If you’ve ever felt stuck in a dull desk job, craving creativity and freedom, Vienna Hintze’s story will inspire you. Her flower truck business is a perfect example of turning passion into a fulfilling career.
Vienna, a passionate entrepreneur, turned her love for flowers into a profitable venture, making $40,000 in her first year. Her journey is proof that when you follow your heart, success will follow.
I picked this story on the CNBC Make It YouTube channel. You’ll find the link to the channel at the end of this post. I encourage you to watch the video if you’re interested in the flower business.
Vienna describes her transition as a night-and-day difference from her earlier life. “I can work with my hands, get dirty, and be connected to the earth. It allows me to live as I imagine a human being is supposed to live,” she says.
If you share her vision, what’s stopping you from pursuing your passion?
The Flower Business in Los Angeles, CA
Vienna, 29, started her flower truck business in Los Angeles, California, in August 2023.
In just a short span, she made over $16,000 in a single month (May 2024). This proves that with the right approach and dedication, the flower business can be highly profitable.
Of course, business comes with highs and lows, but she embraced it all, knowing it was part of the journey.
Her business thrives on different revenue streams:
- Solo Pop-Ups – Selling flowers directly from her truck.
- Corporate & Brand Bookings – Companies and individuals hire her truck for events.
- Creative Rentals – Her truck is even rented out for music videos and photo shoots.
The Art of Selling Flowers
Vienna sources her flowers from the bustling flower district, always picking the freshest and most whimsical blooms. “I always gravitate towards wildflowers. I look for the happiest, most whimsical babies like these,” she says while picking up a bunch of vibrant delphiniums.
Running a flower business isn’t just about selling flowers; it’s about creativity, presentation, and communication. Every pop-up event requires investment, with Vienna spending anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars on flowers. The preparation includes:
- Trimming stems and removing leaves.
- Setting up an attractive display.
- Engaging customers with a warm, welcoming experience.
How Much Can You Make in the Flower Business?
Vienna offers mini bouquets for $10 and custom arrangements for $75, catering to different customer needs. Flower sales are seasonal, peaking during events like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Her most lucrative opportunities come from event bookings. Clients pay for prep time and event duration. Sometimes they even buy all the flowers available.
Overcoming Challenges in Flower Business
No business is without obstacles and Vienna’s flower business is no exception. Her vintage green pickup truck is lovingly named “Fiona.” While classic and charming, the truck often needed repairs, leading to unexpected costs and pop-up delays.
Despite these challenges, Vienna remained undeterred. She started her journey with no loans or external funding. “When I started full-time, I thought I’d never make as much money as I did in marketing. But I knew I had to prioritize my happiness.”
From New York to LA: A Leap of Faith
Before launching her flower business, Vienna lived in New York and worked in advertising and influencer marketing. Though initially fulfilling, something felt off. A trip to visit her sister in Los Angeles changed everything. She fell in love with the city and decided to make it her new home—armed with just a carry-on suitcase.
Her therapist helped her clarify her true desires. She says, “I made a list: I want to work with my hands. I want to be outside, interact with people and I want to own a cool pickup truck. The next week, I came up with the idea of a flower truck.”
The Bright Green Pickup Truck: A Symbol of Passion
Vienna has always had a love for classic vehicles. Fiona, her green truck, became an essential part of her brand. She bought it in May 2023 and hit the streets selling flowers by August. Although she faced vehicle issues, she remained resilient, proving that passion and persistence always win.
The Future of Vienna’s Flower Business
Vienna dreams of expanding her business in exciting ways, including:
- Continuing pop-ups and event bookings.
- Renting Fiona for film and TV appearances.
- Finding new ways to bring creativity into the business.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Think about what truly lights you up. If time and money didn’t exist, what would you do? That’s where you should focus your energy.”
Is the Flower Business for You?
Vienna’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a flower business, let this be your sign to take the leap! Success comes from passion and hard work. Whether you start with a small investment or go all in, success blooms where dedication meets effort.
Are you thinking about starting a flower business? Do you have tips or experiences to share? Drop a comment below!
If you found Vienna’s journey inspiring, you will also love the story of Venus Wang. She built a million-dollar career in AI. Stay tuned for more entrepreneurial success stories!