Meet Brenda McGhee | Florist Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda McGhee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was scared at first. I didn’t have the funds to open a storefront. Luckily, Cheyenne’s mom let us use her studio to work from, which was a blessing. I basically started the business with just a penny and a prayer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I live to think outside the box. I create my work based on how I would like it. Whether it’s a birthday, Get well, or sympathy, I do it for my customers based on what I would like to receive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely plan a spa day at Proven Aesthetics Med Spa, followed by lunch at Barreras. During the week, I’d take my gal pal to explore the many downtown shops for some shopping or browsing. There are plenty of great places to eat, including The Burger Bar, Southern Joy, The Bistro, Soul Fire Brewing Company, Jimmie’s, The Break Room, La Cima, Jalisco’s, Pastafina, and Carmelita’s — plus brunch favorites like Chaf In and Our Place. Of course, we’d have to fit in a mani-pedi during the visit, too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I began my journey in the floral industry in 1998. Prior to that, I worked at a grocery store and a flower shop while attending school. A close friend, who was watching her kids, informed me that a downtown flower shop was hiring and encouraged me to apply. I hesitated, wondering how my friends would manage without me since I was babysitting for them. She reminded me that I needed to prioritize my own family. Encouraged, I applied and was asked to make a corsage on the spot, landing the job immediately.

I managed that shop for 18 years, but when the owner offered me the opportunity to take over, I declined, feeling I couldn’t balance that responsibility as a single mom. I then transitioned to a finance job for three years. During this time, a good friend of mine opened her own flower shop and wanted me to manage it. Initially, I hesitated, but she persistently urged me to consider the opportunity. Eventually, I agreed and managed the shop for two years before the owner decided to close it to focus on motherhood.

Uncertain about my next steps, a co-worker named Cheyanne suggested we use her mother’s studio temporarily until we could find a storefront. Cheyanne shifted into event planning and food preparation, while I remained dedicated to floral arrangements. Starting the business with limited resources was challenging, especially since storefronts downtown typically rented for $2,000 or more. While working from the studio helped, I eventually needed to adapt once it became unsustainable.

I continued my floral business from home, leveraging the connections I’ve built in Cleburne, where I was born and raised. Many loyal customers emerged from those relationships, along with new clients who heard about my work. Running the flower shop is easier now that my two daughters are older. Although I still have a 17-year-old at home, I am blessed with a wonderful husband who supports me.

I continue to search for an affordable storefront that fits our budget, which is no small feat. Throughout this journey, I’ve experienced ups and downs, but my dedication remains strong. My shop, Za’s Floral, is named in honor of my children, Tesza, Vanesza, and Corisza, who mean everything to me. Each of their names ends with “za,” inspiring the name of my business. I strive every day to make them proud and demonstrate that hard work yields results. Ultimately, my dream is to establish my own storefront and build a team of talented designers who share my work ethic and vision.

Website: https://zasfloral.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zasfloral?igsh=MTk2eHo5a3oxdHRvNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zasfloral/

Image Credits
Photo credits: Breck Kiel and Brenda McGhee