Returning from abroad and starting your own business in Moldova sounds bold, doesn’t it? Microinvest clients Igor and Serafima Vlas made this decision in 2019. That is how “Flori Sud Vis SRL” came about – a company that today manages four large greenhouses and actively develops a flower business.
What flowers are grown in the greenhouses, how did they build a family business while modernizing their processes, and what role did Microinvest play in their growth? Read the full success story of “Flori Sud Vis SRL” in the article below.
How did the idea of starting a flower business come about?
I have always loved flowers, especially those grown in pots – with proper care, they can bring joy for a long time. In 2019, my husband and I were living in different countries, but we both knew we wanted to return home and build our own business in Moldova. At some point, we decided to “meet in the middle” – home. We started small: buying flowers from suppliers and selling them in Hincesti. Gradually, we became more involved in the process, learned, gained experience, and in 2021 we realized we were ready to grow flowers ourselves. That is how the first two greenhouses of “Flori Sud Vis SRL” appeared. Today, we already have four large greenhouses, and this confirms that returning home was the right decision.
What types of flowers do you grow in your greenhouses?
The assortment depends on the season – we try to work in a way that allows us to offer something to our clients all year round. The first season begins in early spring with bulb flowers: tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Then comes the spring-summer season, when the greenhouses fill with petunias, calibrachoa, surfinia, geraniums, marigolds, daisies, and other popular decorative plants. In autumn, we move to chrysanthemums – a traditional and highly demanded season. We always aim to select our assortment according to customer expectations, so everyone can find exactly the flowers they are looking for.
How can clients purchase the flowers? Is online ordering available?
Flowers can be purchased directly from the producer – we are located at the entrance to the village of Sarata-Galbena, where clients can visit us and choose everything on site. We also accept orders through our Facebook page, Flori de Vis, or by phone. During holiday periods, we offer home delivery to make it as convenient as possible for our clients. But honestly, you don’t need a special occasion to give flowers. Sometimes it is enough to simply have the desire to make someone happy – and we are always glad to help. It is important for us that flowers remain accessible to everyone, whether they visit us in person or order online.
Modernizing processes is very important in your business. How do you approach it?
Modernization is truly important for us. We have already come a long way, but we know there is still room to grow. At the beginning, everything was done manually – we watered plants with watering cans, which required a lot of time. Today, those are just decorative elements. Over time, we installed a drip irrigation system, which significantly eased the workload for both us and our employees. Watering became more uniform and efficient. We gradually try to implement solutions that make our processes more stable and manageable.
Serafima, how did you learn about Microinvest?
Honestly, at first through acquaintances. Later, we often saw information on social media. When we began expanding, we realized we needed additional investments for the greenhouses. As it usually happens – you plan one budget, but during the process, it turns out to be completely different. We turned to Microinvest and received support very quickly. Our loan expert was by our side at every stage – explaining, advising, and guiding us. She remains in contact with us to this day. We continue our collaboration because in business, investments are always necessary.
What advice would you give to those just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
First of all, thoroughly study the field in which you want to start a business. Understand the market, competition, location, and demand. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Were we scared? Of course. It is always scary to start something of your own and take responsibility. Every field has its nuances – you just need to find what suits you. For us, it’s flowers. We run a family business, and that is a great support for us. My husband and I make decisions together and support each other both in good and challenging moments. And it is just as important to have a reliable financial partner. For us, that partner became Microinvest – support came exactly when we most needed it.
*Microinvest is the only financial organization in Moldova that holds the international GOLD certification in client protection (according to the Cerise+SPTF Client Protection standards and methodology). This reflects a responsible and transparent lending process, fair financing, and a constructive approach to every request.
