Advice for the Self-Starter with Danit Zamir

Wedding planning is no easy feat, especially when you’re trying to be cost-conscious. Danit (Tal) Zamir learned this first-hand when she was planning her own wedding. Flowers for thousands of dollars that would be thrown out in 5 hours seemed wasteful and irresponsible. So today, Danit is solving this problem by helping brides, grooms and event planners be more green while selecting their flowers. Her company Bloomerent works with a community of florists who pick up floral centerpieces after an event, repurpose them overnight and deliver them to the next event the following day. Check out her advice on how she puts in time and hard work to execute on her business:

How did you find your grey?

I was planning my wedding in 2014 and was at the point of picking out flowers. The quotes I was receiving from florists were hard to justify - their high fees mixed with the idea of someone throwing the centerpieces out after just 5 hours of use didn’t seem right to me. I tried to find alternative options for great flowers without the high price and it didn’t exist. I also have zero creative ability so DIY wasn’t an option. The only choices were to pay for what I wanted or settle on something I didn’t want to reduce the cost. After weeks of research, meeting with florists and talking to brides and event planners, I decided I needed an alternative option and decided to start Bloomerent! This was my way of using a personal experience to inspire my professional work.

What motivates you to grow and do great work?

Knowing that I am helping people. I know that the harder I work, the more brides, grooms and event planners I can help. I’m also motivated by my family. I have 6 younger sisters and 5 younger brothers that I want to be a good role model for. By taking a risk and starting my business, I want to help pave the way for their future career choices.

How did you become qualified enough to do what you love?

I don’t think there are qualifications to do something you love. If you’re willing to put in the time and hard work, you’re qualified.

How has your work helped you live a more fulfilled life?

I’m happier working on something that means a lot to me and helps others. I make it a point to balance my work with things that keep me happy, like working out and spending time with family and friends.

What’s one thing you do every morning to get ready for the day?

Coffee! ☺ I set daily goals for myself every morning. I prioritize 1-5 things, depending on how time consuming they are, and write them down. I stop working once I cross everything off my list, whether it’s at 4 PM or 3 AM. It’s important to create a realistic work/life balance while making sure I’m hitting my goals.

What advice do you have for someone seeking mentorship and to build their network?

Don’t be scared to reach out to people and don’t be offended if someone doesn’t get back to you. If you have a mutual friend with someone you’re interested in talking to, ask your friend to make an introduction. Most of the time, unless they are really busy, people are happy to meet with you.

What advice do you have for beginners in your industry specifically?

Do not be afraid to ask questions – in fact, you really should ask questions. Reach out to someone who has done this before and would be willing to give you advice. You’ll make mistakes and that’s okay— the most successful people I know have too. Know your strengths and accept your weaknesses – get the help you need and don’t be afraid to fail.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m a die-hard NBA fan, so I try to get to as many Nets games as possible. I’m also a homebody, so if I’m not watching a basketball game, my husband and I are probably laying on the couch and binge-watching TV shows and movies. I’m also a big fan of sleep.

Do you have a motto?

I wouldn’t say this is my motto, but we used to use this quote when I was working at my old job and it really stuck with me: “A good day is only a good day if it’s followed by a good day.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

Just do it and don’t second-guess yourself – you can come up with every excuse not to do something if you allow yourself to. Everyone has an idea but not everyone chooses to execute it, or execute it well. That’s the difference between the person with an idea and the person who goes for it. Go for it.

You can learn more about Danit on her website or connect with her on Twitter.