As a home-based business, Joshua Ralph Designs never had to close for COVID-19.
The year-old floral design and delivery business takes only online and call-in orders, so the sales process has not changed for owner and operator Joshua Boykin.
“At first, it was a very steep drop off. By April, considering everything going on, I had a really good April. Then Mother’s Day was one of the best days on record, the floral industry is saying. It was a really good holiday,” he said.
Joshua Ralph Designs specializes in fresh, dried, and silk floral arrangements. Boykin typically delivers to local businesses, residences, hospitals, and funeral homes.
For deliveries during the pandemic, he is taking precautions and offering contactless service for customers that request it.
“I’ve had to make changes as far as protecting myself and others. I’m wearing a mask and gloves. I have had to get used to not delivering to the patient rooms at hospitals and nursing homes,” he said. “It’s definitely been a change, but nothing we can’t get over. Just have to adapt and get on.”
Twenty years ago, Boykin got his first taste of the business as a delivery driver for Friday’s Florist. He became a florist to share his passion for plants and flowers and, most of all, to make people smile.
A Teleflora partner, Joshua Ralph Designs accepts wire orders for Little Rock and the surrounding area.
Boykin’s goal is to increase the number of clients who buy directly from him. He’s looking forward to the day when customers can come shop in person.
“I need and am working towards a real brick-and-mortar location where I can have window displays and Christmas open house,” said Boykin. “With having no capital to put into the business, I couldn’t afford a place to live and a place to work.”
A few months after starting his business, Boykin started working with Patricia Long of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. The branch manager at his bank referred him to ASBTDC, where he learned about SBA lending, including microloans.
Boykin received a FORGE microloan earlier this year for business improvements and working capital.
Long helped him with business planning, budgeting, and applying for the FORGE loan.
“She has a banking background and was very knowledgeable about the processes,” said Boykin. “She helped me be patient and de-stressed. She helped me understand the loan application and what numbers needed to go where.
“I’ve learned a lot in the year I’ve been in business, from the ASBTDC, mainly. You’re continuing my education.”