Find Your 
At Flower Shop Network, we’re so lucky to be able to work with many amazing local florists and we love to share their stories with you! This month, we’re highlighting Annie Lane’s Flowers, based in Royse City, TX. Owner Ashley LaBlank started Annie Lane’s two years ago. Check out what she has to say about the floral industry and advice she has for other florists.
What inspired you to become a florist?
My mother had a love for all flowers. When my husband came up with the idea to buy our 1928 Ford Model A Huckster and sell flowers out of the back of it on the weekends, we realized how happy flowers make people. After Covid, we were not able to get our truck out as much, so we started deliveries, and eventually, it became a full-time job for me.
In your own words, what would you say is the key to your success?
We love our small town and enjoy being able to make connections with other small businesses to help us grow.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a florist?
Currently, we are opening a storefront and with all of the rising costs in materials it has slowed the process down tremendously. Examples would be concrete for a parking lot, roofing materials, heating and air, and whatever shortages there are for daily products.
What’s been your biggest resource?
We are Chamber of Commerce members and have met a lot of other great businesses through them. Also getting to know everyone who comes to visit our flower truck, there are a lot of connections we have made just by visiting with our customers while we sell flowers on our downtown square.
How has the industry changed since you started?
Shortages on just about everything and rising costs.
Where do you see the floral industry in the next 50 years?
Booming. I feel as if this industry will always be growing because people love flowers and there are so many reasons to send/receive flowers.
Any advice for the next generation of florists?
Do your research for supplies, make a lot of great connections with other businesses—floral and non-floral, they are your greatest asset. Be a good & honest person.
Speak Your Mind