“The longer I’ve been in business, the wiser I’ve become.” | IWD guest blog: Raysa Farah at LK VERDANT

To mark International Women’s Day 2022, we asked some of our female clients to answer a few questions about their working life and experiences as women in business. We’ve collated the responses for a series of blog posts.

We’ve spoken to Raysa Farah, the owner of floristry business LK VERDANT. Priding themselves on ‘luxury, elegance and attention to detail above all else’, Raysa and her team are a prime example of a small business bossing it. 

Check out her responses below!

As a strong female leader, have you experienced any pushbacks or barriers in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Wow, I could write a book on this. I’ve experienced a lot, from cyberbullying to my designs being copied, to people on social media being hateful, to being sworn at by a bride (zilla). The longer I’ve been in business, the wiser I’ve become – I’ve learned to focus all of my energy on business development rather than letting the negatives consume me – as ultimately, time is money, time is success – and I have no time to waste.

How have you been received as a female leader in the industry?

So, from the local florist community? If I’m being totally honest, not with open arms. There’s a lot of competitiveness and hostility. However, from my local community and customers in general – there’s more love than I could have ever dreamed of. The amount of support, encouragement and motivation I receive from other small business owners and potential and existing clients, is so special. Not a day goes by where I don’t show my appreciation for them – because without them there would be no LK VERDANT.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To own who you are. Never accept and absorb the words of negativity or allow anyone to change your character. Be proud of who you are and what you are becoming. Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve, because with determination, sacrifices, passion and consistency, you can achieve anything – absolutely anything you put your mind to. Lastly, along the way – remember to enjoy being young and free. Explore, make mistakes and learn from them.

What other female figures have inspired you in your career?

None, I don’t look up to others, I am inspired by my own growth.

What advice would you give to other females stepping into powerful roles in their Industries?

OWN IT – be confident, for others to believe in you, you’ve got to believe in yourself. Stand tall and don’t ever get too comfortable, you’ve got to be a step ahead always, to be innovative and to lead in your industry. Learn your audience, craft, brand ethos, and never stop learning.

What are the most exciting things you’ve experienced being a woman who is also a business owner?

Being accepted by big brands, including in the beauty and fashion industry, and being respected and treated like I’m part of their team, is empowering. The fact that the brands I’ve worked with have been confident in my work and abilities. They have provided me with minimalist briefs to run with, and that has allowed me to believe in myself the way that they do, and just do my thing and be creative. Also, when women who have young children like myself, and who are wanting to start a business, come to me for advice, it brings me a lot of joy. Being able to share my experience and knowledge to help other women achieve their dreams makes me so damn happy.