Ep. 21 - Samantha Raindle - Can you start a business without knowing the sector?

This episode features Sam, who has established herself as a successful entrepreneur in both the floristry and recruitment industries. She shares her journey that began as a self-proclaimed bad student with natural leadership qualities who always aspired to be her own boss. Sam talks about her early experiences in sports and acting, which laid a foundation for her determination and future ventures.

Her professional life led her into the recruitment field, leading to substantial success, culminating in her starting her own recruitment agency, Right Recruit. Despite becoming a young branch manager and achieving various accolades, Sam eventually felt the pull to pursue a business more aligned with her personal passion.

The transition into floristry came about when her husband suggested opening a florist shop in their community, despite her lack of knowledge about flowers. Leveraging her recruitment skills, Sam built a strong team and successfully launched Stock Florist, which specializes in high-end floral arrangements for events and weddings. She emphasizes the significance of client relationships, the value of adaptability in business, and how passion can drive entrepreneurial success, even in challenging times like the aftermath of COVID.

Sam also discusses the evolution of her businesses, the challenges posed by the pandemic, and her vision for the future, including the potential establishment of a flower school to teach floristry. Throughout the episode, she shares anecdotes from her experiences, highlighting the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, particularly how the support of her team plays a critical role in her businesses' successes.