Everyone wants to earn money, but for most people, that means working for someone else. Starting your own business sounds exciting, but it takes courage, creativity, and a lot of hard work. Still, taking that chance can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. 

The idea of starting a business at such a young age felt like such an unreachable goal for someone like me. At the age of 16, it seemed like a dream only a handful of people could achieve; but over time I realized how untrue this was. I have always admired people who were brave enough to start something of their own, yet I never imagined I’d be one of them. That changed when I found something that sparked excitement in me; something that made me believe that I could actually be capable of achieving it.

That spark began with flowers. I’ve always loved the way flowers can make someone feel; how a small arrangement could express emotions words sometimes couldn’t. 

In the fall of 2023, I created my first eternal bouquet as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. Eternal bouquets are made with ribbon, showcasing that they last forever; while natural roses, though beautiful, are fleeting and delicate, reminding us that some moments are meant to be cherished while they last.

I had no experience, only a few online videos to guide me, but I poured by heart into every detail. Seeing his reaction when I revealed the bouquet, the way his face lit up, made me realise how powerful something handmade could be. 

One bouquet led to another, and before I knew it, people started asking if I could make one for them too. What started as a simple, meaningful gift slowly turned into a passion; something I wanted to grow. Almost a year later, in August of 2024, that passion officially became my small business – @bellaa_bouquets.

Six months after I started my small business, I began working with natural roses. At first, I refused to try them. I was afraid the flowers might arrive damaged, or that I couldn’t find a trustworthy vendor. 

For months, I let those fears and excuses hold me back, sticking only with eternal bouquets because they felt safe and familiar. But in February 2025, I decided to open myself up to the challenge. 

I researched vendors, did giveaways to test small batches of roses, and slowly learned how to handle the delicate flowers without compromising their beauty. Since then, I haven’t stopped using natural roses. I’ve come to prefer them in many ways; they can be arranged quickly, taking just hours rather than days, and their fresh, vibrant look brings a different kind of joy to the recipient. Working with natural roses pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me patience, and added a new depth to my business. 

Not only did this journey bring me joy, but it also brought money. Selling arrangements allowed me to earn my own income as a teenager with no employer, cover personal expenses, and slightly ease my parents’ financial burden. 

High school is often the most expensive time of a kid’s life, so I made it a personal goal to help out in any way I could. I had always watched my parents work hard to support our family while I stood by, feeling like I wasn’t contributing. Building my business gave me a way to change that; to earn my own money and take a bit of the weight off their shoulders. 

Still, it wasn’t easy. I doubted my work constantly; wondering if my pricing was too high, or if my work was good enough compared to the florists I saw online or around me. Some days, I’d spend hours perfecting one bouquet only to feel like it still wasn’t good enough. The fear of failing or being judged by others was something I battled often, but I reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere.

I struggled to balance school, responsibilities, and running a small business. There were days when I questioned whether I could manage it all, especially when assignments piled up. 

Over time, I developed strategies to help: creating a schedule, setting aside specific blocks of time for schoolwork and arranging bouquets, and prioritizing the most important tasks first. Even now, I still struggle with balance, but experience has taught me how to push through, ask for help when needed, and keep going even when it feels overwhelming. 

Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith. I told myself to “fake it till you make it” and pushed forward even when I didn’t feel ready. I kept going through setbacks, mistakes, and discouraging days. Every time I felt like quitting, I reminded myself why I started: to make others feel special and to prove to myself that I could create something meaningful. That motivation helped me continue, even during the moments when I almost gave up.

Of course, the ride wasn’t always smooth. There were slow months with no orders at all. I had trouble reaching new clients and struggled to promote my work. As a naturally shy person, putting myself and my business out there was scary at first, but I learned how to overcome that fear by starting small; sharing my work with close friends and family, posting gradually on social media, and responding personally to each inquiry that came my way. Every little step built my confidence, and soon reaching out to new clients didn’t feel as intimidating.  I realized that if I wanted people to believe in my work, I had to believe in it first. Each challenge helped me grow; not just as a small business owner, but as a person.

Through it all, I’ve learned that you never know how much a “silly” or spontaneous idea can change your life. If you feel passionate about something, go for it. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time, because it doesn’t exist. Take it seriously, stay consistent, and give it everything you’ve got. I learned that success isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about having the courage to take that first step, that leap of faith, and trusting yourself along the way.

Now, my business is more consistent than ever. While I don’t create bouquets every single day, I rarely go through months without orders, and little by little, my clientele is growing. Not only am I proud of my work, but so are my clients, who often refer me to their friends and help me get my business out there. Each order is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much potential a small idea can have when you’re willing to take a chance and continue pushing forward.