Spotlight: Kvetka Flower
Kvetka Flower is a European-style floral studio in Portland, which Nikolai and Mary founded together. Both being immigrants from Eastern Europe, the husband-wife team brings the European sensibility, spirit, and garden-inspired tradition into every arrangement they make: a style airy and artistic, a quiet counterpoint to the bold, saturated floral style.
The business provides everyday flower delivery across Portland as well as full-service wedding and event design. “The best thing about Kvetka is that we try incredibly hard and we're stubborn in the best way because what we do resonates with our clients,” Nikolai shared, “We're endlessly grateful to them for that.”
The majority of the flowers they use come directly from local farms in Oregon and Washington based on one of their core values: supporting a closed-loop local economy where locals support locals. Sourcing this way means fresher flowers, less waste, and real partnerships with the growers in the region. Below Nikolai shared more about their challenges and advice for new business owners.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Nikolai: Before immigrating, I worked in engineering surveying and eventually founded my own company. But living with the political reality of my home country became harder and harder. It's difficult to stay at peace with yourself when you can't stay at peace with what's happening around you.
So for me, the biggest challenge has been the move itself and starting something completely new. That is so different from everything I knew and did in my past life.
Without the language, without an international education or professional network, without close friends and loved ones nearby, you're constantly searching for a new home and constantly meeting the unfamiliar. Choosing flowers as that new path, learning a craft from scratch alongside my wife, in a new country, in a new language, that's been the real challenge. And honestly, the most meaningful one.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start or run their own business?
Nikolai: If you're hesitating about whether to start your own thing or stay in your job - that's okay. Doubt is normal. Doubt is natural. Very few people walk a straight line toward what they want without questioning it, without taking wrong turns or wandering down side streets. Try things. And don't be afraid if they don't work out.
Doubt, think, analyze - and try again. If you don't enjoy it, or if you want to give up when something falls apart - you're allowed to give up. That's not a defeat. It's just a chapter of your life. Your life doesn't end because you tried something and it didn't work, but now you'll know you did it, and that it wasn't for you.
Running your own business and carrying that responsibility isn't for everyone, and that's my main point: listen to yourself. Do what feels right for you, and don't worry about who might laugh at you or envy you along the way.
Just try.
