Life and Work with Stevie Gordon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie Gordon.

Stevie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Retro Flora started as a passion project in 2019 and has since become a business that I am very proud of. I have always loved flowers and all things vintage. Once I acquired my 1970 VW Beetle- my dream car- I instantly knew I wanted to combine the two by setting up a small flower shop in the trunk (which is actually in the front of the car). I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to make it work, if I could craft bouquets that could compete with local retailers, or if I would ever profit from it- but none of that mattered to me. I loved the idea and just wanted to have something different pop up at local markets that would make people smile.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Towards the end of 2019, I was tired, getting frustrated with all of the upkeep that comes with owning a vintage car and trying to figure out how to juggle my 9-5, Retro Flora, and still maintain somewhat of a social life. I was ready to give up on Retro Flora completely. And then something amazing happened. I promised myself that in 2020, I would give Retro Flora my all. I would build a website, cater my business towards events so that I could finally profit from it, and fall in love with the concept all over again so that I could feel confident putting myself out there and stop waiting for business to just fall into my lap. In doing this, I experienced more growth for Retro Flora in a month than I had all year. Now, I am booked solid for events and weddings! My advice to anyone who is just starting their journey is to never give up on your dream. Give it 100% every single day and you will see a return.

Please tell us about Retro Flora.
What sets Retro Flora apart from other local flower shops is that it is run completely out of my vintage VW Beetle. I think it is the car that initially draws people in, but it is the flowers that delight them. My shop is typically set up as a DIY flower shop- with buckets of beautiful blooms lining the trunk for customers to build their own bouquets. I think we all have a little florist in us so I love seeing people experiment with colors and textures until they build something that makes them really smile. I pride myself on being one of the most affordable (and adorable) flower shops- and I love to support local flower farms by sourcing the majority of my blooms through them. Recently, I have catered Retro Flora more towards events- I think it is the perfect centerpiece for a bridal shower, birthday party, wedding, store opening- you name it!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I fiercely believe that women can conquer all. Most of the women I know are total go-getters and we can do anything we set our minds to. I think women make great entrepreneurs- we are patient, dedicated, receptive to feedback, and we don’t give up without a fight.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.retroflora.co
• Phone: 8139448897
• Email: hello@retroflora.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retro.flora/

Image Credit:
Nathan Finneman (all images except the photo of just the bug with the dog in front); Jessica Pineda (just the shot with the bug at union station and the dog in front)

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