As an architect, I had always been interested in different forms of expressing beauty - Founder Regal Flowers & FaajiHub.com

By Kemi Mobuse - Thursday, August 11, 2016


People like to joke how complicated women are, yet the right flowers at the right time can melt even the most intricate woman. The main thing is to remember the Happy Times Principle. Buy flowers for during good times, buy them occasionally at random to keep her on her toes, and then when things go wrong, your flowers can help make them right again.

And here is the good news; you can get your flowers right here in Nigeria, from Regal Flowers Ng. however you want them, delivered to the recipient on your behalf, or delivered right to you….

KMB was privileged to interview the founder of the brand, who also happens to be the founder of Faaji Hub, and it makes for an enlightening read below…..

KMB: Can we meet you?What do you do?
 
Regal Flowers Ng: My name is Olaotan Oladitan, a chartered architect, and founder of RegalFlowers.com.ng and Faajihub.com

KMB: How did you find yourself in the flowers business?

Regal Flowers Ng: As an architect, I had always been interested in different forms of expressing beauty, whether through buildings, or in this case, through fresh flowers.
Basically, things with aesthetic appeal which bring a smile to people's faces.
My love for flowers started sometime back when I got them for my then girlfriend, and in the process discovered the different types, what they symbolized etc.
 
As time went on, I found myself getting drawn to providing them to Nigerians online, using my technological experience running another Internet company, Faajihub.com, in order to widen their appeal to more Nigerians.
 


KMB: How has the market reception been since inception?
 
Regal Flowers Ng: It's been great, while we have had to educate some Nigerians who see them as a 'western thing' with remarks like, "Will they live forever", or, "Will a Nigerian girl appreciate flowers", many of those same skeptics have been pleasantly surprised at the reactions they got from their wives and girlfriends.
 
Let me put it this way, EVERY girl deep down, would like to receive fresh flowers from their man at least once, and once you start, you find yourself ordering more.
 
KMB: Where do you draw inspiration from, when coming up with a bouquet for instance
 
Regal Flowers Ng: While we have several prearranged samples on the website which clients can choose from, we are also able to work with each client’s vision and budget to create unique arrangements for them. I would say my background as an Architect has been really helpful in leading a company where each client's project is seen through a unique perspective
 


KMB: What services does your brand renders with flowers, do you decorate for events too, or only make bouquets to give out as gifts
 
Regal Flowers Ng: We usually provide flower bouquets for various occasions, bridal bouquets, and funeral wreaths. However, we do not decorate events. We are florists. Online florists
 
KMB: What can you say is your favourite flower?


Regal Flowers Ng: While roses would always be the classic, for me, I would say my favorite flower is the white Calla Lily. It spells class in a quiet understated manner.

 
KMB: Can you say providing flower bouquets for lack of a better word, is capital intensive?

Regal Flowers Ng: Yes, it is quite capital intensive, as a lot of the materials as well as the flowers themselves are imported. Also, as a result of their lifespan, the stock available at any time have to be sold off in time. In addition, due to their delicate nature, storing and transporting them requires a lot of care, and we usually prefer to deliver them to clients ourselves rather than using a regular delivery or logistics company.


KMB: If you were to be a lady, what kind of flower, would you like to receive
 
Regal Flowers Ng: As a man, I like to give roses and calla lilies.
Roses because they are symbolic to every lady, and Calla Lilies because I personally like them.



KMB: What major challenges have you had to deal with since inception?

Regal Flowers Ng: It's been fun actually, of course, it's not all been 'rosy' (laughs out) especially doing this type of delicate business in the challenging Nigerian environment, but I guess when the passion is truly there, rather than just going into it only for the money, even the challenges become part of the fun. It's like a child finding out there's one more puzzle to complete in a game.

KMB: What do you plan to achieve with your brand in say 5 years?

Regal Flowers Ng: In 5 years, we hope to not just become the go-to market leader, but to also have made the fresh flowers culture go mainstream in Nigeria

KMB: Any advice for upcoming florists?
 
Regal Flowers Ng: My advice for upcoming florists is a quote from an Indian movie, 3 Idiots, which I watched sometime back. "Don't chase success. Instead, chase excellence, and success would chase you pants down."
 
KMB: Lastly, how can you be contacted?
 
Regal Flowers Ng: Our website, www.regalflowers.com.ng
Call: phone 07011992888, 07010006665
Instagram: regalflowersng


























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