SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Squeezed in the middle of a library and coffee shop in downtown Syracuse is something rare these days – a local business. Floral Essence owner Elise Baker aims to provide something different than what you’d find at a large retailer.
“We’re a small business and we try to cater to their various needs without it being just program or format – we do based on our hearts,” Baker said. “We customize things a little bit different from the big companies. But it’s about the love and the side of us both – we try to project that if nothing else when we give a flower.”
While running a floral business during this time of year can be hectic and oftentimes lonely, Baker has the support of friends and family around her. Childhood friend, Wroletta Clemons, says it’s Baker’s selfless attitude that makes her so lovable.
“For me, being a friend of hers and everything, she does everything from the heart, that’s why I have a problem with her sometimes, because she don’t like for people to nothing for her but she’ll do everything for them,” Clemons said. “You know and this flower shop… she never turns nobody away. If they come in here for conversation, or for business.”
Baker hasn’t had it easy though. While she’s been running Floral Essence for 11 years now, she’s faced her fair share of struggles as an African American business. But to other black people who want to start their own business, Baker has one message.
“Follow their dreams. And if it’s in your heart and you love what you’re doing, follow it and stick to it,” Baker said.
