Sunita Anchan: A Visionary in the Floral Industry
Sunita Anchan, the creative mind behind Arpan Flowers, has transformed the fresh floral industry in Dubai and the GCC region. With over 15 years in the event management industry, Sunita transitioned from a corporate job in India to establishing a flourishing business in Dubai. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when she co-founded Arpan Flowers, the Middle East’s only dynamic e-commerce portal offering Indian ceremonial and devotional flowers, as well as floral bouquets for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day.
“We noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, budget-friendly fresh flowers. Arpan Flowers was born to deliver the freshest and best floral arrangements at a reasonable price,” Sunita explains.
A Trail of Achievements
Arpan Flowers has built a stellar reputation in the floral industry:
- Delivered thousands of fresh flower arrangements to happy customers.
- Provided Indian ceremonial and devotional flowers to UAE-based Indian expats.
- Earned recognition for quality, affordability, and customization.
- Over a decade of expertise in floral arrangements and customer satisfaction.
From daily floral needs to subscription services, Sunita and her team are committed to spreading joy and beauty through flowers.
Bringing Fresh Floral Trends to UAE
Sunita’s deep understanding of floral trends has kept Arpan Flowers ahead of the curve. Modern customers, especially Indian expats, seek vibrant, customized floral arrangements tailored to their cultural and personal preferences.
“Fresh floral bridal accessories, lightweight wedding garlands, and customized bouquets are in high demand. Our collections and arrangements are completely tailored to individual needs and budgets,” Sunita shares.
Her team at Arpan Flowers also specializes in floral decor for pre-wedding events like Haldi and Sangeet, along with subscription-based flower services for daily pooja and home decor.
Early Beginnings: The Foundation of Resilience
Sunita’s entrepreneurial journey was shaped by her early life experiences. Born into a middle-class family in India, she learned financial discipline from a young age. A family emergency at 16 highlighted the importance of saving and budgeting.
After losing her father at 17, Sunita and her mother took up small jobs like stitching and tiffin services to support their household. These experiences instilled in her a sense of responsibility and resourcefulness that later became the backbone of her business acumen.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Entrepreneur
Breaking into the floral industry as a woman entrepreneur was no easy feat. “I had to push barriers and prove myself constantly,” Sunita recalls. Balancing work and family life was another challenge, especially as she started the business when her children were toddlers.
Despite these obstacles, Sunita’s persistence paid off. By building strong relationships with vendors and gaining customer trust, she created a niche for Arpan Flowers in the competitive market.
Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future
Sunita’s commitment to sustainability sets Arpan Flowers apart. Instead of discarding leftover flowers, the company repurposes them into incense sticks, dhoops, or compost.
“We aim to minimize landfill waste and provide families with meaningful keepsakes that remind them of their special events,” says Sunita.
Building a Business with a Modest Start
Arpan Flowers started with an investment of $50,000, funded from Sunita’s personal savings. The initial focus was on developing an e-commerce platform and offering limited services.
Within two years, the company secured $200,000 in additional funding to scale operations. Today, the monthly operational cost averages $10,000, with seasonal peaks requiring higher investments.
Secrets to Success: Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sunita shares five essential tips for budding entrepreneurs:
- Focus on ideas that solve real needs and have scalable potential.
- Secure capital to sustain the business for at least two years.
- Commit full-time and research the market thoroughly.
- Invest in effective marketing to drive growth.
- Build a team of hardworking, value-driven individuals.
Expanding Horizons
With plans to expand across the UAE and GCC regions, Sunita is now exploring eco-friendly floral decor options and organic product lines.
“Our focus is to align our business with sustainable and innovative practices. We aim to make luxury floral decor accessible and environmentally responsible,” she says.
Follow Arpan Flowers Online
Stay connected with Arpan Flowers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn at @arpanflowersuae to explore their latest floral collections and services.
An Inspiration for Women Entrepreneurs
Sunita’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of chasing one’s dreams. By filling market gaps and embracing sustainable practices, she has set a benchmark for success in the floral industry.
Her journey inspires others to dream big and persevere, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Follow her on Instagram .
