Aara Floral Luxury founder Manisha Raney sits with us to discuss what it takes to build a brand with a soul, her inspirations, and what Aara really means to her.
The first 30 minutes of my day are all about setting the mood – for the flowers, the space, and myself. I open up the boutique just as the city is starting to stir, and there’s something so special about that early quiet. I check the stock of fresh blooms and start arranging the display so it draws people in – it’s a small space, but I want it to feel warm and welcoming. I sip my coffee and go over the day’s orders – any special arrangements, events, or deliveries. Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day – it’s calm and meaningful.
Flowers have always spoken to me in a way words sometimes can’t – they lift moods and soften moments. Starting my own flower boutique felt like the most natural extension of who I am. Whether it’s a quick bouquet on the way home or something custom for a big occasion, I get to be a small part of people’s stories. That’s what inspired me – the chance to create small moments of joy, one bloom at a time. The name Aara is actually a combination of my children’s names, so from the very beginning, the boutique has been rooted in love, family, and meaning. What truly sealed it for me, though, was discovering that Aara also means “light” and “adornment” in different cultures. It felt perfect – because that’s exactly what flowers do: they brighten spaces, lift spirits, and mark the moments that matter. Starting this boutique wasn’t just about florals – it was about creating something meaningful, inspired by the people I love most. Aara is a reflection of my family, my passion, and the joy I hope to share through every bouquet.
It was a mix of passion and timing, really. I’ve always felt drawn to flowers – their beauty, their symbolism, the way they can completely shift someone’s day. But what truly sparked the idea was realising how much joy I felt in creating small, thoughtful arrangements for friends and family. It wasn’t just about the flowers – it was about the feeling behind them.
My family has always been my strongest support system, and their encouragement was key to the vision behind Aara. Through their love and support, I was able to build something that feels deeply personal. The values they instilled in me – hard work, resilience, and the importance of family – have shaped how I approach this business. Aara isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of the strength and love my family has always given me. It’s a reminder that with the right support system, anything is possible.
What makes my boutique different is the heart behind it. Aara takes a deeply personal approach to floral design. From the carefully curated blooms to the thoughtful finishing touches, everything is crafted with heart, elegance, and soul. I’m personally involved in selecting the flowers, choosing the right color palette, and designing each bouquet and arrangement. We focus on intentional florals – less about trends, more about connection. Whether it’s a spontaneous gift or a grand celebration, I want people to truly feel something when they receive our flowers. It’s personal, soulful, and curated with care – that’s what sets us apart.
I draw inspiration from many places, but nature is always my starting point. The changing seasons, the textures of leaves, even the way light filters through petals – those small, natural details guide my colour choices and composition. Emotion plays a huge role too; I often think about what I want the arrangement to feel like – whether it’s calming, romantic, or bold – and build from there. Each piece becomes a kind of visual story, rooted in both intuition and inspiration.
One of the greatest challenges I faced while launching my brand was striking a balance between creative expression and the realities of running a business. I knew how to work with flowers and create meaningful arrangements, but building a brand meant stepping into roles I wasn’t initially comfortable with – marketing, pricing, sourcing, logistics. At times, it was overwhelming, but I embraced it as part of the creative journey. I spent time refining my voice, understanding my audience, and trusting my instincts. Another challenge was carving out a unique identity in a space filled with incredible talent. I overcame that by staying true to my aesthetic and focusing on storytelling – letting each arrangement carry emotion, texture, and intention.
To uplift any home, I love suggesting flowers that feel fresh, vibrant, and full of life. You can never go wrong with sunflowers – they instantly brighten a room with their bold, happy energy. Peonies are another favourite; their soft, full blooms bring a sense of romance and elegance. For something timeless, white lilies or hydrangeas offer a fresh, calming beauty.
Since launching Aara, every small step has felt like a big, meaningful milestone. Seeing our very first customer walk away smiling with a bouquet was unforgettable. One of my biggest milestones has been building a community of loyal customers who connect with the heart behind Aara. Every positive message, every returning client, every recommendation – it all reminds me why I started.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Aara with the same heart and creativity it began with. I plan to introduce seasonal collections, host flower arranging workshops, and collaborate with other local businesses to create unique experiences for our community. I also hope to expand into a second location and enhance our online presence, so more people can experience the beauty and spirit of Aara – wherever they are.
To me, self-care means giving yourself permission to slow down and reconnect – with your mind, your body, and your heart. It’s about listening to what you need in the moment – whether that’s rest, creativity, or movement. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a walk, spending time with my family, arranging flowers just for myself, or setting boundaries to protect my energy. Self-care is really about balance, kindness, and being present.
