From Psychologist to Seed Merchant With Grace Alexander

#029 - Seed merchant Grace Alexander shares her multi-hyphenated 'suit to boot' career story. Originally, a psychologist, a change at work was the trigger to her deciding to plant some flowers in her garden. Since then she's become a seed merchant, has set up a membership site and written her first book.  Based in Somerset, Grace was working as a children protection consultant clinical psychologist when in 2013 personnel issues arose in her workplace. She started planting flowers in her garden, loving the tangibility of gardening as it balanced the intangibility of her job.  She then set up her first business and called it Corfe Fruit & Flowers. And she started creating wedding flower designs. Things started to improve at work and she returned full-time. But she couldn't let go of flowers. She realised that it was no longer feasible to continue to do weddings. However she absolutely loved seeds. And selling seeds gave her the opportunity to bring all her obsessions of graphic design, fonts and styling together. She now continues to sell seeds in specially designed packets, as well as run a membership programme called Gather. And she continues to work as a psychologist 2 days a week. Grace shares how her first book, 'Grow and Gather: A Gardener's Guide to a Year of Cut Flowers', has come about. An authentic take on flower growing, the book is to now to be published on September 30th.She also discusses her monthly membership subscription, Gather. It features how-tos, what's out now, jobs to do this week, interviews, imagery and films.  Plus it includes the opportunity to buy seeds from her shop and access to a private Instagram account. Listening to this episode, you'll hear how passionate Grace is about being a flower grower, selling seeds and working with nature. At the end of the podcast, you'll discover her practical tips, which I'm sure you'll find very inspiring. Show notes are available on the My Small Business & Me website: https://mysmallbusinessandme.com/episode29

Om Podcasten

Are you a budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration to start your very first business? Or do feel that your small business is in need of a little va-va-voom? Then this podcast is essential listening. It has two elements - on the one hand your SMALL BUSINESS and on the other, YOU. Firstly, your SMALL BUSINESS. Host Rona Wheeldon from Flowerona speaks to entrepreneurs who share insights into what it takes to run a successful, sustainable and profitable business. You’ll hear how their companies have grown from ideas to reality, the challenges encountered along the way and lessons learned.Industry experts in web design, branding, marketing, photography, social media and coaching also providing insights into how to maximise your potential and build your small business, making sure that you have the essential knowledge and tools you need to grow. Secondly, YOU, the owner. Rona speaks to specialists who can help you, both mentally and physically - from fear, confidence and time management to personal styling advice, meditation and aromatherapy - you’ll gain an insight into how to prioritise your well-being. There’s so much that goes into a successful, happy entrepreneur. And listening to this podcast will ensure that you’ve got all the bases covered, when it comes to both your small business and you. So, hit subscribe, settle down and be inspired…!