Meet Megan Ha | Owner & Florist

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

Hi Megan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To start off, surprisingly I didn’t always have a passion for flowers. Prior to starting my flower business, I was in a bad relationship with this one guy. After acknowledging the many issues in the relationship, I ended it. And not long after, he attempted to reconcile by leaving gifts outside my door, including a really beautiful bouquet of flowers. While it was a pretty gesture, I knew the flowers were meant as an apology, and not given from a place of genuine love. Obviously, I did not take him back, but I did take in the flowers. I had kept the flowers for about a week and noticed how they brightened up my space.

Inspired by the effect flowers had on me, I started making my own arrangements with grocery store flowers weekly as a personal habit. As I got more confident in my abilities, I started creating flower arrangements for friends and family. This was when one of my friends, Ruth, was particularly impressed and suggested that I turn my talent into a business. Encouraged by her words, I started my own flower business and poured my heart and soul into creating beautiful arrangements that brought joy to others.

In time, my business grew and became a source of healing and fulfillment for me. It allowed me to move forward from the toxic relationship and find purpose and happiness in something I truly loved.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Petal & Stem is a business that specializes in flower arrangements that offer a unique and diverse selection of wrapping styles inspired by Korean flower arrangements. What sets my business apart from others is the fact that all of the flower arrangements are personally handcrafted and wrapped by me. These arrangements are not available anywhere else, creating a distinct point of differentiation for my brand. Whether you lean towards brown kraft paper, Korean waterproof wrapping paper, or tissue paper, Petal & Stem has a wrapping style to match your preferences and needs.

While other businesses in the industry may also offer flower arrangements, my business distinguishes itself through customization options and unique wrapping styles. I cater to customers who desire a more personalized and thoughtful gift experience! I also strive to offer my customers a visually stunning and Instagram-worthy experience, which generates buzz and attracts a larger clientele to my brand.

Getting to where I am today business-wise was not easy. I faced many challenges along the way, including navigating the competitive market and finding my own unique voice in the industry. However, I overcame these challenges through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. I also learned the importance of taking risks, experimenting with different designs and wrapping styles, and staying true to my own creative vision.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the value of customer feedback. By listening to my customers’ needs and preferences, I’ve been able to refine my designs and create a product that truly resonates with them. I’ve also learned that building strong relationships with customers is key to building a successful business.

Overall, I want the world to know that Petal & Stem is a brand that is committed to providing unique and thoughtful flower arrangements. I take pride in the fact that my designs are one-of-a-kind and personalized to each customer’s needs. With my business, customers can expect to receive a truly special and memorable gift experience that they won’t find anywhere else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in DFW, I love to explore the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene. One of my favorite things to do is to go out with friends and grab cute cocktail drinks at some of the city’s best steakhouses. I find that there’s something truly special about sipping on a delicious drink in an elegant setting, surrounded by a great company. And when the night falls, I like to switch things up and go bar hopping, exploring the many unique and trendy bars and lounges that Dallas has to offer. Whether I’m looking for a low-key evening or an exciting night out, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this incredible city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, I would like to give a shoutout to my best friend, Ruth Calderon. She has been an incredible source of encouragement and support in my journey toward starting my own flower arrangement business. Ruth has always believed in me and my abilities, even when I doubted myself. She has been a constant source of motivation, helping me to push through difficult times and keep my eye on the prize. Without her unwavering support, I may not have had the courage to pursue my dreams.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the support system that I have at TCU. As a full-time college student studying business, I have been fortunate to have access to a wealth of resources on campus. From helpful professors to informative workshops and networking events, TCU has provided me with the tools and support necessary to succeed. I am grateful for the opportunities that TCU has provided me and the community that has surrounded me.

Finally, I would like to thank the investors at TCU who have funded the pitch competition that I am participating in. This competition has provided me with the chance to showcase my business, Petal & Stem, and potentially receive funding for its future expansion. I am grateful for their support and for the opportunity to pursue my dreams with their backing.

Overall, I am deeply appreciative of the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement that others have provided me. It is through their help and guidance that I have been able to pursue my passions and achieve success.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/petalnstem

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalnstem

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megankimha/

Image Credits
Megan Ha