THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE LONELY

“I am not afraid... I was born to do this.”
— Joan of Arc

Owning a business can actually be a lonely experience. Yes, it’s rewarding. And, yes, it has plenty of amazing perks; choosing your own schedule, being your own boss, creating your own work environment.  And to be fair, everyone will tell you that its hard work, a long up-hill road; but let’s address the fact that it can feel lonely, a little scary when that road seems single-filed, you’re leading the way and on either side, you risk falling down the steep embankments of burning-out or loosing it all. 

As a small business owner for seven years, I have slowly marched my way up that hill. Usually happy, with plenty of iced chai, a few curse words and tears sprinkled here and there; I keep marching. But I look to the left and the right and sometimes I just want to know “Am I doing this right?”

photo by Erin Mccall

I’ve gotten plenty of good advice from successful business men, my local chamber of commerce and other entrepreneurial friends with well meaning stories or encouragement but none of them could address some very specific issues of the wedding industry, bridal clientele and most importantly how flowers can bring home the bacon.

I wanted a road map, and safety rope for that steep hill. Honestly, a high-five, or a hug would also have worked.  I wanted a  curl-up-on-the-couch-with-a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-close-friend kind of conversation about business, not the frilly stuff. 

I have found those little gold-nuggets of hope through different avenues. I will tell you though, the most helpful was hiring a business mentor. Another wedding professional who knew my specific struggles and could help, and encourage me in industry specific ways.  She is a fav boss lady.  This isn't a paid ad, I'm just telling you to find you a boss lady friend! 

Don't let me forget to mention that coffee and shop-talk are two of my favorite things. Feel free to get in touch if you are a small business owner and need a high-five or a hug.

Will post more on women and mentorship in the future, its a topic im passionate about! In the meantime, tell me some ways ya'll stay connected in life and business!

 

Local//the hive

As you may know, our studio is in a space called The Hive on Central Ave here in Knoxville, TN. We really love this space for many reasons, one being the other incredible creatives we share it with! You can check out some of these wonderful ladies on our friends page. 

The Hive has a heart for community and is ever changing to offer a wide range of fresh experiences in hopes to promote local art and relationships.

The Hive is also available for you to rent out. You could have your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower here and you could even have us decorate for you! 

 

 

What we've been up to

  Last weekend we accomplished the biggest wedding we've done yet, as well as a second wedding on top of it! The venue was the Cherokee Country Club, a gorgeous property here in Knoxville that overlooks the Tennessee River. We couldn't have done it without our wonderful team of ladies that signed on to help with the flower madness! On top of all the bouquets, center pieces and boutonnieres, we had 3 chandeliers to reach, two large columns that needed garland dripping down and a cake that needed a waterfall of flowers, as all cakes should!  We spent three days knee deep in roses and flower foam and the end result was beautiful! 

 

 

Cornflower//Centaurea Cyanus

{BOTANICAL GUIDES} 

 

If you live in Tennessee surely you've seen these pretty little blue flowers popping up everywhere. They fill the sides of county roads here in Knoxville these days! Here is a bit of history on the cornflower. 

Also known as the bachelors button, In folklore, cornflowers were worn by young men in love; if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man's love was not returned. 

The Latin name, Cyanus, was given the Cornflower after a youthful devotee of the goddess Flora (Cyanus), whose favourite flower it was, and the name of the genus is derived from the Centaur, Chiron, who taught mankind the healing virtue of herbs.

They say that you can make a distilled water from Cornflower petals which was formerly in repute as a remedy for weak eyes. The famous French eyewash, 'Eau de Casse Lunettes,' used to be made from them. 

This flower brings me a lot of joy, it's simple and that makes it so beautiful. 

Consider the wild flowers. 

 

 

Hello!

 As we take the first couple of steps into the busiest part of flower season we want to include you as much as we can! Our blog will be a place that you can check in and see what we are up to. We will be posting things like DIY's, more photos of our work, local resources and botanical guides! 

You can also keep up to date by following our Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! 

 

We are very excited to share more of what we love to do!