Adventures of a Work-from-Home Roselady Mom

I truly hope you make it big. More inspiring stori...

2009-04-27T05:30:45.865-07:00

I truly hope you make it big. More inspiring stories is always good.

Hi Stephanie, I am a rose lady in Sioux City I hav...

2009-04-05T17:38:12.979-07:00

Hi Stephanie, I am a rose lady in Sioux City I have been selling roses now for 3 years. I use a fanny pack although my kids think that is soooo un-cool it WORKS! My money is safe and my hands are free! Happy sales, and Clair you rock! It is really nice to have other rose ladys to talk to I agree!

Stephanie, I simply walk around and ask people if ...

2009-01-12T21:09:17.075-08:00

Stephanie,
I simply walk around and ask people if they want a rose. best to keep walking around.
Claire

Hi Claire, First of all......... you're awesome. I...

2009-01-12T21:06:53.574-08:00

Hi Claire, First of all......... you're awesome. I am so glad to have someone to talk to about this. I had my first night of selling last night. I first went to a mainly country music bar. I was very nervous. I have been to night clubs for years and last night was the first time I was nervous about it. Everyone was very friendly and I did pretty well considering it was a slow night. I then went to two other places and did not do as well. One thing I have noticed, the men were very polite and it seemed like the roses kept the creepy ones from wanting to hit on me......... I think they were afraid they might have to spend money.lol I wore a black dress that had large sequins that weren't too shiny. It was very comfortable and got a lot of positive comments. It was just fun to get dressed up!! I purchased a cute little cylinder shaped container that is made from material. It is stiff so it sits up so the flowers will stand - like you were talking about. The fabric happened to have roses on it, so I thought that was cute. It has rope handles so it was easy to carry and very light. A lot of people were curious about my selling the roses and would ask where else I had been and even offered suggestions of other places I could go. I just read your email after I got back in from my night, so I didn't know how you handled keeping your money. I bought a zippered frabric thing and kept my key, license, cell phone and money in it. It worked out okay. I kept it in my bag with my flowers. I can see why you would say not to keep it in there because it could possibly be taken. I tend to be too trusting, so it might get me in trouble. I also wish I would have had compartments in it to keep my bills separated. It would have made it much easier to give change instead of digging around. I also had a hard time setting the price. I was so afraid the customers would have sticker shock. After I started selling, I found out I was worried for nothing. None of the customers batted an eye when I told them the price. Not one said "no way thats too high". In fact most would hand me a five and tell me to keep the change. I think that is my main problem with starting this. I worry too much about the "what ifs". I was thinking way too much and developed a headache as the evening wore on because I was so nervous. Friday nights here are a little slow, so I am hoping the Saturday night will be more successful. I sold nearly half the flowers I had purchased, but I barely made more than the cost of the supplies. Your help has been invaluable. I really appreciate you answering my email. The wholesale florist I purchased my roses from told me about the outrageous cost of flowers at Valentines. I guess I will speak to them about what you talked about in your blog about keeping the price consistent. Thanks again for all of your help,
Stephanie
PS. One more thing: do you find a comfortable place in the club and stand for awhile or do you constantly keep moving? I think my insecurities kept me standing in one place for too long and it may have hurt me..........still worrying too much!!!

Hi,I will keep some of your questions in mind for ...

2009-01-12T20:59:00.632-08:00

Hi,

I will keep some of your questions in mind for my newsletter if not all answered here. Yes the dress you are choosing sounds fine. The owners and managers appreciate dressing nicely. I don't think it is necessary to overdo it. You have to think of where you're going that night, especially if you're looking for places. To be on the safe side I usually don't wear jeans.
I keep my money in a fanny pack, but the pack is at the front of my body. Pockets can be workable--guys do that successfully. I would not suggest in the basket.
I use a fireside basket or if the place is crowded I move it to a nice sort of a bucket, something like a nice bathroom waste basket where the flowers stand straight up.

Good Luck

Claire,Hi, my name is Stephanie Garza. I have been...

2009-01-12T20:50:39.219-08:00

Claire,Hi, my name is Stephanie Garza. I have been reading your blogs and have found them very helpful. I am trying to start my own business selling roses and as I guess you found, there is not a lot of information available. I was curious to know what kind of attire you chose to dress in when you are selling? My best friend sold roses 20 years ago when we were in college and had to wear a uniform. It consisted of a leotard, long tuxedo tails, a bow tie and heels. It was very sexy. I have seen one woman recently in our area that is selling roses. She had on black jeans and a white shirt. She looked a little shabby with no makeup and old hairstyle. I don't mean to sound snobby, but I just figured if she wanted to draw attention to herself, it would do her some good to spend a little time and attention on her appearance. I certainly do not want to go as far as my friend had to and dress so scantily, but I thought maybe a nice black dress or some nice jeans and a top with a little bit of sequins might be more appropriate. I was wondering what your opinion was on the subject. I want to be approachable, so I don't want to do anything "over the top". My friend also suggested dressing according to the holiday - like a nice red dress for valentines. Also, I have called some of our local restaurants and they have never had a roselady come in. Some acted like they didn't know what I was talking about. None of them sounded very welcome to the idea. They mostly sounded suspicious like I was some kind of terrorist wanting to sneak in a bomb! The night clubs were friendly and told me I didn't have to have a contract with them, I could just come on in. Do you carry your roses in a basket? Do you keep your money in your basket? My husband suggested I wear some type of apron to hold it in. Okay, I don't want to over burden you with questions because I know you are busy.
Thank you for your time,Stephanie Garza

Claire,If we buy our roses from you, do we have th...

2009-01-12T20:44:05.045-08:00

Claire,
If we buy our roses from you, do we have the benefit of having the locked in pric?
Stephanie

Way to go Claire, you are the richest woman in Bab...

2008-12-23T10:59:50.908-08:00

Way to go Claire, you are the richest woman in Babylon and an example for people who complain about things that happen to them as if they hadn't attract them either with their actions or thoughts. BTW, I left a message on your cell phone regarding rose delivery tomorrow Dec 24, 2008.

Thanks for the yellow roses you brought me today, ...

2008-11-25T21:01:47.824-08:00

Thanks for the yellow roses you brought me today, they are selling very well. I will implement the teddy bear tip to boost my sales. Your blog has neat ideas. Keep it up!