Designing with authenticity is a topic close to my heart. In a world where inspiration is always at our fingertips—whether it’s Pinterest, Instagram, or the beauty of nature—being a creative means finding alignment between external inspiration and your inner self. Authenticity is not just about creating art; it’s about showing up for yourself in your truest form.

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

We all carry both masculine and feminine energies, and as florists, our work requires us to balance them. Masculine energy is structured and task-oriented, focusing on scheduling, emails, and organizing the business side of things. Feminine energy is creative, intuitive, and playful—essential for designing.

Too much masculine energy can stifle creativity, while too much feminine energy can lead to disorganization. Personally, I’ve found that scheduling my day based on these energies makes a huge difference. I handle admin tasks in the morning when my brain is sharp and dive into creative work in the afternoons when I feel more inspired. Finding what works for you—whether it’s starting the day with creativity or ending it that way—is key.

Practices to Transition into Creative Flow

Switching from the structured to the creative mindset takes intention. Here are some practices I use to ease into creativity:

• Take a Break: Step outside for a walk or take five minutes to decompress.

• Set the Mood: Light a candle, play relaxing music, or burn sage to create a peaceful space.

• Limit Distractions: Keep your phone in another room to fully immerse yourself in the creative process.

By dedicating uninterrupted time to design, I can give my full attention to my craft, resulting in my best work for clients.

Connecting with Your Authentic Self

Authenticity isn’t just about designing; it’s about showing up for yourself in life. Over the years, I’ve worked on finding my true self through therapy, self-reflection, and practices that build self-trust. Honoring who I am has made my designs more meaningful and impactful.

For example, I once participated in a soul animal reading and learned that my soul animal is a Blackbird. Blackbirds inspire others to embrace their authenticity, and that resonated deeply with me. Since committing to living authentically and trusting myself, I’ve seen my work, relationships, and creativity flourish.

Building Self-Trust

One of the most transformative practices I’ve adopted is rewarding myself for following through on commitments. For instance, if I set a goal to make my bed every morning for a week, I treat myself to something small, like a new scrunchie. These little acts of self-trust build confidence and help me show up authentically in all areas of life.

Final Thoughts

Designing with authenticity means embracing your unique energy, balancing structure and creativity, and nurturing your true self. When you show up fully for yourself, you’ll see every area of your life—including your artistry—improve. Trust yourself, honor your process, and let authenticity guide your designs.