John Maestri and wife Audrey from Perth set up the Rose House flower shop in April, selling traditional and contemporary floral arrangements. Now, John shares with us the story behind their business.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I was a Black Watch soldier, while Audrey had trained and worked as a florist.
I was in the military for 24 years and served in Afghanistan and Iraq. When the time came for me to retire, we knew we wanted to remain in Perth.
We always had an idea we would take advantage of Audrey’s career once I left the army, and when the shop became available within McEwens department store it was the perfect location for us.
Q How did you get where you are today?
A Audrey has been a florist for over 25 years, and has experience all over Europe, in particular Germany and Italy, and across the UK in cities such as Bath and Glasgow.
Audrey’s career and skills meant that although we were a new business, we had over two decades of experience behind us.
Within months of opening we had weddings booked and a lot of support within the military community, which gave us a huge boost in our first year.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A We went along to our local Business Gateway office and received a lot of expert advice and attended the free courses on offer, which gave us the confidence and enthusiasm to proceed.
The one-to-one advice we got on our business plan, finding premises and accessing funding were vital to us in the beginning.
We continue to access Business Gateway’s support, and through their events we network with other local business owners.
Also, we are extremely grateful to friends and locals for welcoming us into the business community.
It can be difficult for people when they leave the military and we are so thankful of the support from everyone.
McEwens have been fundamental in helping us become established in our first year.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A Even with Audrey’s extensive experience in the trade, we underestimated how hard it was going to be in terms of effort and time, especially as we have a six-year-old girl.
But with hard work and determination, we have managed well in our first year.
Q What do you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
A Having excellent feedback to Audrey’s work and how busy we have been in our first year, especially during the Christmas period.
Q What do you want to achieve in the future?
A We want to keep developing our brand.
Due to Audrey’s experience in Europe, we want to continue looking in this direction for our inspiration.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A Yes. Our aim is to have more staff, especially apprentices, as these can be trained to our standard.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Time. You are constantly working, and even when on days off you are still thinking about the next day’s and week’s events.
We spend a lot of free time looking into new products or trends as you’re always striving to be the best and offer the best to your customers.
Q Any advice for wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Take advantage of the services Business Gateway offer.
Everything is free and the skills, knowledge and confidence you gain is invaluable.
Make sure you love what you do, and know your product and market.
Last year more than 2,000 people picked up the phone or simply dropped in to discuss their new ideas for business with Perth’s local Business Gateway team.
If you have a new business idea you can tap in to Business Gateway’s expertise by calling 01738 657 215 or visit 3 Whitefriars Crescent.