MLP Spotlight
In this season ’ s Member Spotlight , we caught up with MLP Member Lee DerHagopian . Lee owns and operates Flora Explora , which offers top notch commercial interior and exterior urban landscape design , installation , and maintenance , plus holiday design services . The company specializes in seasonal plantings in oversized planters , plus pop-up gardens , parks , courtyards , and rooftops all over the Boston area . We are grateful Lee took some time from her busy schedule to answer some questions for MLP Newsline !
When you were 10 years old , what did you want to be when you grew up ? A surgeon or a veterinarian .
How did you start out in the landscape industry ? I started out in sales . I was attracted to the visual aspect of both interior and exterior landscaping , and like working with commercial clients . I boot strapped it and plunged into the industry and learned a lot fast , just by observation initially . Then over the years I homed in on my specialty , which is seasonal color — specifically , oversized planters with layered , seasonal displays / plantings , as well as interior plant design .
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work ? How have they influenced you ? As opposed to a single person that influenced me , going to Babson College really helped me with my career . At Babson , I was exposed to case studies that allowed me to see how many different businesses thrived and / or failed , and why . We also learned fundamentals like marketing , sales , finance , accounting , and operations . Also , Babson has a strong Entrepreneurial program and general “ slant ” towards entrepreneurship .
In addition , my father influenced me , since he managed various businesses . He taught me to take risks , work hard , and “ use your head ”.
I also worked with business coach Dan Foley for several years . Many people know Dan from when he started his own business D Foley Landscaping and Campus Care back in the 1980s . He sold his business and started consulting in 2014 ( we also happened to graduate from Babson together ).
What ’ s the biggest risk you ever took in your career ? How did it work out ? Starting this business , Flora Explora ! And it has worked out great ! It hasn ’ t been easy , however . At times , it feels like I ’ m riding a bucking bronco , but there ’ s a sense of adventure , and certainly never a dull moment !
Favorite piece of equipment or product ? We work with a lot of plants as opposed to large equipment and tools . So , I don ’ t have one favorite tool or piece of equipment , whereas I really enjoy combining different plants . I love working with annuals and tropical foliage for Summer seasonal designs . I also really like the challenge and outcome of working with various fresh cut winter greens to create holiday / winter displays .
What ’ s your favorite plant ? Why ? Oh boy … well , if I must pick just one , I would pick begonias as my favorite . There are so many different varieties , colors , and forms , and they are beautiful performers that have a great extended shelf life . Begonias are my go-to plant , for sure ! We use different varieties for different applications .
What would you describe as the keys to creating a great company culture ? Open minded collaboration , listening to each other , adapting together to change and challenges , and most importantly , honesty and communication .
What is the best thing about your job ? What is the hardest ? The best thing is being creative . Seeing our beautiful plantings in full bloom , and knowing we worked closely as a team to create them . I also love helping clients with challenging areas and feel very fulfilled when they express that
Lee DerHagopian , Owner Flora Explora LLC
they are happy with our work and our service . The hardest part is juggling limited resources …. labor , materials , etc . And balancing new sales with operational growth / support .
What would we most likely find you doing on your day off ? Walking in the woods , or watching “ my birds ” on the feeders , including hummers , as well as watching the chipmunks in my back yard , and loving our fur babies , currently Willy the cat , and Sam our senior lab . Sam is such a love bug . Being with nature and animals really helps me recharge emotionally and mentally .
At the end of the day , I ’ d be cooking up a storm , and enjoying an evening feast with friends and family – with mandatory red wine !
As a successful female business owner , is there any advice you would you give to other women in business ? Trust your instincts . Have confidence in yourself . Don ’ t wait for approval from others . Break down big problems into bite size pieces and take one day at a time . And put blinders on when necessary to accomplish certain tasks .
What is one of your favorite expressions ? “ Time ’ s fun when you ’ re having flies ” – Kermit the Frog ❖
MLP Newsline | Fall 2021 15