Recently, Susan shared her story on the Props Facebook page, as written by one of her staff members. I met her around the same time this was published, and she tells me that sharing it has truly changed her life. She can't believe the amount of support she's received, and seems to be both excited and at piece with finally getting her story out there. She's also delighted to be meeting kids who are starting on a life journey with the same challenges she faced. I know she'll make a terrific role model, mentor and friend to our students for many years to come!
Enjoy her story, and if you're near the store on Granville St. in Halifax, please stop in and say thank you!
Rhonda
Meet Susan MacIntosh, the owner of Props Floral Design on Granville Street. She is an entrepreneur, an artist, a mother, a daughter, an ex-wife, whose struggles with dyslexia and depression make her success all the more remarkable. This hometown girl has had a world of experience and lived to tell the story, and most importantly is ready to jump back in for more. Most recently, Susan lost focus on herself and what was important to her. Her personal life struggled, and the roots of depression began to close in on her business as well. She sold all of her belongings, rented out her home and went looking elsewhere for change, but what she discovered is that the floral business she had built, and the supportive circle she had long cultivated, was there for her when she needed it most. Susan is back, re-investing in herself and her business and her relationships are blossoming.
Susan felt the effects of her learning disability long before a diagnosis, and was constantly fighting a fear that others would discover her secret that she was “stupid Naturally creative, Susan masked her difficulties with reading and writing by tapping into her artistic side. At age 13, Susan would skip out on homework to turn out one original crocheted hat each night and then sell them to friends. The school system at the time was not set up to handle learning difficulties, so Susan was pushed through and eventually dropped out, all the while attending as much tutoring and special programs as she could, with modest improvement.
Susan met the same difficulties in the normal business world. She had replaced high school with design and floral courses frequently travelling as far as Toronto to perfect her craft and began working in a local flower shop. She turned out amazing arrangements, but was unable to write the cards that went with them. In 1985, Susan borrowed the money to purchase a small flower shop in Truro. She married in the same year, but the shop was the place where she would finally come into her own. When a recession hit in 1991, business suffered and she was forced to close. For the next seven years, Susan commuted to Halifax, where along with her sister, she opened a booth at the Farmers Market, that the two would translate into Props Floral Design on Granville in 1998.
In school, Susan was often hesitant to speak up in class, and she carries her quiet voice to this day. Her shyness also meant that she made friends uneasily and kept those she had very close. She depended on these relationships for survival and success. Perpetually optimistic and trusting, Susan developed an acute awareness of the goodwill of others and has a great appreciation for their contributions in her personal life, work life and entrepreneurial success. Susan depends on her staff for assistance with note taking and record keeping, and this summer they stepped up to manage much of the business, in some cases even managing Susan herself. They have become exceptional floral designers in their own right under her guidance, and Susan appreciates everything that they do. Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurism for motivation, her staff feels like part of her team rather than employees; titles and rank are ignored in favour of mutual support and common goals. The team focuses 110 per cent of their effort toward impressing each customer. It is the response from customers that entrepreneurs feed off of for validation and opportunities for growth. Susan values her customers immensely and many have become her friends and well wishers.
Entrepreneurs put their heart and their soul into their dream. Susan’s dream has always been of owning her own flower shop and she continues to dream. In her mind is a vision of a luxury multi-level shop where customers of all budgets can expect the royal treatment, whether they need a single bouquet or a warehouse of design. Her creativity enables Props to extend an original touch throughout each event; right down to each arrangement. Aside from being a creative outlet, floral design allows Susan to help others express their own appreciation. Whether they buy a flower a week or flowers for no reason, each purchase is meant to be treasured and enjoyed; there is nothing like receiving flowers.
I started working at Props only recently and immediately spotted Susan’s trusting nature. Slowly learning all of the adversity she was conquering at the time, I was intrigued to learn how a trauma is met with her smile, and how a setback means a leap forward in another direction. I thought you might also like to learn some of her story and asked Susan for the opportunity to share this with you. As always, her heart was open and laid it all on the table. If you are moved by this story, then we would like to invite you to stop by the store any time for a free smile or hug.
Written by Nicole Mosher
Photography by Emma Rose
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