Wholesale Sugar Flowers: Our Sweet Story and Recipe for Success
As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8th, we (the WSF Marketing Team) challenged Keera to reflect on the recipe that has contributed to the success of Wholesale Sugar Flowers. Keera entered this industry with a corporate background, a dream, and lots of determination. While she is quick to credit her team, we have always known there is a little more to it than that. Within this article, we collaborate with Keera to celebrate our history and to inspire women in business, our industry, and across the globe as we continue our journey to #breakthebias.
Wholesale Sugar Flowers: Our Sweet Story
THE WHY
Throughout my life, I have always felt my most fulfilled while helping others. Most of my corporate career was spent mastering logistics, working in the background, finding solutions to help programs come to fruition. However, success with Wholesale Sugar Flowers means so much more than the achievements from my past. Success for WSF is defined by success for the baker. Because, when the baker succeeds, joy is created. The true, genuine smiles that result from the baker’s creation are my "why". Just knowing that our products, small or large, were a part of creating happiness for families, groups of friends, brides, grooms, birthday parties, classrooms, anniversaries and so much more; knowing that we helped bring a little more joy to an already happy occasion… that is my "why".
OUR RECIPE: THE HOW
Courage
I entered this industry almost by accident in the year 2018. After 16 years in the corporate world, while I enjoyed my logistics work, I knew I wanted MORE. More creative say, more decision-making freedom, more flexibility, more passion for my work. I have always had a love for creativity, baking, and (of course) sweets! So when the opportunity for Wholesale Sugar Flowers was presented to me, even though it was risky, I knew I could not turn it down.
Patience and Perseverance
In the early years of Wholesale Sugar Flowers, I would be lying if I did not admit there were times I questioned myself. Did I make the right choice to leave the stability of corporate America? Am I the right leader for this business? Will I make my dreams a reality? But I kept my patience, I worked towards my business plan, I did not cut corners. I reminded myself that I am just as able to fulfill my dreams as the next person, I stayed persistent.
Teamwork
The one thing that has been crystal clear to me through this journey is that having the right team is imperative. I have learned over the years that I can achieve so much more when I involve others (both quality and quantity). However, putting a team together is one thing, but finding the RIGHT team is life-changing. My advice to anyone who is team-building-- search far and wide to find someone who is right for the position, not just right for you. Including different individuals, their backgrounds, and their ability to think outside the box is key. The entire Wholesale Sugar Flowers team, our suppliers, and especially our clients have come together to make this beautiful dream come true, and I couldn't be more thankful.
Gratitude and Attitude
Finally, the last key ingredients of gratitude and attitude are what bring everything together. I find pausing for gratitude keeps me humble to acknowledge and appreciate what we have accomplished so far. Conversely, attitude is required to stay in the right mindset and focus on each step forward. I must continue to think outside the box, dare to be different-- and embrace new thoughts!
Keera's Recipe for Success
- 3 cups of Courage & Confidence
- 1 cup of Patience
- ¾ cup of Perseverance
- ½ cup of Teamwork
- 2 tablespoons of Gratitude
- A pinch of Attitude
THE RESULTS
Bringing this team and this business together has been extremely rewarding. I love what I do, I love what WE do, and even more, I have loved seeing the results of our products and our clients’ creations. So I’ll take this platform to thank our clients for helping to make this dream come true. If you don’t already, please follow us on social media, tag us, share your creations with us— we want to see, enjoy and share the happiness that they bring!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: KEERA’S TAKE
What I’ve Learned Thus Far
Dreaming of something more for yourself is the first step towards gender equality and must begin with heaps of courage and confidence from the inside. No one will give you the chance if you don’t raise your hand. Sometimes women will need to make the first move – and that takes guts. Side note: We have quite a list of suppliers, team members, and customers who’ve got guts!
We must never stop exercising the practice of patience and perseverance. There will always be those that count you out, opportunities that don’t come fast enough, or deals that slip through your hands. Patience and perseverance work hand in hand to keep you in the game longer. The longer you are in the game, the more you learn, grow, and create space for when the moment is yours.
When you seize the moment, it’s essential to have the right team around you. Women (and yes, men!) from all walks of life can offer much-needed support as you capture the opportunity, so don’t try and shoulder everything yourself. Don't settle, find the right teammates and support them so your team can thrive together.
Happy International Women's Day to all of our clients and readers. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are so proud of you, your successes, and we look forward to celebrating your future accomplishments as we continue in this sweet, sweet journey together.
