UCLA Anderson graduate John Tabis ('06) launched TheBouqs.com in November 2012 with the idea that buying flowers online for a loved one should be a simple, transparent, and affordable process. More importantly, it should be a special experience. So far, it's paid off—The Bouqs quadrupled its revenue growth between December and January, and sold out much of its inventory ahead of Valentine's Day.
So, what sets The Bouqs apart from the competition? We recently sat down with Tabis to learn more about his blossoming venture.
Inspiration
A disappointing experience led Tabis to the idea for The Bouqs.
Bouq it up.WOO HOO#bouqitup
— TheBouqs (@TheBouqs) November 14, 2012
The Bouqs experience
The Bouqs sells bright, colorful flowers, grown on an active volcano in Ecuador and known to stay fresh for up to two weeks, for a $40 flat fee with free shipping.
Responsibility
The Bouqs operates on an eco-friendly, sustainable model, eliminating much of the waste in the supply chain by shipping direct-from-farm-to-consumer, and by partnering with farms that treat their land and workers right.
We aren't bragging, but buying from TheBouqs.com is MUCH better for the environment.Sustainable farms, less energy used, no waste!
— TheBouqs (@TheBouqs) December 19, 2012
Startup challenges
Tabis's firsthand startup experience has been a learning experience—and it's not all a bed of roses.
Startup opportunities
But the occasional thorn doesn't distract him from the unique opportunity he has to create his own corporate culture.
Why UCLA Anderson
A personal take on "Think In the Next"
and the benefits of UCLA Anderson's Alumni Network.
Unlike other flower sites, The Bouqs also offers subscriptions (like "Regular Blooms" and "Just Because") to make sure you never forget a special occasion.
Tabis said his time at UCLA Anderson, ShoeDazzle, Disney, and Bain & Co. all helped him launch his business and establish his brand. He's hired current Anderson MBA student Leonard Lin to manage the website. With growing buzz across Facebook and Twitter, partnerships with Urban Daddy and Netted, and more in the works, The Bouqs is well-poised to take on the major industry players and reshape the way people buy flowers for loved ones.
Slideshow
View at Flickr.com
—Carla Collado and Kyle Holtan
Comments