COMMITMENT AND STEWARDSHIP – COMPANIONS IN GARDENING
The journey toward the development of Amazing Grace Flower Farm, Gloucester, Virginia
Dedication and responsibility define commitment:
- The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity, etc. (dedication)
- An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action. (responsibility)
When I thought about the word commitment and how it applied to my business, the Amazing Grace Flower Farm, deep feelings and reflections came about.
First, I thought about when I first came up with the idea of a flower farm several years ago. Not realizing the level of commitment it would take to develop this idea to fruition, I continued onward with the idea and researched more about flower farms.
STEWARDSHIP: God owns everything, we are simply managers acting on His behalf.
Even though I have always enjoyed gardening and had started a container gardening business in the past, this venture would be different. It felt different!
The idea continued to swirl around in my head and out came the journal in order to capture my thoughts. This idea of a flower farm just wouldn’t go away. Looking back on this, I now realize I became committed to making a go at creating a flower farm.
After many talks with myself, I decided to share my thoughts with my husband who gave me his nod of approval.
STEWARDSHIP: Ownership – Responsibility – Accountability – Reward
Leadership is Stewardship, by Bill Peal
Now both of us were committed, which was a wonderful feeling. Even though I am a master gardener and understood the principles of growing, I felt if I was to pursue having a flower farm, I needed to talk with flower farmers. I found a flower farming course from a flower farmer who lived in Newport News, Virginia. The great thing about this course was the fact that the instructor operated a successful farm in an area not far from where I was going to move to.
After the course I became deeply committed to the farm idea and a zeal to become successful as a flower farmer. This wonderful course was through The Gardener’s Workshop and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in flower farming.
With all of this flower farming energy I had, I now had to find a name to call my farm. After many attempts at finding a name for my flower farm I came up with Amazing Grace Flower Farm. First, Grace is my mother’s name, and she is an amazing woman. Second, God bestowed upon me this amazing feeling and drive to move forward my flower farm idea.
Making a commitment to the flower farm business has many avenues as do most businesses. Here are some of the avenues that came about as I committed to developing a flower farming business:
- Yes, Flower Farming is a business.
- Do commit to research the flower farming business.
- Be sure to pray and ask God specifically what you want.
- Develop a passion for your dream and reasons why you want to do this.
- Read about farmers that have flower farms and visit flower farm websites as well as florists and others who are in the flower business.
- Educate yourself about the business of flower farming.
- Take courses on flower farming.
- Explore the area where you will operate for other flower farmers and other flower-related businesses.
- Do your homework!
As an entrepreneur and a small business, your business could have an impact on your family. Be prepared. Your commitment to your business is huge, not only for yourself but for your family and friends also. Everyone needs cheerleaders. Develop a budget for operation, engage your family for their support, be prepared for hours of physical labor and paperwork. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Understand there will be many trials and tribulations.
Research and become familiar with the market conditions where you will operate and build business relationships within your community.
STEWARDSHIP: The place where faith, work and economics intersect.
Institute for Faith, Work and Economics
In my journey toward the commitment I made to my flower farm idea, which is now my business; I have had to get specific who I will serve, where and how will I service my clients and associates. I had to decide on how to generate revenue. There are several options such as becoming a vendor at Farmer’s Markets, selling to local florist or floral designers, selling to wholesalers or creating your own market to sell to.
Don’t forget to make a business plan. Start a small business plan and build your business from that. Contact SCORE through the Small Business Administration. This federal agency has been a great help in the development of my business.
The learning process is another commitment. This process will always be changing. From learning what flowers grow best in your locality to learning about the soil composition in which you will be growing your flowers. Do care for the land you’ve been granted to grow on and practice environmental sustainability.
Stay committed to your dreams and ideas. Stay prayed up!
Above all just be good stewards of “Mother Earth”!
EXPERIENCE AMAZING GRACE FLOWER FARM WHERE FLOWERS AND SMILES GROW
Connect with Veretta via her website to learn more. Her flowers are available through a variety of outlets. Post your comments in the space below.
