He Couldn’t Find a Bouquet for His Girlfriend — Now He Runs a Rs 4000 Cr Flower Empire

It all started with a bouquet that Vikas Gutgutia wanted to buy for his girlfriend. As he wandered through Delhi’s flower markets, he was met with wilted petals, poorly cut stems and hardly any variety. For something as timeless and beautiful as a bouquet, the options were surprisingly disappointing

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This experience sparked a new idea, where others saw a wilted bunch of roses, he saw a blooming opportunity. Back in 1994, Vikas borrowed some money from his friends and took the leap to start ‘Ferns N Petals’, a company that would go on to redefine how India celebrates love, memories, and milestones.

But his idea wasn’t just about selling better flowers — it was about building a better ecosystem. Vikas went straight to the root of the problem. He started working directly with local farmers, providing them with high-quality seeds so they could grow flowers that weren’t just fresh but also vibrant and long-lasting. With no team to rely on in the beginning, Vikas wore many hats. He managed design, storage, delivery, and everything in between — all by himself.

His approach was simple —  to craft beautiful bouquets, present them thoughtfully, and make sure every petal brought a smile.

As Ferns N Petals began to grow, so did Vikas’s ambitions. He expanded the brand’s footprint, eventually exporting fresh flowers internationally. But the journey wasn’t without setbacks.

At one point, due to a regulatory issue, Vikas’s shop was forced to shut down. For many, this would’ve been the end. But for Vikas, it was just another hurdle to cross.

He began personally calling customers, assuring them that Ferns N Petals wasn’t going anywhere. His commitment and resilience paid off. Soon after, he landed a Rs 50 lakh contract with the iconic Taj Palaces - a defining moment that shaped the future of the company.

From there, there was no looking back.

Today, Ferns N Petals is more than just a flower shop. It’s a Rs 4,000 crore gifting and decor brand, with a presence in over 100 countries. Whether it’s birthdays, weddings, or just a way to say “I’m thinking of you”, the brand has become a part of people’s most cherished moments.

All this, because one man refused to settle for a shabby bouquet.

Vikas Gutgutia’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful ventures bloom from the smallest seeds of frustration. With vision, grit, and a touch of heart, he turned a gap in the market into a global celebration of life’s special moments.

Edited by Khushi Arora