Sunita Anchan: A Visionary in the Floral Industry
Sunita Anchan, the creative mind behind Arpan Flowers, has revolutionized floral decor 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, an online-based floral decor service that has since become a trusted name in the event industry.
“We noticed a gap in the market for budget-friendly fresh flower decor. Arpan Flowers was born to deliver high-quality floral arrangements without the premium price tag,” Sunita explains.
A Trail of Achievements
Arpan Flowers boasts an impressive track record:
- Managed floral decor for 160+ weddings.
- Supported 900+ events with bespoke floral services.
- Earned five awards for professionalism and innovation.
- Over a decade of expertise in the event industry.
From bouquets to extravagant wedding installations, Sunita and her team have a reputation for turning events into unforgettable experiences.
Setting Trends in Wedding Decor
Sunita’s deep understanding of wedding trends has kept her ahead of the curve. Drawing inspiration from Bollywood and celebrity weddings, couples today seek bold color schemes, minimalist designs, and unconventional floral arrangements.
“Modern couples allocate up to 40% of their wedding budget to decor, aiming to recreate the glamour of celebrity nuptials. Fresh floral bridal accessories and lightweight wedding garlands are particularly popular,” Sunita shares.
Her team at Arpan Flowers also caters to pre-wedding events like Haldi and Sangeet, offering bespoke floral accents that enhance the celebrations.
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 male-dominated floral industry was no easy feat. “As a woman entrepreneur, 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 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.
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 event decor industry.
Her journey inspires others to dream big and persevere, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Follow her on Instagram .
