Supporting a Friend Who’s Starting a Business
Starting a business is one of the scariest things a person could ever do; especially when you’re already a decade deep into a career. Bring on the anxiety, self-doubt, and the constant reminder of the need to make more money. As much as it is mind-numbingly terrifying, it is even more wild, gratifying, and liberating. Last year, in the midst of a global pandemic, I had the amazing pleasure to be a helping hand for one of my best friends, Kelsie, to start her own flower business! What started out as a money saving strategy for both of our COVID weddings turned into a discovery of a new passion and I couldn’t be more proud and inspired by her.
The biggest role I took on was of course being a professional hype woman! This includes lots of “Damn that’s fire,” “Slammin’,” and “You go girls.” (Or whatever kids are saying these days) In all honesty, when starting something new it’s hard to feel confident in your self worth and artistic direction, so having someone constantly reminding you what kind of boss you are is top notch!
My friend and I both come from the musical world… and while it is true that music is an amazing release of an emotional water tank, it is also a space of theory, technique, and full of “right and wrongs.” Making something by hand is a boundless form of creativity I didn’t know existed. Learning how to fit pieces together to create a visually stunning result is a wonderful transition to witness. I love watching my friend meticulously place a single flower in the perfect spot and see it all come together. And even though she definitely doesn’t need to, she asks for my opinion, making me feel like I am a part of it all.
Now just over a year later, my friend has moved her small flower venture from her living room into a growing business working out of her renovated garage. She is now busier than ever; curating flower designs for style photoshoots, arranging special occasion bouquets, and bringing countless brides joy on their wedding day. Watching her take this leap is the reason why I have decided to start this blog. I definitely wouldn’t have had the guts if it weren’t for her.
Cheers to many more years of us learning, growing, and inspiring each other!
