'No profits for the first two years': Flower shop owner kept expenses to a minimum

An accountant -turned- accidental florist and events stylist Imelda Kateb built her flower shop in 1996. Credit: Supplied by Imelda Kateb

An accountant -turned- accidental florist and events stylist Imelda Kateb built her flower shop in 1996 in Brisbane and transitioned into e-commerce housed across four websites.

IBIS World says the Australian flower industry is forecast to generate $1.1 billion in revenue in 2023-2024.
Imelda Kateb was a finalist at the Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards due to the success of her flower shop '7 Days Florist' in Brisbane.
According to Kateb, the hardships she and her husband endured as flower shop owners include: enrolling in a Floristry course from TAFE, trading for seven days, and staffing woes.

May PERAan is SBS Filipino's podcast series which features practical, creative and effective ways to earn money.