A few years back I made a promise to myself to always have fresh flowers in my house. And then the obsession began. I suddenly found myself in the kitchen surrounded by buckets of flowers, stems and leaves on the floor, wielding my shears like Edward Scissorhands making wild, shall we say, “art.” I called them floral arrangements and quickly became determined to learn a thing or two about flowers. I worked with some talented floral designers and even got a flower flashcard app on my phone (though I have to say, I haven’t found a good one on the market — hint, hint, developers). Now I can happily say that I know what I’m doing and can name a dahlia when I see it at the park. Though my love of flowers started with live ones, it has spread to all things floral which is why I’m stoked to share our bountiful array of botanical goods in the B + C shop. I want that Tattly tattoo. But for real.
1. Rose Botanical Journal ($15): Jot down your favorite flowers or perhaps a “roses are red, violets are blue” poem in this swoon-worthy journal. If only the cover was scratch and sniff!
2. Gold Floral Tattoos ($6): IMHO, floral tattoos stand the test of time, but if you’re not ready for ink (I’m almost there!), these floral tats by Tattly will make you feel just as badass. And then you can wash them off :)
3. 02:21PM Floral Watch ($39): It’s like wearing a corsage that tells time.
4. Rose + Vanilla Lip Blush ($12): Don’t let your lips get jealous of your rosy cheeks. I could almost eat this lip balm, it smells so good.
5. Sketching 101 Class ($20): With so much still life out in your garden, it’s high time you take a sketching class so you can freeze those breathtaking peonies in time. This one is going straight into my shopping cart.
6. Jungalow Nail Wraps ($12): Glamorize your fingertips with plant life. Your toes will be green with envy. That ring finger is my new best gal.
7. Paper Cutting ($28): Get serious with your scissors, Edward Junior, and learn how to cut paper from the best. This book will blow your mind like a dandelion.
8. Brass Plant Mister ($24): Probably the best-looking mister we’ve seen. Aside from Mr. Don Draper. He’s not so bad either.
9. Cactus iPhone Case ($30): I’m one of those people who somehow manages to touch the curling iron, the hot glue or my eyes after chopping jalapeños EVERY time. Glad I won’t get poked when I grab onto these cacti.
10. Thank You Citrus Cards — Set Of Six ($15): Nothing says thank you like flowers, except maybe a floral-inspired card.
11. Flower Arranging E-Class ($20): These ladies get three emoji thumbs up in my book! They’ll teach you how floral designers make such pretty arrangements. Get in on their secrets with our online course.
12. Edible Flower Seed Kit ($45): To eat or not to eat, that is the question. And the answer is: eat ’em! Edible flowers will make your taste buds dance.
13. Paper Flower Crown Kit ($20): Head into festival season with a crown on your head. A flower crown, that is.
14. Inverse Hanging Planter ($44): Give your plants a home in a handmade ceramic hanging pot. They’ll feel as much love as the artist put into her craft.
15. Gift Set — Florals ($50): Along with a bouquet of dahlias, this set of floral scented body oil, bath salts, body butter and lip balm is an A+ gift for the next birthday gal that pops up on your calendar. Like maybe me! March 8th people, March 8th!
Look for these items and so many more blossom-inspired products in our May Flowers collection. No, not Blossom from the ’90s television series :)
What other floral products would you like to see in the shop? Put your ideas in the comments.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.