Your Name: Smriti Dalvi
Business Name: Florista, a service offering floral deliveries and floral decor for events
Type of Business: Other — Fresh and Artificial Flower Retail Store
Business Location: Mumbai, India
Website www.florista.in
Twitter @florista_india
Facebook florista
Reason for starting
Well, flower gifting was mainly dominated by the unorganised industry in India. Internal consumption was low and our flower growers in the country had to mainly depend on exports. I wanted to make this beautiful business thoroughly professional, start a chain of stores and increase the consumption in the country thus benefitting the growers too.
How do you define success?
For me success is a continuous process. When you reach a milestone, you succeed, and then there is another milestone to reach, and then another. It just goes on.
Biggest Success
Well, my biggest success was when we got recognition and were awarded “Retail Business of the Year” in 2011 in the small business category. This was organised by Franchise India Holdings Ltd of India.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Well, the top challenge is continuous supply of trained manpower to my franchisees. Since the labour team have to relocate to various cities in the country, at times they are not ready for the same. We are working out a scheme where they can be sent in a rotation basis.
Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model is Sheryl Sandberg. I am simply in awe of this woman.