From a young age, Vadewattie Ramkhelawan was captivated by the serene beauty of flowers. This deep-seated love eventually led her to discover her true calling–making floral arrangements. It was therefore fitting that in September 2018, she made the bold step to launch a floral business. Hailing from Triumph Village on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), the 36-year-old mother of one proudly owns “Flowers and Garlands by Vedo.” Her business specializes in creating fresh flower arrangements and garlands for every occasion—be it a birthday, anniversary, pooja, wedding, funeral, or any special celebration.
In a conversation with Guyana Standard about her journey, Ramkhelawan shared, “I have always loved flowers and anything floral. My family and friends jokingly dubbed me the ‘flower girl.’ Starting this business felt natural to me; from a young age, I made garlands for mandirs and family poojas (prayers).”
Truly blessed to pursue her passion daily, Ramkhelawan developed her skills as a florist through hands-on experience, extensive online research, and by watching countless instructional videos. Her dedication to floral design has allowed her to invest significant time in learning various techniques, color combinations, and design trends independently.
When asked about her motivation, she explained that her deep love for flowers and the joy they bring to people drives her forward. “Even when it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, those good days definitely outweigh the bad ones. Every day in this business is an opportunity to grow and create something beautiful, and that sense of fulfillment keeps me going,” she expressed.
Having been in the floral industry for over five years, Ramkhelawan described the support she has received as incredible and genuinely heartwarming. “From my loving husband and son, who have been my biggest cheerleaders, to friends and loyal customers who continually choose my arrangements for their special moments, each person has played a vital role in my journey,” she reflected.
Every order she receives is a significant moment for her, as it presents the chance to impress her clients and bring a smile to their loved ones’ faces. Despite the positive feedback and encouragement, Ramkhelawan has faced challenges along the way. She recalled the difficulties she encountered in sourcing a variety of florist supplies locally, such as different vases, wrapping paper, and floral foam. However, she noted that in the past year, with the industry’s growth, more businesses have begun importing these in-demand items, making them easier to obtain.
With online shopping becoming increasingly accessible, she has also been able to acquire trendy supplies from various sources. Balancing family life with running a business poses its challenges, but she finds it to be immensely rewarding.
Having achieved much during her business journey, Ramkhelawan aspires to continue growing her venture while maintaining the personal touch and creativity that make it unique. Her advice for anyone considering starting their own business is to follow their passion while being prepared to work hard. “In floristry, creativity is essential, but so is understanding the business side—marketing, managing finances, and recognizing customer needs. Don’t be afraid to start small and learn as you go,” she advised.
Next time you’re looking to purchase beautifully crafted floral arrangements, be sure to contact Vadewattie Ramkhelawan at (592) 645-0430, or reach out on Facebook at Flowers and Garlands by Vedo, Instagram at flowers_andgarlands, or TikTok at @flowers_andgarlands.
