One of Jones & Swanson’s favorite things to do (other than help people who are injured in accidents) is meet people who make a difference in our local communities. One such person is Theresa Schulte. She’s spreading joy with her mobile flower business throughout Roswell and the surrounding areas. We talked with Theresa and found out what makes her business so special.
q: Tell Us About Yourself.
I’m originally from Texas but I moved to the Atlanta area in 1989 and to Roswell in 2006. I’m a single mother of three wonderful children. I’m a part-time Special Education teacher and I run a small business called the Gussied Up Flower Truck.
q: How Does Your Flower Truck Work?
I park the truck outside of local restaurants, coffee shops, retail spaces, parties or events and set up shop. Customers can create their own custom bouquets with the flowers onboard, or I can help. You pick your favorite flowers and colors – and you get to be creative with it! You don’t have to be a florist to create a beautiful bunch. I’m not a florist myself; I just love flowers and sharing my love for them with others.
q: What Made You Decide To Start Your Unique Business?
I met an author in Downtown Roswell one night and they were telling me all about their book. I was intrigued and decided to give it a read. The book asked two questions that I really took to heart: “What are you good at?” and “What do you love?” I thought about all of the things that I’m good at and finally landed on gardening. I grew up gardening with my father and while we mostly grew vegetables, I have always loved fresh flowers. Thinking about gardening also reminded me of my very good friend who moved to Alabama and started a flower truck. It dawned on me that I would love to have one too, and Roswell would be the perfect place to run it! At the time, I had also just finished my Masters in Special Education. While I love teaching, I felt it was time to start something new. So I reached out to my friend in Alabama and asked her for advice on how to start. She stopped me mid-sentence and told me she was selling her truck. My heart sank because I thought that meant she already sold the truck, but she actually hadn’t listed it yet. If I would have called her any later than I did, she would not still have that truck. That was enough of a sign for me and I bought her truck right then. That’s how it all started.
q: What Is Your Goal With Gussied Up Flower Truck?
Flowers are a universal tool for making people smile. I love spreading joy wherever I can. And the joy it brings to others is really why I do it, plus it is just so much fun! I even use my extra flowers to give back however I can. For instance, I like to find someone on my social media who I see needs a pick-me-up and I go deliver flowers to their door.
This business doesn’t feel like work to me, which is why I went part-time with teaching. I wanted to have more time to devote to my passion. I hope to one day be able to make Gussied up Flower Truck into a fully sustainable business. I’ve started another garden at home so that I can begin growing my own flowers for the truck. It would also allow me to sell my flowers for less because I wouldn’t be buying my stock at a markup.
q: Do You Feel Supported By Your Community And Family?
The concept is reaching people here in Roswell and the surrounding area. We started in February of this year and we’ve seen tremendous growth since then. Everywhere we go we meet such cool people that I get to share my story and my love for flowers with. Some have even become my friends.
At first, my kids weren’t sure about the whole thing but they quickly embraced helping me with the truck and prepping the flowers. They have even gotten their friends from school involved. They all love working at the truck and are interested in learning about the flowers and business. I appreciate their help!
q: Where’s The Truck Headed Next?
I’ve teamed up with a candle maker for a special Christmas Workshop event where people can make candles and bouquets and enjoy some wine as well. People interested in that event, or the truck in general, can find me on Instagram and Facebook. I post detailed updates about upcoming events I’ll be at and where the truck is headed.
if You’re Interested In Learning More About Theresa And Her Gussied Up Flower Truck, Please Visit Her website and Follow Along With Her Journey On Social Media. We’re Excited To See Where Theresa And The Truck End Up Next!
Categories: Christmas, Community Outreach, Outreach
