Today we’d like to introduce you to Teneka Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Teneka. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I guess you could say that the story of Royal Petals ATL began 12 years ago. I married a Master Gardener and his love of flowers and plants bloomed in me. I started creating weekly bouquets for my home and, over time, realized that I not only enjoyed creating arrangements but ultimately wanted to share what it represented- home. During this time, I worked as a full-time librarian for the State of Georgia. I liked my profession but had grown weary of the lack of advancement and opportunity in relation to my credentials. This motivated me to find a way to do both and look for a program that would support my “try and see” mentality. I was fortunate enough to come across the application for the IVillage@MLK two days before it closed. I developed a business plan and submitted it to Invest in Atlanta. Due to me working full time, I knew I need to find a partner, so although we hadn’t talked in a few years, I picked up the phone and called a college classmate from 20 years ago. Rosalind Wise and I attended Georgia State together and I knew she would be a creative venture that could use her talents. Rosalind stepped right in and we haven’t looked back.
Has it been a smooth road?
We were aware of the typical challenges of a start-up and so far, we have navigated them well. Our biggest challenge so far has been COVID-19. As a floral shop with six funeral homes in an 8-mile radius, we were essential in providing flowers. As the pandemic worsened, many of the wholesalers in the city closed. We had to adjust our shopping and work with the stores that were still open to meet increasing demand.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our business specializes in floral arrangements for any occasion and urban garden design. We provide a unique aesthetic for urban settings and can work “green” miracles in tiny spaces. We are the only minority-owned flower shop in Atlanta and one of few nationwide.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is the perfect city for a floral and urban garden design business. Currently, we are the only flower shop serving SW Atlanta and beyond. We have big dreams of becoming a wholesaler and opening a rooftop garden space in the West End as it morphs into the next hot spot in the city.
Pricing:
- Date Night Bouquets starting at $15
- Large Potted Orchids starting at $25
- Customized Garden Containers starting at $125
Contact Info:
- Address: 2489 MLK Drive SW
B101 Atlanta, Georgia 30311 - Website: www.royalpetalsatl.com
- Phone: 404.732.3259
- Email: royalpetalsatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @royalpetalsatl
- Facebook: @royalpetalsatl
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