Five minutes with the Founder

Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, Founder, FLOWERBX

FLOWERBX is an online flower delivery service that sources the freshest flowers, direct from the growers, and delivers them to your home or office, and a Walpole Brand of Tomorrow 2018. We spoke with FLOWERBX founder Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, on setting up the brand, and what success looks like to her.
8th Oct 2018
Five minutes with the Founder  Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, Founder, FLOWERBX

Tell us the story of how you built your brand

After working for TOM FORD for 19 years, most recently as SVP of Communications, I realised that flowers were one thing that had never been branded. I also saw the floral industry as ripe for disruption, as there was no convenient online offering at the level that I was looking for. So, after putting pen to paper and realising we could create an inventory-less online offering, FLOWERBX was born.

Why did you choose to set up your business in the luxury sector?

I have always worked in luxury. My first job was as TOM FORD’s PA at Gucci, and I worked my way up in the luxury fashion sector for two decades. It is the only professional world I have ever known, and one in which I feel comfortable and fluent in the language.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I love building and a brand from the ground up and making it exactly what I want it to be. I also love the idea of doing something that no one has ever done before. It is thrilling and terrifying in equal measure.

What and/or who is your source of inspiration and motivation?

I am inspired and motivated daily, even hourly, by my husband, Peter. I couldn’t do what I am doing without his unwavering support. I am also motivated and encouraged by our exciting growth and the enormous potential for FLOWERBX.

If you could have any other job in the world what would it be?

The one I have: CEO of FLOWERBX and mom to my three amazing children!

If you could do something differently in your career what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing, as every step in my career has led me to where I am today.

Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years’ time?

It is so hard to imagine where we will be in 10 year’s time, but I hope that, by then, the name FLOWERBX will be synonymous, internationally, with the best quality of flowers that one can buy.

What does success look like to you?

Success to me is changing the way that people and businesses consume flowers around the world.

What advice do you have for any young entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

DO IT! But be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life.

www.flowerbx.com

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