Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Garrett
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career as a florist began at a young age playing in the dirt with my Mother. She was a avid gardener and had a love especially for Bearded Iris. As a child I followed her in the garden and watched how it brought her joy and peace. At the age of 10 my Mom took me along to a floral designing class. The instructor allowed me to participate just like the adults! I was hooked. It was a fun and creative outlet for me and I seemed to have a knack for it. so, my first after school job was at a florist! This was the beginning of long career. I have enjoyed being a florist now for well over 20 years. It has afforded my great opportunities and adventures. I have traveled the country presenting design shows, competing and being published in magazines. I was fortunate to accomplished State, Regional and National Design of the year and be named in the top 40 over 40 designers by a National Industry Publication for 2024.
My newest adventure began 2 years ago when I decided to begin to build my dream of being a wedding and event studio on my family farm. Building relationships with other vendors, becoming the President for the North Carolina State Florist Association, the instructor for the North Carolina Certified Professional Florist School and developing my online presence has all been fun and challenging. I adore working with our local flower farmers and foraging unique materials to include in designs for my clients! My love of teaching and sharing has also been quite fulfilling.
As my journey of being a small business owner continues I am excited for the future and confident I can succeed with the support of my fellow designers and my community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Parts of the road have been quite smooth and other very rough. Being an entrepreneur takes courage and confidence. I found the confidence of my talent as I encountered opportunities to compete and learn with other designers. The courage to step on the skinny branches and reach for my dream of being a business owner was quite different. I am attached to results and like most do not like failure. I had to reach deep and reframe my relationship with the prospect of failure and decide with certainly that I could accomplish this with the support of an amazing, Church, Industry and Vendor Family,
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Wedding and Event designer I meet with client to create and implement a floral plan for their special day. This begins with a color palette and talk about how they would like their event to feel as they enter the room. I assist in developing the floral selection, linen selection and overall aesthetics of the event.
I often create one of a kind pieces for clients as well. Having been trained in European design as well as receiving my AIFD national certification it allows me to explore the art of design in many perspectives. I am known for my use of texture, unique elements within my designs as well as service and professionalism.
I am most proud the fact that I never stop learning. I constantly look to what is next, how can I improve, how can I serve my clients and students better. It is easy to get stuck in a rut of doing it how it has always been done. I love the challenge of continually growing and becoming better at my craft.
My style is clean and professional. I love details and want to make sure everything photographs beautifully!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience hands down, No matter what happens or what hurdle I face I eventually ,or as I have aged, instantly recover and shift to how do I move forward from this? I have been blessed to learn many lessons on how obstacles and struggle teach and sharpen us to become the person and business owner we are meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephaniegarrettaifd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_garrettaifd/3532389991781400492/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtlovers/
