Radhika Talati and Anjana Shah, Founder, Ivy

With ebullience Radhika shared about the business concept and the emergence, stating, “Ivy embarked with dealing with flowers. In the span of two years, Anjana and I had been able to bring in a complete transformation in the way people perceived flowers. We are the most recognised brand across the country and this credibility comes due to the uniqueness in the styling and sophistication of our bouquets and the tailor made service we provide

to all our clients. In the year 2004, we diversified and tapped areas like events, inaugurations, seminars, parties, events for children and various other domains.”

You are in for a surprise if you think Ivy is just about flowers and floral arrangements.

Ivy stands out due to the unique concepts it delivers to all its clients, they make it a point that no two wedding decors, no two arrangements or concepts are the same thus creating one of a kind memorable event for every client that approaches them. Customers come with ranging demands, Ivy’s apt understanding of the requirement and designing of tailor made packages helps create the uniqueness that the customer desires and provides optimum satisfaction to all their clients. Ivy captures the emotions of greetings, deepest thoughts, feelings and joyful moments and this is one reason why every customer has come back to Ivy the second time to experience the unparallel delight that Ivy delivers.

Creativity has been their backbone; however they now would be looking to scale up their operations and introduce marketing strategies, which was not a measure adopted earlier, to reach out a larger audience and create awareness. After which, they prepare themselves to organize more events and in chorus participate in events that are being organized across the globe. There has been steady growth in their business and Radhika sets her eyes on doubling its productivity by the end of the year 2010. “Another outlet is also in the cards and I hope that materializes too”, shared Radhika.

Your Story enquired what propelled Radhika to strive for the success that entrepreneurship brings along with the trails and tribulations, she answered, “It was completely personal, the fact that I had three children and lived in a joint family made it extremely difficult to finish deadlines and take up new jobs. I remember working nights after finishing my family commitments in order to keep up with the work pressure. Under the given circumstances a regular job was not a feasible option, though at the same time I really wanted to do something that would satiate my desire to be worthwhile and just than Ivy was up for sale. I took over the existing flower boutique along with Anjana and”. “My husband has been there as a constant support to me, he also helped with the initial investments. If not for him, this venture would never have happened”, Radhika concluded.

Radhika shared that being a woman, age old preconception about women, proved to be a disadvantage in the beginning. But with dedication and persistence towards their work they were able to wipe out the biased impression and today are looked upon as equal and tough competitors amid men. With no mentor and just her guts and astute nature, Radhika learnt her lessons the hard way. With every experience she grew wiser and soon realised that it was not only the hard work that counted for but also the smart work. Her love of entrepreneurship has not diminished despite the tough times she has had to face; she says “I am fortunate to be doing what I love the most. We work on emotions and feelings. It’s full of creativity and charm and probably that’s the reason we’ve managed to pull along.”

Tips for budding entrepreneurs: Deliverance of quality is a very important factor, and do not manipulate it. Secondly, a sound and healthy business ethic is necessary to see you through. Last but not the least, dedication the important aspect of a successful person.

Your story wishes Radhika all the very best on her entrepreneurial journey ahead.