passionate towards what I do and I would love to be able to show him what this little dream of mine has become.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’m an extroverted enthusiast by nature and I feel very passionately about everything I do so that spills into all facets of my life. Growing up, my parents never told me there was something I couldn’t do so that contributed heavily to my passionate nature and confidence. I’ve learned you can have it all, it’s just really really hard.
Building a business from scratch is not for the faint of heart and, while I am incredibly proud of the success Forsythia Florals has achieved, I am wise enough to always remember the people who supported me from my humble beginnings. I would not be able to do what I do successfully without the immense support of my husband, parents, and friends (lots of whom were my first clients!). My support system is everything and I would not be where I am today without these groups of people. Before I had assistants, some of my friends would even take off work to come help me set-up onsite at venues!
Now that most of the growing pains are out of the way, I find myself consumed with work and, sadly, unable to ever take a day off. There is simply never enough time. I am forced to make time for everything and plan each day down to the hour. I work seven days a week without fail and I start most of my mornings around 5:30 am in hopes that I can get everything done that I need to do. Life is a hustle and running your own business while being a Mother means that you never stop. Thankfully, I am the type of person that thrives in chaos and enjoys having a very busy life. I find that I am most successful under pressure, so that certainly helps!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Forsythia Florals is a full-service floral design company servicing weddings and special events.
I would like to think I specialize in heavily textured, bohemian-style arrangements. I truly thrive in September and October when my clients are most often requesting color, texture and lose designs to create their perfect Fall floral pieces.
I am most proud of being able to provide full-service weddings to clients at a reasonable price, excellent customer support and, above all, beautiful floral arrangements to all couples.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting a business with a 5-week old newborn with absolutely no free time or extra savings was a risk. I was in debt and on unpaid maternity leave and I really couldn’t risk any financial stress or failure at that time, so my business had to work. I invested my heart and soul into it and started small, using social media and my network of Austin connections to advertise my new services.
I only spent money when I needed to (a website, a domain, some second-hand vases). Once I started to grow and get a few weddings under my belt, then I invested in more supplies and inventory.
Even three years in, I continue to take minimal risks when it comes to my finances because I believe in putting every cent back into the business. Believe it or not, I have never once paid myself in three years.
That all said, Forsythia Florals is one of the biggest and best risks I’ve ever taken. I can’t express how passionately I feel about encouraging other females, especially Mothers, to dive into the wonderful world of entrepreneurship. There has never been a better time to build a business as a woman and I strongly encourage all of my fellow Moms to get out there and take that risk. Life is too short and you never know how much your dream could grow into a way to support yourself and your family.
Pricing:
- $1,000 = Small celebration
- $3500 – $4500 = Average Wedding Cost
Contact Info:
- Email: forsythiaflorals@gmail.com
- Website: www.forsythiaflorals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forsythiaflorals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forsythiaflorals/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/forsythia-florals-austin-tx-2047822
