Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandler Rossi.
Hi Chandler, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the 1970’s, my dad, David, and two uncles opened a flower shop, nursery, garden center, and landscape design business. David was a trained florist but worked mostly as head of the landscape crew. My mom was a florist, and my parents actually met because she started working at my dad’s shop. I never considered designing as a career until after David passed away. I went home to Pittsburgh for a few months to help out after he died and realized this is something I could see myself doing.
David lived in Tucson for a bit of time when he was young and he always missed the desert after he left it. I think he was just super drawn to the west – the landscape, the heat, the art, the architecture. It feels symbolic. Moving away from home and building a life for myself here in SD – it’s like David is here too. I’m doing something on my own, something I think he wished he could have done. He was truly salt-of-the-earth. One of a kind, genuine, soulful. Just a really cool dude.
At his funeral, one of his friends came up to me and told me that they believed no one had loved another person as much as he loved me. David’s Daughter is more than a flower shop, it’s a love letter to my dad. It’s a way for me to show people just how much I love him.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating David’s Daughter has pushed and pulled me in ways I could have never imagined. One of the reasons why I was so afraid to begin was my age. I felt too young and naive. One day I woke up and thought to myself “if I wait I’ll know the same amount then as I do now at this moment.” Literally that day I filed my LLC and started the process. There have been multiple moments up to this point where I’ve felt like I haven’t been taken seriously. Being a young woman and trying to build a business is hard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of is that I actually did it. I made it this far. I created something out of nothing! This business is absolutely my baby. While working recently, someone asked me if I had children, I replied “yes – the store.” There’s a long way to go but I’m okay watching it unfold and grow as it’s meant to. David busted his ass, so I’m taking a page out of his book and working as hard as I can – I know it’ll be worth it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Probably being adaptable. Rarely anything goes to plan, so as long as you can look at the big picture – knowing you’ll get there. It’s easier said than done, but you just have to roll with the punches, man!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidsdaughterfloral.com
- Instagram: @davidsdaughterfloral
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Image Credits
Teal Hankins, Studio Luniste Gina Ribando
