Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Watson.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi I’m Cheryl Watson of Cheryl Floral Designs based out of Goldsboro, NC. I got my start in the floral industry as a delivery girl at a local florist right out of high school. While employed there for 12 years I learned about floral design. After being employed there for so long I decided to try a career in nursing and after a 1 1⁄2 years of pursuing a nursing career, I realized by passion was in floral design. I started designing some arrangements for retirement parties and a few weddings and decided to go back and work for a floral company as a designer for 10 years.
In 2006, my husband and I decided we would start our own business doing weddings and special events… It was definitely a leap of faith at my age. We have a lot of log days and weekends. Creativeness is an important role in our business and after building my business for several years it’s nice to hear one someone recognize our work. Every bride wants something different and we are always excited to create something new. I love what I do and I’m always eager to learn more.
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?
Starting out was a little scary. I had to invest a lot of money to buy inventory, coolers, and things that were a MUST have. The first year was really slow. I didn’t have money in our budget to spend on advertisement, so we did some local bridal shows trying to get our name out there. It took about 5 years before we could see really making a profit. Our biggest challenge has been the pandemic. We went a while without any weddings or events. We encountered some of the larger weddings going to small intimate weddings with just immediate family members. We are bouncing back from all last year now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We stay modern with the trendy changes. We specialize in weddings and special events. We are known for our quality product and the large variety of unique/different flowers, foliage, and designs. I am most proud of being recognized for the uniqueness of our work. Floral designing is a work of art. I love it when customers just pay me “an amount” to do the WOW factor for their daughter’s wedding. It makes me feel good when they trust me to be creative and they are always happy with what we create.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband Jack is my biggest supporter. He puts so much time and money into this business. He was able to quit his public job in 2012 and become my right hand. He builds all my wood pieces I need for decorating. From columns to arches, to crosses, he can do it all!!!! Our past brides have played a big role in supporting our business. It is “word of mouth” that has built our business and reputation. Every wedding we do I consider it advertisement for our business. I want everyone to say how beautiful the flowers are and then Who was your decorator?
Contact Info:
- Email: cwatson121@nc.rr.com
- Website: cherylsfloraldesigns.com
- Instagram: cherylsfloraldesignsgoldsboro
- Facebook: Cheryl’s Floral Designs @cherylsforaldesignsnc
