I remember like it was yesterday. I pulled up to the Goat Farm (yes, it appears exactly as it sounds) .. an old warehouse turned center for the arts .. with goats and all! I had no idea how to dress. I wasn’t sure what we would do. I just knew, I wanted to take a chance and try my hand at floral design — and Amy Osaba said yes.

You see, that day walking into the goat farm I didn’t just walk into a floral designers studio. I wanted into the life of a single mom of three living in her mom’s basement.

One of the most talented people I’ve ever met struggling with the weight of business unknowns.

• Pricing.
• Paying taxes.
• Licensing.
• Staying on budget.
• Planning cash flow for the off-season.
• Working for the left overs. Never the first fruits.

Maybe you’re like Amy and feel you have the creative side down but just don’t know where to turn when it comes to the business side? The money stuff you’d rather sweep under the rug, the chaos you have just learned to accept as the way it is.

Fast forward just two years and things changed for Amy.

• From 82% cost to less than 40%.
• From leftovers, to a steady paycheck each month.
• From mom’s basement to a house (with a pool!) of her own.
• From spinning wheels, to clarity.

I’ve now worked with thousands of entrepreneurs and time and again I’ve found that just a few simple (but not easy) steps have the power to change the trajectory of your business … and your life. Amy’s story is just one of many. I hope it inspires and encourages you along your business journey to never give up when things get tough, but also to ask for the help you need to make your dreams a reality! And as always, I’d be honored to come alongside you on your journey.

xo,

Shanna

Hit Play on the player below to listen to : An Interview with Amy Osaba

Click Here to Read Full Transcript

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Amy Osaba Case Study

In Shanna’s Words:

I didn’t join Amy’s team as a business consultant but as a floral intern sweeping floors. It didn’t take long for us to both see floral design wasn’t my future, but business development was. Amy took a chance on me. She let me dig into every aspect of her business and develop a business model that works for floral designers. She trusted me and gave my own business dreams wings. Throughout the years she has become one of my best friends in life. What made me the most proud was the day she bought her house for her and her three boys. I’m sure any single mom can agree how empowering that feels. She continues to take consistent paycheck, save for long term goals and run her events at a profitable margin. The fundamentals transformed Amy’s story and as long they are implemented Amy Osaba Floral and Event Design will go on funding her personal needs as long as she desires.

By the Numbers:

BEFORE

1. Operating at 82% cost
2. Getting paid from the left overs
3. Not sure if making money on events. Sacrificing profit for the integrity of the design (is there any other way?!)
4. Feeling : stressed, overwhelmed, burned out, robbing Peter to pay Paul.

AFTER

1. Operating at 37% Cost (hint : where it should be!)
2. Consistent monthly salary since 2012
3. Fully confident they are making money on events. Understands how money in the business works and how to plan for the future.
4. Freed up to think strategically about the growth of the company.

In Amy’s Words:

“When I started Amy Osaba Events almost 10 years ago, I knew nothing about how to properly run a business. I was unaware of the tools I needed, my business practices were inefficient, and I didn’t know how to make it grow. Despite that, the demand increased to the point where I was able to make ends meet, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough long term. I was overwhelmed with meetings, proposals, bookkeeping, ordering, emails, my calendar, etc. Anxiety set in and I felt I would never get things under control.

It wasn’t really until 2012, when I met Shanna, that my business finally started to thrive. After just a short while with her, I felt as though the growth we were experiencing was going to be sustainable! Shanna not only came in and put everything in order, she has gifted me with a vision for a hope and a future that I could not see before. I can’a appropriately put into words how much she has changed my life, my business, and my future. No matter what stage your business is in, she can immediately change the direction for the better.

Shanna single handedly changed the course of my business. She revived a vision that I thought was lost deep inside my soul. I am once again excited about the course of my business, and in turn, my life! She not only came in and put everything in order;  she has gifted me with a vision for a hope and a future that I could not see before. Having her as a part of your business is, hands down, the best thing you will ever do for yourself and your future. It is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.”

Products / Offers Purchased:

Custom Business Financial Plan

Custom Personal Financial Plan

CFO for Hire Services

Images from A Lovely Workshop with Elizabeth Messina

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