Exploring Life & Business with Chantal Dodson of Garden Florist

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantal Dodson.

Hi Chantal, 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?
At 23, I made the courageous decision to leave a very controlling environment I had been raised in and start building an independent life for myself. I moved forward with very little, but I had determination, a strong work ethic, and a passion for flowers.

I began my career as a florist in Los Angeles in 1993. Within just two years, through hard work and perseverance, I had my first flower shop in 1995. That experience taught me not only the floral business, but also the importance of leadership, customer service, financial responsibility, and being willing to work for everything I wanted.

Fifteen years ago, I opened my current flower shop, which I have continued to own and operate. Building my businesses from the ground up has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. My journey has taught me that no matter where you start, with determination, courage, and hard work, you can create a life and a career of your own.

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?
As a business owner, I have also learned what it means to persevere through challenges that are outside of your control. Over the years, we have made it through COVID, significant changes in how we purchase products, dramatic increases in the cost of flowers and supplies, and the loss of business caused by multiple fires throughout Southern California.

Each of these challenges required me to adapt, make difficult decisions, and find new ways to keep my business moving forward. There have been many difficult moments, but I never gave up. After starting with very little, building my first shop within two years, and eventually opening and operating my current business for the past 15 years, I am proud to say that we are still here.

For me, being a business owner is about more than simply running a business. It is about resilience, hard work, adaptability, and having the courage to keep going—even when things get difficult.

We’ve been impressed with Garden Florist , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Garden Florist is a full-service floral design business specializing in beautiful, elegant, and thoughtfully designed flowers for all of life’s most meaningful moments. From everyday flowers and celebrations to weddings, events, sympathy flowers, and funeral tributes, we create arrangements that are designed to express emotion and make an impact.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe everyone should be able to afford beautiful flowers, regardless of your budget. It’s important to make everyone feel special and understood.

Pricing:

• Daily arrangement start at $65
• We have wedding packages that start at $1600
• We have full service funeral flowers any pricing
• We are a custom shop so our clients pick their color palette and price point
• We do not do cookie cutter arrangements. Each arrangement is based off the clients order

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Gardenfloristevents.com
• Instagram: Garden_florist
• Facebook: Garden Florist