In a high school classroom in Changsha, China, the faint scent of roses mingled with the hum of teenage chatter. A dozen flower vases lined the back cabinets, their vibrant blooms a stark contrast to the grey school desks. The bouquets weren’t there for decoration – they were the creations of Hanyi Zhong, inspired by his passion for flowers.
Since childhood, Zhong has been fascinated by the beauty of flowers. Visiting flower shops became a regular habit. Over time, he developed a friendly relationship with a shop owner near his high school and started helping out during lunch break. In return, the owner taught him how to take care of and package the flowers.
Zhong never imagined his passion for flowers would bloom into a real business until one day, a classmate asked him if he could sell a bouquet for Mother’s Day.
“I figured, since I was already buying many flowers, why not sell them too?” he said. “I could make money and buy the flowers I liked even more.”
Zhong started selling bouquets online, but only a few people bought them from him at the first. He didn’t mind, though. He continued buying flowers and arranging them into more beautiful bouquets, sharing photos on social media, or giving them as gifts.
He never received formal training in floral design. “I don’t follow templates,” Zhong said. “Every bouquet I make is unique.”
Collection of Hanyi Zhong’s flower bouquets. (Photo: Hanyi Zhong)
After two years of persistence, he finally began to build a steady customer base. At that time, he had just graduated from high school and was heading to Ottawa for university. It was also the time for COVID-19.
Arriving in Ottawa amid the pandemic, Zhong noticed a gap in the local floral market, particularly among Chinese-style flower arrangements. Teaming up with a partner who specialized in balloon decorations, they opened a flower shop that combined their expertise.
Their operation kicked off quickly. “I finished quarantine on September 1, and by September 3, I was already posting advertisements for our studio,” Zhong said. “Within a week, we had our first customer.”
Running a flower shop wasn’t just about beauty and elegance. “The work may look glamorous, but it’s physically demanding,” he said. “You have to strip leaves, clean stems, and wash vases every day.”
Operating in Ottawa brought new hurdles, from managing the higher cost of imported flowers to addressing customer misconceptions. “In Canada, we can only source high-grade flowers from countries like the Netherlands and Ecuador, which makes the costs significantly higher,” he explains.
Cultural differences also played a role. “Our Chinese customers often compare prices to those in China, where flowers are cheaper and more readily available. Here, every bouquet is a blend of art and logistics.”
“I bought flowers from this store several times. They made the most beautiful and unique flower bouquets in Ottawa. So every time I want to buy flowers, I come here,” said Yifei Zhang, a customer.
Despite these challenges, Zhong takes pride in offering a unique, personalized approach to floral design. “I don’t follow templates or standard guidelines. I think that’s what sets my shop apart.”
As a university student, he highlights the importance of teamwork, relying on his partner and employees to keep the shop running smoothly.
For young entrepreneurs, especially students, Zhong offers sobering advice: “Think carefully before diving in. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, and the current economic climate is particularly tough. If you’re not ready to face challenges, focus on your studies first.”
However, he emphasizes the value of passion and resilience. “I started young, which gave me time to learn from mistakes. If you’re committed, be prepared to invest time and energy into building something meaningful.”
Hanyi Zhong holding a bouquet in his flower store. (Photo: Zixuan Li)
Looking ahead, Zhong plans to expand into high-end floral arrangements and add complementary products like home fragrances. For now, he’s focused on nurturing his Ottawa shop, ensuring it thrives as a creative hub.
“In the floral business, you’re not just selling flowers; you’re selling emotions and experiences,” he says. “That’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
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