Vanora and Jerson, a dynamic husband-wife duo, stand as a testament to the power of passion and commitment through their thriving business, The Goa Flower Shop. Hailing from Goa, the couple initially moved to the UK for work before deciding to return to their roots. Their decision to relocate was primarily driven by their desire to raise their son, Zane, in an environment that reflects their heritage. Today, they are incredibly proud of the journey they’ve undertaken, proving that hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones can turn any dream into reality.
Jerson, with his IT background, discovered a passion for the culinary arts in the UK, which led him to become a chef. Vanora, on the other hand, brings significant experience in business administration, particularly in the food industry. Together, they realized the profound impact that passion could have on their work. This insight became the foundation for their successful business venture, and they used their shared expertise to build The Goa Flower Shop, a reflection of their creative vision.
From Concept to Creation: A Dream Fulfilled
The story of The Goa Flower Shop began with a collective dream and the desire to create something beautiful together. Vanora’s deep love for florals led her to the idea of offering unique, floral-inspired products. Starting with cake toppers adorned with fresh flowers, the shop evolved into something far more dynamic. Her wedding was an early reflection of her creativity—crafting her bouquet and designing every accessory herself. This creative spark, which was always a part of Vanora, finally found a home in the business world.
Jerson, although not formally trained in design, embraced Vanora’s vision with great passion, stepping into the creative world with natural flair. Together, they felt this business was meant to be, and they were guided by their faith that everything happening in their lives was part of a larger divine plan.
Venturing into the Food Vertical
While their primary focus was on floral design, the couple’s background in food naturally extended to the food business. It all began with cake toppers, which evolved into cakes and snacks, leading to an entirely new product line. Inspired by their son Zane’s love for rissois, they started making their own, which soon became a hit. Encouraged by friends and family, Vanora and Jerson ventured into creating other snack items, including various baked goods and treats.
Their journey into the food business was driven by creativity and their desire to use every gift they were blessed with to glorify God. Their venture also embraced a broader range of products, including wedding cakes, personalized gifts, party favors, picnic packs, and custom-made Christmas ornaments. The couple remains committed to delivering the highest quality in everything they do, ensuring their work reflects the beauty and passion behind their brand.
Core Values That Drive the Business
At the heart of The Goa Flower Shop are two foundational values: faith and customer service. Their unwavering faith in God guides every decision they make, ensuring that every step they take is part of a larger, divine purpose. This belief in a higher calling inspires them to approach their work with integrity, humility, and a sense of responsibility.
The couple is also deeply committed to offering the best service possible to their customers. Whether catering for intimate events or larger gatherings, they ensure excellence in every detail. Vanora and Jerson consistently aim to exceed their clients’ expectations, believing that service with love and dedication is key to building lasting relationships.
Challenges Faced and Overcoming Them
Running a business in Goa came with several challenges. One of the most significant was dealing with last-minute orders, which often made fulfilling requests difficult. However, the couple saw this as an opportunity to stand out. By accommodating last-minute orders, they not only helped their customers but also differentiated themselves from competitors.
In the early days, balancing family and business while raising their young son Zane was another major challenge. Despite the hurdles, they carefully planned their work schedule and prioritized family time during the day. They worked late into the night, taking turns to care for Zane while managing their growing business. Their success in overcoming these challenges was due to meticulous planning and teamwork. Each played to their strengths—Jerson handled baking, while Vanora focused on frosting and decoration—ensuring that everything was executed with precision and love.
Staying Motivated and Achieving Success
Despite the challenges, Vanora and Jerson are driven by their passion for what they do. Receiving praise from customers for their cakes, snacks, personalized gifts, and intricate designs motivates them to strive for excellence. Their reputation for creativity and quality continues to grow, with a strong customer base not just in Goa but also in the UK. The feedback and ongoing support from their loyal customers provide the affirmation they need to continue pursuing their dreams.
Innovation and Adapting to Change
Vanora and Jerson understand that innovation is crucial to staying relevant in a competitive market. They continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth, investing in learning new skills through online courses and workshops. They also actively seek feedback from their clients, ensuring that their work continues to evolve in line with customer expectations.
A Unique Leadership Approach
At the core of their business is a shared vision and a partnership built on trust and dedication. Despite the common belief that working with a spouse can be challenging, Vanora and Jerson consider themselves the ideal team. They see their business as their “baby” and carefully manage every aspect of it with passion and care. Every decision they make is intentional, ensuring that each customer feels personally valued.
Their approach is highly personalized—everything they create is made to order. Whether it’s a cake, a custom-designed gift, or a personalized party favor, each product is tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. This bespoke approach is what sets them apart and makes their work truly special.
Building Relationships and Networking
The couple attributes much of their growth to the strong relationships they’ve built with customers. Their business started with family and friends, whose positive experiences led to word-of-mouth referrals. This organic growth highlights the importance of trust and relationships, which remain at the heart of their success.
Even when not directly catering to an event, their loyal network continues to support them, and they, in turn, support their community. The couple understands that these connections are crucial to both their success and their sense of purpose.
Scaling the Business
While the couple has no immediate plans to scale up the business, they see potential for expansion in the next 2 to 3 years. They focus on strengthening the foundation they have built and remain confident that growth will come naturally. They trust that the opportunity for expansion will align with God’s will and unfold at the right time.
Despite the demands of their business, Vanora and Jerson prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They enjoy spending quality time with their son, whether at the beach or the park. These moments are essential for recharging and maintaining a sense of well-being, reminding them of the importance of family.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Vanora’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: follow your passion. Don’t hesitate or overthink the process. Success tends to come naturally when you pursue what you love. She encourages others to identify their strengths and build a business that aligns with their values. Most importantly, she believes in building a business that not only benefits you but also helps others along the way.
Future Plans and Focus on Purpose
The couple is open to collaboration opportunities and expanding their online presence. They are particularly passionate about supporting female entrepreneurs and look forward to collaborating with those who want to resell their products. Ultimately, their goal is to live simple, meaningful lives, focusing on family and service to others.
Their journey reflects a deep commitment to living with purpose, and as they continue to grow their business, they remain focused on what truly matters—family, creativity, and making a positive impact on others.
Conclusion: A Story of Dedication, Faith, and Creativity
The Goa Flower Shop is more than just a business—it is a reflection of Vanora and Jerson’s dedication, creativity, and unwavering faith. From humble beginnings to a flourishing venture, their journey serves as a reminder that with hard work, passion, and divine guidance, anything is possible. As they continue to grow, their mission remains rooted in their values, ensuring that every product they create brings joy and serves as a testament to their love for their craft and community.
