We invite you to discover Maria Clara Correa, the producer of Kiara Flowers stabilized roses. In the early 2010s, she tells us how choosing preserved flowers saved her business and what challenges she overcame. Keep reading to find out more about the success story of the Queen of Roses.
SecondNatur : Hello Maria Clara Correa, can you describe your background in a few words?
Maria Clara : I studied computer science and management. My first job was selling personal computers. Since 1995 I am General Manager at San Andres. Under my responsibility are sales and finances. My passion in the company, the customers, and the quality.
SN : What is the history of Kiara Flowers?
MC : We began as fresh flowers producers in 1995. The first 5-year business was excellent, but then market conditions changed, and we were not able to follow them. In the year 2012 business was very difficult, and we decided to make a radical change.
SN : How did you discover the stabilization of flowers?
MC : Once during those years I had a meeting with a customer who showed me a preserved roses box. He explained to me that the market was good and that there was not enough production for the demand.
Although the stabilization is a technical process, he introduced me to a very good technician that would teach us how to preserve roses.
SN : Why choose roses? What does this flower symbolize for you?
MC : Although there are many flowers in the nature, I think rose is the queen. We were already rose producers, so we knew how to do it. Besides, Ecuador is known for the best quality roses in the world, so we thought it was a natural decision.
SN : What is your daily professional life like?
MC : I dedicate my time to establish good relationships with my customers, give them the best service possible and be a reliable supplier. I also keep constant communication with my colleagues. I personally check the products every day so I am sure that we sell the best quality in the market.
SN : What challenges has your company encountered?
MC : Many challenges during this year. First, financing the operation was very difficult. When the first production was ready, I had to find new customers. As we grew we had to find good people to run the production, to do the QC, etc. Now we face a new challenge of accomplishing a quick growth.
SN : What is Kiara doing to improve the quality of work for its employees?
MC : We believe that our employees are the most important asset, so we work with them in constantly teaching them many different things. We are always hearing their problems and trying to solve them, we pay salaries above the market, we keep a very organized company where 40 hours per week are honoured. People that work with us stay long years!
SN : How significant is it for Kiara to be environmentally friendly?
MC : That’s one of our main goals. We do it, not only with the packaging materials, but also in many areas of the company : recycling, trying to reduce wastes, reusing. There is still a lot of room to improve, this is in constant evolution in our company.
SN : What do you think is the reason for the success of stabilized flowers and plants around the world?
MC : Preserved flowers have many advantages:
– They look very real,
– They last longer (you spend less),
– No coolers needed,
– Sea transportation instead of planes (low carbon footprint).
SN : What do you see as the future of stabilized plants?
MC : I think there is a lot of room to grow, as people all over the world get to know this wonderful product. It’s our goal to produce a bigger range of possibilities with stabilized plants and so offer new and innovative products.
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