The time between Christmas and New Year always feels like a bit of a limbo state for me. The current year feels like it’s already over, yet the new energy of the next year has yet to arrive. Perhaps it’s like this for a reason—a chance to reflect, gather insights from the past 12 months, and step into the new year a bit wiser.
I won’t sugarcoat it—2024 was not an easy year. It was filled with lessons and challenges, culminating in the loss of someone very dear to me. Though I won’t go into too much detail here, the loss has deeply impacted me and shaped my reflections on the past year. This blog is about my journey with Florra in 2024—my second year in business and all the twists and turns of running what feels like an evolving, growing entity with a life of its own.
As I look back at 2024’s events, workshops, and new launches, I have no idea how it all could have happened in the span of 12 months. 2024 saw more community events, several inspirational mixers, and finally, the launch of our new Scent Bar—a huge endeavor that completely transformed the store. This year brought immense change and growth to Florra. It’s remarkable how different things feel from our first year in business, and I often wonder if other businesses experience this same whirlwind of transformation during the early years.
Through everything, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for all the beautiful souls—the customers, small business owners, staff, neighbors, and all the friendly faces who have walked through our doors. Without the people, Florra would be an empty shell. But with your conversations, laughter, and shared joy, we are a vibrant space full of life and love. I am beyond grateful for the privilege of running this wonderful business where my creativity and love of people come together to create meaningful experiences for our customers.
As I reflect on the past year, I want to share the top 5 insights that stood out to me from 2024—lessons that shaped both Florra and me.
Here are my top 5 insights from 2024:
Community is Our North Star
From the very beginning, Florra was envisioned as more than just a store—it was destined to be a space for community. My goal was never simply to sell products but to create a gathering place where people could connect and feel a genuine sense of belonging. The events of 2024 reflected this vision beautifully. From an influencer’s party to several business mixers, a Yelp community event, and our final sound bath, each gathering was unique in its purpose. Yet, despite their differences, they all shared a common thread of warmth, connection, and the welcoming energy that defines Florra.
The launch of our new Scent Bar was another step in this direction. We now have a permanent space where customers can relax, create their own perfume, and connect with others while enjoying a unique, memorable experience. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to host even more community events. As our Florra community continues to grow, we’re committed to finding new ways for you to connect, both during events and beyond.
Creativity is Our Driving Force
At my core, I’m a creative. It’s in my nature to infuse design and imagination into everything I do. This passion is woven into every aspect of Florra—whether it’s creating new offerings for our customers or providing spaces where they can explore their own creative potential.
From our Scent Bar, where you can craft personalized perfumes, to the workshops and events that encourage self-expression, creativity is the heartbeat of this business. It’s not just about products; it’s about sparking inspiration, fostering individuality, and helping everyone feel a sense of artistic freedom. Florra has become a space where creativity is not just celebrated but nurtured. This focus on creativity fosters a deep sense of connection—to ourselves and to each other.
Customers are Our Heart and Soul
As a small business, the support of our customers means everything to us. I never take it for granted. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the kindest and most supportive customers—many of you go out of your way to share your compliments, and it truly warms my heart.
Every kind word and piece of feedback is deeply appreciated and taken to heart. Your encouragement fuels our passion and inspires us to keep creating a space where you feel valued and supported. Florra wouldn’t be what it is without you, and I am so grateful for each of you. Your feedback, along with your buying choices, helps shape our decisions for new products, events, and offerings. In a way, you help Florra evolve and grow. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey and for making Florra the special place it is today.
Passion and Purpose Fuel Us
Running a retail store as the sole business owner comes with endless responsibilities. From sourcing products to managing marketing and finances, everything falls on my shoulders—not just to keep the store running, but to ensure it thrives and grows.
On top of this, my creative nature constantly pulls me toward new ideas and inspirations. The Scent Bar, for example, was one of those projects that I felt compelled to bring to life this past year, even though it added to an already full plate. I’m so grateful I allowed myself to follow that spark of inspiration and see it through.
I’ve come to realize that passion is what drives me to keep going, no matter how long the to-do list gets. When you’re deeply connected to meaningful, purposeful work, it feels like a wellspring of energy flows through you, fueling every effort. My passion for Florra and for serving our customers has been, and always will be, my greatest motivator.
Business is Ever-evolving
One thing I know for sure—a business is a living entity that is always changing and evolving. Sometimes, it feels as if I’m not entirely in control. And truthfully, I’m not. Florra is shaped by our customers and their needs, and as those needs change, so does the store.
Whether it’s the intentional creation of something new or factors beyond my control, like which products are currently in demand, change is constant. Even our small business partners and staff seem to flow with the seasons, bringing fresh energy and perspectives before moving on to their next chapters.
While the shifts can feel unsettling at times, I’ve learned to embrace the ever-changing nature of this journey. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen without change. For new businesses especially, adaptability is key. With each new challenge and opportunity, I trust that these changes are guiding Florra to become what it’s meant to be—a space that evolves to meet the needs of the community it serves.
And that’s another year at Florra. As I reflect on all the changes, challenges, and beautiful moments of 2024, I am filled with gratitude for this journey and for each of you who are part of it. I hope to continue sharing my experiences with you—not just the highlights, but the lessons learned along the way. Building a business is never without its hurdles, but it’s also full of joy, connection, and purpose. My hope is that Florra remains a space where you feel inspired, supported, and reminded of the beauty in pursuing what truly lights you up.
With love, Thuy
A Recap of 2024: Insights from My Second Year in Business
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