It’s been five years since Alanna Wilson bought Billies Flower House. Owning a flower shop wasn’t something she’d stumbled upon, though – she’d been nurturing her creative passion for years.
While studying professional dance at university, she worked in the floral department at Whole Foods (where she later became a buyer), before moving to a high-end florist in Kitsilano and eventually to Squamish.
“We opened up a wedding planning business here… but it wasn’t really my thing. I was doing flowers throughout it, and that was the area I loved,” she says.
When Billies came up for sale, she and her husband took the leap and became co-owners. “That was five years ago and here we are,” she says.
She’s now working with colour, nature and community, the exact three things she pinpointed with a career advisor years ago as important in her life.
“People who know me really well say you walk into Billies and it feels like Alanna. It definitely feels like I’ve stayed true to me and my vision,” she explains.
The advantage of following her passion is satisfying her creative need. “Billies gives me a wonderful opportunity to create every day,” she says. “Surrounding myself with great people and beautiful things – it doesn’t really get much better than that.”
To remain inspired, she attends workshops and researches new floral design trends. “It’s really important to stay educated… so there’s always new inspiration to drive that passion.”
Along with the passion, however, is a great deal of responsibility; if someone is sick or on vacation, she has to step in. “You’re never off – ever. Even when we go on holidays,” she says.
Despite juggling work and life, her advice to other entrepreneurs is to do it. “Just jump in. Face your fears, surround yourself with support and just take the leap because it’s so worth it.”
Do your market research before jumping though, she explains, “You can’t just sell your creative vision or your passion, you have to balance it with what the community needs.”
Mario Gomes, co-founder of Startup Squamish, agrees, “One of the biggest dangers, especially if we’re passionate about something, is that we tend to just run with it because we think that’s what everyone wants. Be open to making it yours but also understand what the client wants.”
When hurdles arise, the overriding characteristics of those who will succeed is commitment and the tenacity to ride out both good times and bad, explains Natalie Pereman, owner of On the Farm Country Market.
Her dream to open a farm market and garden centre was seven years in fruition. “I wanted to be able to walk into a grocery store and know that everything was as local as you could make it in B.C.,” she says.
She also wanted to create a community gathering space. “We didn’t have a destination spot that, when you go to Squamish, you have to go to.”
But like many business owners appreciate, it’s not always rosy. “There are more tough days than win days in the first five years,” she says. “So it’s really rewarding to have someone say something nice, to know that you’re actually sacrificing so much and making someone so happy.”
And then there’s funding. “Really do your market research and really make sure you have enough money. And whatever you think is enough, add another 50 per cent. No matter what entrepreneur you talk to, in the first five years they always wish they had more money,” says Pereman.
Her success, she adds, has been greatly helped by mentorship and family support. “If your family is not on board and committed, it’s not going to work.”
Entrepreneurs like Wilson and Pereman who overcame challenges to turn their passion into success are leading the way for others, explains David Crewson, Startup Squamish co-founder, who sees at least one person each day with a new idea. “Squamish is changing quickly and it’s because of the people. It is a self-perpetuating process. The more entrepreneurs that exist who become successful, the more confidence, investment opportunities and mentorship there are for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
For people looking to pursue their passion, Startup Squamish offers workshops and resources to help. Visit www.startupsquamish.org for more information.
