This week we chat to Ajay Jaram about his business, Harry’s Flower Basket and how he uses his flowers to brighten up his clients’ days.
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your flower and gift basket business?
A: The business was started by my late parents back in 1984 and exactly 40 years later, we are still going strong. Flowers have always been an integral part of my childhood, and I was inspired by my late dad to continually find new ways of improving the business through innovative ideas, perseverance, and determination.
Q: What makes your baskets unique?
A: This is definitely due to my lovely wife’s innovative and creative ideas. She is the brain behind our unique balloon gift boxes.
Q: What kinds of flowers do you typically use, and how do you select them for your arrangements?
A: This all depends on the customer’s requirements. We can tailor a package to suit their budget. We do have standard flowers that go into different arrangements, baskets and bunches.
Q: How do you stay creative and come up with fresh designs for your flower baskets?
A: I do so by keeping up to date with various social media platforms and then recreating these ideas with my staff.
Q: How do you source the snacks and flowers that you use?
A: About 99% of all my flowers are from Johannesburg where they are purchased twice a week on a specially timed auction. Our snacks for our gift boxes are purchased locally.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
A: It is so rewarding to see the smile, joy and satisfaction on my customer’s faces once they receive their flowers or gift balloon box.
Q: What are some of the most popular items that you offer?
A: We have a variety of different options that our customers can choose from. For example, posy arrangements, mixed baskets, funeral arrangements, special occasion gift baskets, gift balloon boxes and much more.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: I have a dedicated team which comprises three staff members. My wife assists them as well and she does all the balloon gift boxes.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
A: It can be difficult trying to keep my services affordable during these challenging economic times so that people can still enjoy spoiling their loved ones.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own floral business?
A: Choose the right location and a team of experienced staff is essential.
Q: Where do you see your business growing in the next few years? Any exciting plans or developments?
A: I am currently contracted to Bloomable, the biggest online florist in SA. I am hoping to expand to other online platforms, and I am also thinking of opening up another branch in the Eastern Cape.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: Spoil your loved ones with flowers, contact us and let us see how we can best assist you.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media).
A: Facebook: Harry’s Flower Basket. Address: Shop 5, Chamberlain Centre, Chamberlain Road, Berea, East London. Contact number: 079-497-3044/072-623-8279.
