Blossoming Dreams, Sonam Choki’s Floral Journey
Sonam Choki, a dynamic entrepreneur from Punakha, is rapidly making a name for herself in the floral industry with her innovative venture, Ktsel Bouquet. In May 2023, Sonam turned her passion for flowers into a tangible enterprise by launching Ktsel Bouquet. Nestled in Changzamtok, right below the call center.
Today, Ktsel Bouquet has become a popular destination for flower enthusiasts and those looking to add a touch of elegance to their special occasions. The shop offers a diverse range of floral arrangements, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting Sonam’s commitment to quality and creativity.
In an interview with Entrepreneur Magazine, she shared that her academic pursuits took her beyond the borders of Bhutan, first to India, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, and then to Australia. At the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), she completed a master’s degree in business, equipping her with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the competitive world of entrepreneurship. Her time abroad not only broadened her horizons but also instilled in her a global perspective that she now brings to her business.
Ktsel Bouquet is more than just a flower shop; it’s a manifestation of Sonam’s vision to bring beauty and joy into people’s lives. Her dedication to customer satisfaction and her eye for design have set Ktsel Bouquet apart in a market that is rapidly growing in demand. From stunning bouquets for weddings and events to simple yet elegant floral gifts, Ktsel Bouquet caters to a wide array of customer needs, making it a beloved choice in Thimphu.
“You can’t live in Australia without working, so during my time there, I worked in a flower factory. There, I was trained in making flower bouquets and arrangements, and I worked there for five years. I prefer working at my own pace and on my own schedule, which is only possible if I’m my own boss. With my expertise in flower arrangement and understanding of the market in Thimphu, I decided to turn my passion into a source of income,” Sonam shared.
What sets Ktsel flower bouquets apart from others in the market is Sonam’s dedication to customer satisfaction. Whether it’s a cheerful arrangement to brighten someone’s day or a heartfelt sympathy bouquet, she infuses personal touches, creating memorable experiences that extend beyond just flowers. She added, “I’ve seen beautiful flower bouquets and arrangements in the market. I am not sure how mine stand apart from others, but I put in the effort to ensure that my customers are happy with what they receive, as every bouquet tells a unique story.”
Sonam has different bouquets and arrangements for different occasions; however, she makes bouquets and arrangements as per her customer’s choices, and Sonam chooses the flowers and makes bouquets for them. Moreover, she does recommend flowers depending on the occasion and the person the flowers are for.
The beauty of Ktsel Bouquets is that if they have flowers available, they can cater to your needs without requiring advance booking for special events or occasions. They also offer delivery services outside Thimphu, although customers must cover the transport charges. “We do offer same-day delivery service, but we request customers to bear the transport costs,” Sonam explained.
For entrepreneurs, every day is a mix of challenges and opportunities, requiring agility, resilience, and determination to navigate. Sonam shared, “To date, the only challenge I’d say in terms of bringing the business to life was finding a good location that showcases the beautiful flower arrangements. But now this isn’t a problem anymore because every passerby can envy and drop by the shop. I’d also like to acknowledge that reaching customers and building a customer base on social media was initially challenging. However, I have great friends and family who have been supportive. They did the marketing for me, and the power of word of mouth is incredible. Thanks to them, I’ve managed to gain popularity in this business.”
According to Sonam the word “Entrepreneur” encapsulates the drive to find value and purpose in your endeavors while recognizing the importance of generating revenue. It’s about more than just making money, it’s about creating something meaningful, making a positive impact, and building a legacy, while revenue generation is essential for sustainability and growth.
Sonam’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is, “Opportunities in the business world often come and go quickly, so it’s essential to have a proactive mindset and grab it when they arise. By staying proactive and adaptable, you can position yourself for success on the opportunities that come your way in the business landscape.”
The Ktsel bouquet business is more than just flowers, it’s about crafting moments of beauty and joy in the hearts of customers. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and personalized service, Sonam strives to exceed expectations and create lasting memories with every bouquet she creates.
