Michelle Joy Howard is the founder and creative director of Flora Couture, a family-owned and -operated floral shop and event production company in Las Vegas. “We are the luxury brand to go to when needing flowers and gifts for the everyday need or when you want to make a statement.” Learn about Michelle Joy Howard…
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
First job: In a flower shop. I was 6-years-old when my mom purchased her first of many flower shops. I quite literally grew up on the Los Angeles Flower Market, begging my mom to take me there when she would do her early morning buying. Being one of the first female flower shop owners to do her buying on the market, the old timers took her under their wing. I soaked it all in and loved it. Flowers are in my veins, and I am rooted in the industry.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: Hiking and enjoying the many different outdoor activities and environments that are easily accessible to our area.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Personal would be raising two super capable, loving, compassionate and caring young adults who are now amazing additions to society. On a business level, creating a business that has turned into a solid brand that is recognized across the country. My company is going on 25 years in business and that is an amazing honor and accomplishment. I have worked hard, but my community has supported me and molded me and my brand into what we are today.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Training employees to be amazing at their craft and having them move on. It is a bittersweet challenge. You want to train your team so they can be the best at what they are, but when they leave, they also take that talent with them. On one hand, you struggle with the loss of a team member, but on the other you want to celebrate their success. This has been a challenge to balance. Aside from that…well, COVID. What it has done to the event industry and most smalls businesses is devastating.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mother. She is the most amazing and most organized person I know and when she sets her mind to do something new, she puts her whole being into it.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be willing to put in the time, hear the constructive criticism and keep pushing through the tough times. Make sure you really understand what it takes and although what I do is beautiful and amazing, it is also a dirty job that takes countless hours and dedication and sometimes very, very sleepless nights.
Favorite quote: “A flower does not compete with the flower next to it, it just blooms.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am an avid scuba diver and if I could, I would scuba dive every day.
What makes someone fabulous: Giving their all and being open to being able to be better.