Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! This series will help you get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as we ask them questions about their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Victoria O’Connor, Owner of Willow Events!

Introduce yourself! 
I’m Victoria O’Connor, and I own Willow Events, a full service wedding and event decorator based in Hazel Green, AL.

How does your business help people? 
We help clients design one of a kind floral pieces & event decorating for their weddings, birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers & more.

How long have you lived in the Madison area? 
I live in Hazel Green, but I have been in the Huntsville area since 1994.

What inspired you to start your business? 
I have always dreamed of having my own business since I was in high school. I always thought it would be a coffee shop never knew my path would be flower.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry? 
I put God at the center of my business. Its more than a business, but a ministry and advancement to his kingdom.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far? 
Building my business from a $500 dollar start up. My husband and I lived pay check to credit card for a long time with him being a mechanic. It’s not easily supporting a family with the way they are paid. He said take $500 out of our income tax return and start your business. Its been a very long slow building process.

How does your business contribute to the local community? 
I try to give where God tells me my business is about God it’s not always about the money. 

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years? 
Our long term goal is a wedding venue that is full service.

Who are your typical customers and how do they find you? 
Social media (Facebook)

What do you enjoy most about running your business? 
I love making my business very personal getting to know my clients and having fun seeing what we can create for their day. It’s also very beautiful that I become close with a lot of my clients. We are friends on Facebook, and I get to watch them all starting their own families now.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes? 
We are subscribed to the top floral design magazines, Pinterest, and any classes we can take.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry? 
Enjoy the process, take your time build slow and steady, and don’t sell out to get big over night.

What product/service would you like for us to highlight at this time? 
Weddings, birthdays, and bridal showers!

How do you involve your kids in your business? 
I’m a home school mom so my boys go with me for the majority of the process. To the wholesaler, prepping flowers, filling vases/buckets, soaking oasis whatever is needed my boys are their to help.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life? 
Just finding the balance between homeschooling, baseball, keeping up the home life, and running my business.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite? 
Lemon & Lavender

Do you have a business bestie? 
My business partner, Virginia.

Where can people find you? 
Facebook & Instagram

If Victoria’s experience as a mom and business owner resonates with you, we want to hear from you in the comments! And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com. to be featured in a future Member Highlight post!