Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Haim
Hi Arielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Like a lot of young people during the COVID pandemic experienced, I ended up back in my hometown, unemployed, living with my parents. It was a time of uncertainty and waiting for things to get back to “normal.” Even though COVID was a very difficult time for all, I believe it was also a time for people to pursue things that they are passionate about.
Throughout my life, I was never the person who knew what I wanted to do. However, I did know that I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. While I was in college, I worked as a fitness instructor where I built strong relationships with the clients. I saw people come into the gym unhappy, overweight, and unhealthy. I was there to be their coach, to motivate them, and hold them accountable. It was so rewarding to see people become the best versions of themselves.
I graduated college from Florida Atlantic University in 2018 with a degree in Business & Hospitality Management. Shortly after graduating, I worked at a marketing agency in the luxury hotel industry. After some time there, I quickly realized the 9-5 office job life was not the one for me and I returned back to my job as a fitness instructor. After seeing how much joy coaching brought me, I was beginning to pursue physical therapy. It was the perfect blend of health and fitness but also included the aspect of helping people during a tough time.
Fast forward to 2020 when the lockdown happened, I moved back home to Orlando and when things started to open again I was on the hunt for a job. I found an internship at a local non-profit called “NextStep Orlando” which is a paralysis recovery and fitness center whose goal is to help people with paralysis/neurological disorders recover function and live a happier life. After a month long internship, I was offered a position and have been there ever since!
Growing up, being creative was another passion of mine. As I worked at NextStep, part of my cup was being filled but I realized I was longing for something creative in my life and at this time I saw the concept of a flower truck start to become popular. It was nearing Mother’s Day in 2021 and I decided I was going to start a flower business with the goal of getting a flower truck one day. That Mother’s Day I probably made around 15 arrangements for supportive friends in the area. As I delivered each arrangement, I got to experience the joy in each Mom’s face and after that I knew this was something I also wanted to pursue.
I started selling flowers at local farmer’s markets and craft markets and taking on small events which started to help my business grow. Fast forward almost four years, I now have a 1950 Chevy truck called “Pearl” which is my flower truck and it is an absolute joy taking her on the town for all to see. Selling flowers at the markets has since turned into being a full on floral designer for weddings and events. I never would’ve thought my business would be at the point where it is but I am grateful for the growth this far.
Working a job and pursuing your own small business can be exhausting and overwhelming at times but the goal of my career is to just make people happy and bring them joy whether it is through flowers or therapy!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would be surprised to hear any entrepreneur say they have had a smooth road building their business. As with anything in life worth having, there will always be obstacles or challenges.
For me I think my biggest challenge has been self doubt. A lot of people want to take the safe road in life, meaning having a job that keeps them secure and pays the bills, which I totally understand. Your job is the place where you spend most of your time and for me personally I can’t be unhappy about my job or do something that I am not passionate about.
Going into the flower business, I had no proper training or knowledge so in the beginning I was always questioning if I could actually do this. As time went on, I have learned through my experiences and mistakes which has gotten me to where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For how my business has transformed over the last few years, weddings has become a huge part of what I do.
I like to call myself a self taught florist. Having no proper training on floral design and learning everything myself, I have developed a floral style that is unique to me, which is natural and organic, yet artistic. My style emphasizes flowing, asymmetrical designs that mimic the randomness and elegance of nature, rather than rigid, structured patterns.
When a couple chooses me to work with, I like to develop a personal connection to truly understand their vision. After well thought out designing, the vision is translated into a floral expression with a blend of color, texture, and organic form that makes my work distinctive and heartfelt.
The moment when I feel most fulfilled is when I watch the bride walk down the aisle with her bouquet and meet her soon to be husband at the altar underneath something I have created. It is a beautiful feeling to have a personal touch on someones wedding day.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
COVID taught me that life is short and I don’t want to waste my time doing something I don’t wholeheartedly love. Find what you are passionate about and what brings you joy and through that, you can certainly make a difference!
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