You probably know ALISON WESTLAKE best as Coriander Girl, her wildly successful Toronto based Flower shop. Of course, if you don’t yet know Alison, you are in for a treat!
Today on the dock, we are talking about the challenges of running a creative business when you are, in fact, a creative and not coming from a business background.
As you will hear, Alison created a business and a life– simply by following her heart. I say simply, but that does not mean it was easy. Eight years ago, Alison was working as an actor and landscape gardener. Somehow, she had gotten the idea that she would like to open a small flower shop– one that carried flowers sourced locally whenever possible with an emphasis on the wild and unusual. When she passed a small venue with a ‘for rent’ sign on it– she leaped. And, she has never looked back.
Today, Coriander Girl has two locations: Toronto and Prince Edward County. And, during those same exhilarating eight years, Alison got married, had a baby and is expecting her second child this July. Whew. How does she do it all? With a great team and an extraordinary ability to flow with the challenges of life.
One of the most exciting stories that she shares with us in today’s call is how she found her current home that has a 200-year old chapel on the property! Yes. You can now book events at this exquisite location.
I am so glad you are joining us for today’s call but you might want to fasten your seatbelt for this one as — boy howdy, this woman is living large– and, as you will hear, with a dedication to authenticity, community and bringing beauty to the world, one wild thistle at a time.
xo, Elizabeth
Photos courtesy of Alison Westlake
Feature image of Alison via Roots Canada