This week I went on a very chilled yet fun date at Oolaa Petite, with the super social Jennifer Margolin of BYDEAU.
Over a glass of wine (and a coffee for me, thanks to baby on the way!) we discussed how Jennifer is managing her exciting new startup, an online flower and gifting service, whilst raising a family here in Hong Kong and squeezing in some much needed beach time!
Just like my other ‘Date With Ains’ Guests, this lady is not afraid of stepping outside her comfort zone and creating something of her own!
Take a read of what this brilliant woman has to say about clarity, confidence and connection in relation to her life and business!
I grew up in The States, in Chicago. But I’ve lived my entire adult life on the West Coast so I consider myself a California girl, now!
I came to Hong Kong almost two years ago with my family. It was the classic story…boy gets transferred to HK, family follows along!
Before we moved to Hong Kong I had my own creative agency in SF.
But we relocated I decided to spend the first year just getting my family settled in and I ended up turning away some accounts due to the time difference.
One day I wanted hydrangeas for a last minute dinner party I was throwing. I went to my local florist and nearly passed out when I got the bill for 12 stems. And to top it off, they weren’t even arranged!
This experience got me thinking, that while I love to arrange flowers I didn’t always have time to go to the flower mart and knew there were plenty of other people like me. So I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to get beautifully wrapped flowers when you want them?”
That’s how I started BYDEAU, with the mission of making ‘giving something little a big deal.’
Clarity for me is being inspired and ideas are flowing.
Life is always busy and it’s easy to just get caught up in the busyness of it. If I’m feeling like I’m going in circles I try and get into a new space.
Sometimes it’s getting outside for a walk, working out or as simple as doing a breathing exercise. Put me on a beach and I’m a new person!
One thing I’ve learned as a entrepreneur is there is always someone there to not support you or tell you what you’re doing wrong.
At times it can sting, especially when it comes from your “well-meaning” friends who are supposed to support you. But I’ve learned to surround myself with like-minded people who can give me the pep talk when I need it.
I’ve also come to realise that not everyone is cut out to go out on his or her own and create something from nothing. It’s easy to work for a company because there’s structure and usually a steady paycheck. That’s not there as a start-up and that scares people.
Sometimes the lack of support comes from their insecurity. But if I’m feeling particularly low, being with my family and turning it all off is sometimes just the thing that’s needed!
I look at my daughter and it reminds me what I’m doing.
I want her to know that she can do and be anything she can dream up.
If I’m not passionate about what I’m doing then it’s just taking time away from my family/daughter.
I’m a water girl so being by the beach or ocean is my happy place. It’s amazing the ideas that can come to me on vacation!
Strong businesswomen also inspire me. Arianna Huffington, Jen Atkin + Emily Weiss are some of my BizBoss crushes.
Since I just launched BYDEAU in February, growing sales and employees is on the top of the list for me this year!
The travel is amazing. In less then two hours you can be on a gorgeous beach in Thailand.
Also, the access you have to people is nothing short of spectacular.
Take that step off the ledge.
You can always play it “safe” and find a job…but you will never regret finding a way to do what you love.
“Give a woman the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.”
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Oh, did I mention that Jen gifted me a gorgeous posse of flowers? Well this gesture simply made my week!
Anyway, apart from loving her floral arrangements, I also loved hearing how tries to create balance in her life and how she draws inspiration from her family, especially her daughter!
Share in the comments what insights you took away from this interview – I’d love to hear them!
Professional Bio
Jennifer Margolin is founder of BYDEAU, an online flower + gift delivery service in Hong Kong.
She is on a mission to make sending something little a BIG deal. A California girl at heart she’s happiest on the beach with her family.
You can order directly online from BYDEAU and follow all the flowery goodness on Facebook and Instagram.
