Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Faber.
Hi Robin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for making people happy. When I was a child I would visit hospitals and nursing homes and ask if I could sing to the people staying there so it could bring there minds off thier day and could help them smile.
I grew up on a dairy farm and that put a strong work ethic in me to become an entrepreneur. But my career journey didn’t begin with flowers. I went to college and wanted to get a degree in marine biology. I ended up getting my associates degree and then fell in love with my husband. I was planning on moving to a different state to finish my college degree but desided instead to stay in Oregon.
This is where the idea came back to me. I wanted career where I could make people happy. So I decided to enroll in the Floral Design Institute located in Portland Oregon.
The basic floral design course was a month long. We studied Monday though Friday the basics of arranging flowers. During my enrollment I came across an help wanted ad for a floral designer in my home town. I was selected for an interview and they decided to hire me once I had my certification from the Floral Design Institute.
I worked for the owners of Anderson Florists for 10 years and then decided to purchase the business from them. I have now owned Anderson Florists for 15 years. Making my floral design my career for the last 25 years. Everything really just fell into place and I know I am on the correct career path. Who wouldn’t want to do something they love and make people happy for a living.
I am now considering my next move into just working on event and wedding flowers. That is where my second website of Oregon Coast Event Floral Design comes into play.
My husband retired from his job of 30 years and we are wanting a little bit more freedom from my career as a every day brick and mortar florist.
I plan in a year or two to sell Anderson Florists and hope to find someone with the same passion, hardwork and drive to be able to run a small business.
I am still young and still want to create beautiful floral designs for weddings and events, but want to go studio based from my home. We’re I would have the flexibility to travel with my husband and still work when reached out to by clients.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business has had its struggles. Especially during the pandemic. All of my staff was scared about getting the virus so they decided to quit. My oldest son was a senior in high school so we decided that he could answer phone call for me while I designed and delivered flowers. It worked out well, but was scary at times. Would I make enough to still support my family, my loans and my lease payments? My main floral distributor even shut down. I ended up haveing to drive 2 and a half hours each time I needed to restock from a different vendor. Also alot of floral supplies weren’t being manufactured so I had to come up with creative ways to design arrangements with different materials. We did pull through and keep my small business alive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am essentially an artist. Anyone can put flowers in a vase, but an artist can see the design before they even start building it. Flowers are just my medium. I really do believe that I specialize in wedding and event flowers. You can see by all my wonderful reviews from clients that I take the time to listed to them and their needs and wants by also keeping them on budget. I have the skills to bring their vision to life. I am the most proud of believing in myself. It takes alot of courage to be your own boss and it amazing that I have been able to push myself and stay current all these years as a floral designer. I think what sets me apart from others is my heart. I didn’t get into this career for the money, but to fulfill my soul with the happiness I leave with others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned though my journey is to keep learning new skills. This career is always changing with the new design types. I really love continuing to learn new design styles.
Pricing:
- Pricing of flowers is always changing with the seasons and demands so it is best to reach out and let me know what you’re wants and budget is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.oregoncoastweddingflowers.com
- Instagram: @oregoncoastweddingflowers
