We’re looking forward to introducing you to Farah Walahi. Check out our conversation below.
Farah, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Some may assume that being a floral designer is simply playing with flowers all day. In reality, it’s managing inventory, profit margins, long hours on your feet, upkeep to care for living things, lifting heavy, and customer service around the clock. There is a lot of intention and thought for sustainability that goes into it for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Farah, I’m the Afghan florist. I give back to my homeland of Afghanistan through flowers. I’m deeply inspired by the warmth of the Afghan people after decades of war.
I work with a charity founded by my dad, who envisioned a way to send 100% of aid to those in need. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Hand To Hand Sadaqah Group. Ultimately, my goal is to make this a cycle of giving.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents and the family members I was surrounded by taught me the most about hard work. Like so many, they came to this country with nothing and worked to build their lives, paving the way for our generation to explore what we love.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think we always learn more from having to try again and it makes success all the more sweet. Hardship has taught me the value of patience and compassion for myself, for my clients, and for the natural world.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Core values are definitely community, being grounded, and hospitality. Flowers, tea, and fruit always played a role in expressing that hospitality in my home, slowing down to realize what a blessing it is to enjoy the small things.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel at peace getting to create, being in a state of flow. At sunrise on the busiest days, I still find myself smiling. I try to bring that state of peace with me through the day. At times it just hits me that everything continues to fall into place!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheAfghanFlorist.com
- Instagram: @TheAfghanFlorist
- Other: Email: [email protected]
