Daily Inspiration: Meet Desiree’ Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree’ Williams.

Hi Desiree’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I am a local healthcare professional, and new entrepreneur, living here in St. Louis. Outside of my day-to-day work and Mom life, I’ve always been a naturally creative individual who not only enjoyed painting, crafting, and building things; but I’ve always been an extremely organized person. I love the feeling of having my home in order (labels and bins truly make me happy). Throughout the years, I’ve assisted my friends and family with projects, created paintings for nurseries and events, and would even roll up my sleeves to help organize a loved ones space (there were times in school where you could find me cleaning out and organizing my classmate’s desks, LOL).

Last year (2020), may have been a whirlwind of a year, but it truly set me up for where I am today. At one point, I was supporting and buying from black-owned businesses left and right! I wanted to share with everyone what amazing businesses I was coming across. I remember thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if there was a massive website that listed every black-owned business in the world? Like an online mall for black businesses!’’ I took the idea to God and He shut me down, ha! He started telling me about another plan, but I had yet to understand what it was. So I went about my merry way, continuing to create, supporting businesses, creating new talents and developing new friendships. Maybe a massive website was too big of an approach for me!

In August, I brought a cake to a party. Everyone raved over it, and I left with four orders due in the upcoming weeks. I had no idea what was happening! I don’t sell cakes; I’m a healthcare professional. I just wanted to bring something to the celebration.

In October, I was asked at a church service if I had prayed for my business. ‘What business? Am I missing something?’, I thought! Back to God I went; asking for help and clarity.

In November, as I was preparing for the next chapter of my life-homeownership-I remember feeling excited that I’d finally be able to unlock all of the ideas I was storing in my brain and could design my home the way I’ve always wanted. At that same time, God kept telling me something about a business, but as a person who values all of her talents, I didn’t know where to begin or what to do.

Once my birthday came in June of this year, and my family and friends were invited over for the first time, there was the confirmation I needed: Start a business providing a service for every sector of my creative world (including the cakes).

June 26, 2021, Blossoms at Home was born. My birthday. The day just 34 years ago I entered the world and was affectionately called ‘Flowergirl’ by my Father. The flower bloomed!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my business before my launch in August was smooth. The process truly felt God-ordained as things were falling in line so perfectly! Within a week I was registering Blossoms at Home as a business with the state, building my website, preparing my list of services and pricing, opened a business account with my bank, and was creating business cards. I wrote down my business plan and goals, and I was ready to begin.

However, though the prep work was smooth, officially becoming an entrepreneur was not; and is not! It’s hard work, a lot of stress and anxiety, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. As a Mother to a child with special needs, that’s a full-time job in itself; as a dual healthcare professional, my days can be crazy and long; as a member of the music ministry at church, rehearsals and serving takes away more time; as a daughter, sister, friend I’m still trying to remain connected, supportive, and social; and now I add on owning my own business! I’m tired, yet grateful. I’m ultimately doing what I love and I’m so excited for the journey ahead-even if it means no sleep!!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Blossoms at Home is a Home & Lifestyle company. Our slogan, ‘Be inspired. Be creative’, is meant to encourage our clients and followers to think outside the box and be creative. We want everyone to leave willing to try new things.

Services consist of interior design consultations, organization assistance, DIY project assistance, and the Blossoms Bakery. I also regularly share tips & tricks, and my favorite products on social media as an influencer.

Blossoms at Home is different from other businesses because it not only offers a wide-range of home services (both in-person or virtually), but it also places other black businesses on a pedestal each month. My services may allow me to highlight my talents, but each month on my webiste, I bring recognition to other businesses through the ‘Blossoms Black Business Spotlight’ (smaller scale from my massive website idea). At Blossoms you can satisfy your taste buds with cake or cookies, get help organizing your closet, learn tips on packing a suitcase, and shop with other businesses all in one place!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be, do it afraid. Have faith in yourself and your talents. Have confidence everything will work out. Don’t worry about where the money will come from, don’t worry about where the customers will come from.