Meet Kaira Turner | Self Taught Florist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaira Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaira, how do you think about risk?
I think about Risks as a once in a life time opportunity to go hard or go home. I would say since I was a little girl I’ve always been curious about the world, theories, and new ideas. Too curious to the point where I would get in trouble for exploring new avenues without thinking before doing. I think that this has enabled me to push myself further in my business and to think outside of the box when it comes to ideas. Being spontaneous with your thought process allows you to strategically implement your ideas and set goals. Without Risks, you will always remain comfortable or stagnant. Comfortability does not breed success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Chi Fleurs is one of the 1st conventional e-commerce flower companies in Chicago that sells “ Timeless flowers, lasting more than hours™“ with our arrangements lasting up to a year. I started this company in 2017 and launched it February 10, 2018 a couple days before Valentine’s Day. It did so well, however, in the beginning I was overwhelmed with the demand because nobody was aware of what “Timeless” flowers were or how we sustained roses to last up to a year. Due to this curiosity, our customer demand was very high.

After a couple of years, in 2020, I transitioned to selling Fresh arrangements with our Chi Fleurs Blooming collection, which eventually led me to do my 1st corporate event with CBRE and constant Event flower placements. We specialize in Parisian inspired hat box arrangements with a beautiful array of flowers and colors to choose from. As of 2021, we have diversified our product list to include flower bears and different forms of Timeless arrangements including: long stem flowers, I love you boxes, single customized flowers, Galaxy roses etc.

Looking back at our accomplishments, I am most proud of our growth, great customer service, versatility, creativity, and the ability to provide opportunity for minority and small business owners. I have launched the beginning of our annual pop ups on February of 2021. On May 7, 2021, I created opportunity for small businesses to collaborate and showcase their business in a “one stop” pop up shop for Moms. I’m excited to continue this in Chicago as we need more resources to build as a community instead of constantly tearing each other apart.

Creating this company was not easy. It took a lot of sacrifice, thousands of dollars, sleepless nights, and ridicule from people close to me. I think that my prior losses enabled me to keeping pushing myself and work better under pressure. I just want to make a name for myself and show other women that success is possible through all avenues. You can do anything you put your mind to and stay consistent with!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Chicago and I wanted to show them the best time ever I would set up the itinerary as follows: (Summer time Chi )

Monday- Pool vibes at my house because it’s Monday 🤦🏽‍♀️ And I live in a high rise in downtown Chicago, we could do a cute restaurant like Summer House Santa Monica.

Tuesday- Del Torro for my favorite tacos and drinks, the Sears tower (Since you’re not from here) we can do a little sight seeing, Samah for the hookah vibes

Wednesday- Nobu for dinner

Thursday- Ruth Chris for dinner

Friday- Soho / club Bounce

Saturday- Boat Scene downtown rent a boat and catch the fireworks

Sunday- Bevy (Bevy on Sundays since forever)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Success is 100% based on the Love, family, friends, and Support system I surround myself with. Growing up I lost 5 of my close family members to debilitating diseases which pushed me to live like every day could be my last. From those losses, it shaped me into the strong woman that I would need to be as an entrepreneur (because we all know that this isn’t for the weak lol).

I want to acknowledge Cam for assisting me with start up costs. My biggest acknowledgement is also to my Father for seeing the vision. As a triple minority entrepreneur: being a Woman, Mexican, And African American, we lack the same financial opportunities as our counter parts and start ups are definitely the most difficult when your family might not have much to give. My mom and grandma are both immigrants from Mexico. We made something out of nothing. The U.S offered greater opportunity that I am forever grateful for.

Website: www.chifleurs.com

Instagram: Chifleurs

Twitter: Chifleurs

Facebook: Chifleurs

Other: info@chifleurs.com

Image Credits
Photographers: Brian Flynn @bflynnphoto , Marlon Julian @marlonjuliandope Graphic Designer: Ashley Sims @theaestheticgirl