Channeling Creativity
The Power of Creativity in Your Floral Business
As a floral designer and business owner, creativity is at the heart of everything I do. But staying in that creative flow isn’t always easy—especially when juggling the demands of entrepreneurship. In this episode of Flowers on Fire, I’m reflecting on the importance of creativity, play, and intentional design in our work.
Embracing Change and Letting Go of Limitations
After 50 episodes of this podcast and years in the floral industry, I’ve learned that every season brings something new. My business has evolved, and one of the biggest shifts I’ve made recently is eliminating my à la carte wedding services. While it was once a great offering, I realized it was limiting me. Moving forward, every wedding I take on will be fully custom, allowing me to bring the most luxurious designs, unexpected flower varieties, and highly personalized creative concepts to my clients.
This decision wasn’t just about business—it was about making space for more creativity. It’s easy to fall into routines, but true artistry comes when we give ourselves permission to break the mold.
The Importance of Play in Creativity
As designers, we all know the difference between days when creativity flows effortlessly and days when it feels like a struggle. I’ve learned that play is the secret to staying inspired. Some of my best designs have come from moments when I wasn’t creating for a client but purely for myself.
Giving yourself the freedom to experiment without pressure can spark ideas that elevate your client work. Try designing a centerpiece just for your dining table, exploring a new color palette, or experimenting with an unfamiliar flower variety. When you take the time to play, you open yourself up to breakthroughs in your art.
Finding Your Creative Flow
Creativity isn’t something that just happens—it’s something we cultivate. Over the years, I’ve learned what helps me get into my creative zone:
• Time of Day: I feel most creative in the afternoon when I’m in a more relaxed, playful state. My mornings are focused on admin work, emails, and task-oriented thinking.
• Environment: A clean, organized space is essential. Clutter disrupts my focus, so I keep my studio and home minimal and tidy.
• Atmosphere: Scent and sound play a huge role in my creative flow. Burning incense, clearing energy with sage, and listening to music set the tone for inspired design.
• Movement: Taking a walk, stretching, or practicing Qigong helps reset my mind and body, making it easier to tap into creativity.
I encourage you to pay attention to when you feel most inspired. Is it in the morning or evening? Do certain rituals help you transition into a creative mindset? The more you understand your creative rhythm, the easier it will be to access that flow state.
Creativity Beyond Flowers
One of the best ways to keep creativity alive is by exploring other creative outlets. I recently started relearning the piano—something I haven’t played since high school. Whether it’s painting, pottery, writing, or music, engaging in a different art form can fuel your floral designs in unexpected ways.
Prioritizing Creativity in Your Business
Many people assume that florists “play with flowers all day,” but we know that’s far from the truth. Running a floral business means wearing many hats, and often, the actual designing gets pushed aside by emails, logistics, and client management. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule time for creative exploration.
If you do one thing for yourself this month, make it this: block off time to design just for fun—no clients, no deadlines, just play.
Your creativity is what sets you apart. It’s what makes your designs unique, what draws clients to you, and what keeps you passionate about your work. Nurture it. Protect it. Make space for it.
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, I’d love to hear what you’re doing to reignite your creativity!