Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Avery-Grey.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been creative since I was a child making jewelry with different materials, paintings with various mediums, pottery and so many other items the list is endless! I went to art school in Tampa and worked as an event coordinator at one of the most popular venues in the city. I’ve always loved the idea of doing events again but I wanted just a small part instead of the whole event. I played around with different entrepreneurial ideas and came up with Aphrodite Collective, a curated gift and floral boutique. I’ve always given bouquets as gifts and mail order floral arrangements feel so impersonal. The market for a hand-delivered, hand-made bouquets in Jacksonville is very small. My bouquets also feature a handwritten card instead of a typical printed one. My online boutique isn’t limited to just florals as I sell my handmade jewelry and various bath and body items as well. I’m very happy to be able to include all of the outlets I love into a one stop shop! I also do florals for small-scale events. Being an entrepreneur is in my blood. Both of my grandfathers started their own successful businesses, just like their fathers did. I have always felt like the typical 9-5 work schedule wasn’t for me (don’t we all feel that way!?) but I wasn’t sure what my niche was until recently. I’m so grateful that my work is my passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The short answer is no. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the weak of spirit. You have to be willing to put the time, energy, attention and money into helping your business grow. Every entrepreneur knows you need money to start a business and it definitely isn’t cheap! My first, now defunct, company was started in June 2018. I was selling organic skincare items. I was working full time at my “regular job”, wasn’t using any marketing strategies, didn’t ship products…needless to say, my business didn’t grow! It was a waste of my time and money but a great learning experience. This time before starting my business I was better prepared. I did research, I’m using social media (mostly Instagram @aphroditecollectivejax) as a marketing tool. My planning is more professional. I have a website, I ship all my non-floral items across the US. I’m attending local pop-ups and markets as a vendor. I’m doing my fair share of marketing. I’m constantly expanding my knowledge of the products I make and sell, using new techniques and trends. I’m always learning about flowers and the best way to keep them healthy. It’s all about constantly learning your field! Ultimately, being able to leave my full-time job has allowed me more time to focus on my business. I know that isn’t feasible for a lot of people and it’s something I don’t take for granted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Aphrodite Collective?
Aphrodite Collective is a curated gift and floral boutique. I make 100% of everything I sell. I hand deliver floral arrangements to the Jacksonville, FL area. I use sustainability sourced flowers which I’m very proud of. I also do florals for small-scale events. On the gift side, I sell jewelry, luxury bath salts/bombs, soaps, wine and napkin charms and many other items! My website is constantly being updated. I also sell seasonal products such as custom hand-painted ornaments for Christmas. Check out www.aphroditecollective.com for updates! I’m always adding new items.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Via DM through Instagram or by filling out the contact form on my website www.aphroditecollective.com. I’m very open to collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.aphroditecollective.com
- Instagram: @aphroditecollectivejax
Image Credits
Tom Avery
