Flower Power
Women's entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan is developing rapidly as more and more female entrepreneurs launch businesses and develop new careers. Muborak Mukhrimova is the co-founder of the first flower shop in Tashkent, Toshkent Gullari, established in 1972. As a mother, businesswoman and educator (she is also the founder of the Toshkent Gullari School), she is living proof that what one does with love is bound to flourish.
Text by Ozodakhon Ergashxojaeva
Can you tell us about the origins of Toshkent Gullari and your role in its development?
Toshkent Gullari was founded by my father-in-law, Mukhrimov Abdulaziz. I never planned to work in floristry, but fate led me to apply for a job at Toshkent Gullari, where I met his son, who became my husband. Even though my background was in education, I decided to join the family business. Over time, my passion for enterprise led me to become a co-founder of the Toshkent Gullari Group, which now includes seven other businesses in addition to Toshkent Gullari. The Group employs over 150 people and comprises the following companies:
- Toshkent Gullari (two outlets) – bouquets and compositions of fresh-cut flowers
- Toshkent Gullari Premium – exclusive bouquets and compositions
- Toshkent Gullari Plants – indoor plants
- Toshkent Gullari School – a school for florists
- Toshkent Gullari Wedding – flower arrangements and other items for Uzbek weddings
- Toshkent Gullari – in-house production
- Toshkent Gullari Business – a wholesale shop selling fresh flowers in bulk
- Toshkent Gullari Decor – home décor items
“The unwavering faith and support of my parents have been the foundation of my journey. Their constant presence and encouragement have empowered me to pursue every dream and overcome every challenge.”
How would you describe Toshkent Gullari’s unique style today?
Our style results from years of dedication. We combine traditional Uzbek floral culture with modern techniques and offer a wide assortment of local and regional arrangements, maintain high quality, and keep prices affordable. This approach reflects our commitment to professionalism and creativity.
What advice do you have for young women starting their careers?
Discover what truly inspires and excites you. Assess your strengths and identify areas for growth. Develop both soft skills like communication and hard skills relevant to your field. Building a strong foundation through learning will pave the way to success.
How do you maintain balance between work and personal life?
True balance is elusive because life demands constant adjustments. I view life as a long-distance journey – sometimes I prioritise work and late nights, at other times I focus on family and personal needs. The key is maintaining healthy boundaries and shifting priorities as needed.
“Flowers represent nourishment for the soul. Just as our body needs material resources, our spirit needs beauty. The joy of seeing and touching flowers offers emotional sustenance. Floral arrangements are not just decorative; they touch something much deeper within us.”
What are your current goals and future plans for floristry in Uzbekistan?
My goal is to advance the art of floristry in Uzbekistan and highlight our floral culture on the international stage. We plan to publish books, introduce advanced courses and open branches in other cities. I am dedicated to elevating floristry locally and globally.
