Dear all,
As many of you know, I am an artisan perfumer, and the founder of 1000 Flowers. I’m known for having big dreams and a lot of courage.
Today I have a very humble and honest post to share with you.
I created this small business many years ago in the mountains of western Canada. After much success, many hardships and a whole lot of determination, planning and dreaming, I sold my house so as to attend a year of perfumery school in the south of France, followed by some internships in a French company or two.
Since then, I’ve clung, ironclad, to my dream of creating a niche perfume house with a collection of perfumes based on naturals and with a green and ethical approach to both creation and business.
This Spring, I worked long hours to write a business plan and proposal to present to a business incubator here in Grasse- and I was accepted!
I then returned to Canada to apply for my 3 year visa, worked to attain new clients, and to launch a new perfume. I spent 4 months working like mad, and returned to Grasse one month ago.
Since then, I have been biting my nails is regard to how to pay for this venture. I have looked at angel investors, applied for the Dragon’s Den, and other ideas too… but so far, no one is interested in such a ‘small fish’… they all want big and they want to charge a hefty fee to even orchestrate matching of investors with entrepreneurs. At this point, I am more idea and potential, then actual. Not everyone dares to dream as I do.
To get to the point- I have realized that I may have to pack up and give up….. I have exhausted myself, my resources (I have put about 60,000 Canadian dollars of my own money into this venture), and my nerves. There have been months where I had money for only one meal a day, since all possible funds have to go into developing the business. (raw materials, bottles, boxes etc.)
I have done everything myself by hand so far, created and launched two perfumes, designed and created the packaging, built the website, done all my own photography, packed my things back and forth between Grasse and Canada etc etc etc.
So…. for all of you who know me, and all of you who might not- I am making an appeal with all my heart. My first perfume, many of you know well- REGLISSE NOIRE- has been a great hit… much loved and appreciated by all ages, and men and women alike.
To keep going, to grow my company here in Grasse by entering into this business development program- I can’t do it alone. I need your help!! In exchange for your support, for the next 2 weeks, I offer you Reglisse Noire at a greatly reduced price. $23 each for the 15ml flacon. (normally priced at $45) The shipping is $8.50 to anywhere in the world.
$23 (about 18euro) (until Sept 13th)
The boutique is at www.1000flowers.ca
I thank you in advance for this and please know that you’re contributing to a dream that is pure and true. (plus receiving a fabulous perfume in exchange.)
With lots of love, Jessica September Buchanan nectar@1000flowers.ca
(ps I will also reduce Fleur N01 by 25% in honour of this occasion. )
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