Today, I want to share how I got started in flowers. It’s a question I get asked often, especially when meeting new people or fellow designers. I feel like flowers found me—I didn’t find flowers. This journey is a little unconventional and even a bit embarrassing, but we’re all friends here, so I’m going to dive in.

My Unexpected First Encounter

My journey with flowers started way before I ever thought of becoming a florist. Growing up, I never imagined pursuing a creative career. I thought I’d end up in the medical field or doing humanitarian work. I even earned a degree in public health, taking tough classes like chemistry and anatomy. While I don’t directly use that degree today, the experience shaped me and taught me valuable life skills like time management and perseverance.

My first real exposure to floral design came during college when I needed to fulfill a general education credit. I enrolled in a floral design class, thinking it would be an easy way to meet my requirements. But here’s the embarrassing part: I barely took it seriously. I scheduled another class that overlapped with my floral lecture and missed quizzes almost daily. While I showed up for the labs and enjoyed working with flowers, I didn’t give the class the attention it deserved. At the time, my mind was elsewhere—dreaming of helping people, learning new languages, and doing humanitarian work.

Discovering My Passion

After college, I started working as a server at Sundance Mountain Resort, a job I loved for its fine dining environment and attention to detail. My evenings were spent pairing wines with meals, which sparked another passion—becoming a Level 1 sommelier. Meanwhile, my days were free, and a friend introduced me to a local flower shop.

Initially, I was hired to manage the front desk, not to design. The shop was more like a flower shack without running water, but I slowly began learning on the job. My first wrap of flowers was a disaster—something involving a random rubber band and very little technique—but I kept going. Eventually, the shop owner pulled me in to shadow her designs, and I created my first bridal bouquet (which was, frankly, hideous).

Despite the challenges, I fell in love with flowers. The creativity, the colors, and the ability to craft something meaningful for someone’s special day lit a spark in me.

Taking the Leap

While working at that shop, I applied for my business license, though I had no idea what I was doing. The name “Lily and Iris” came to me easily—it’s inspired by my cousins, and I even called my aunt to ask for permission. Soon after, I transitioned to a different flower shop where I worked with higher-end flowers and learned more about design.

It wasn’t long before I booked my first wedding, thanks to friends who trusted me. I learned the hard way about pricing (spending $1,300 on flowers for an $800 wedding), but the experience was priceless. I invested in online courses and floral education to sharpen my skills, and over time, my small business grew.

Seven Years of Growth

From starting in my garage with a soda cooler to moving into a dedicated studio, Lily and Iris has evolved over the last seven years. I’ve grown my candle and vase collections, honed my skills, and created designs that bring joy to my clients.

While I’m passionate about flowers, I’ve also learned the importance of balance—setting boundaries and making time for other parts of life. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the magic that’s still to come for Lily and Iris.

If you have a similar story or feel like your passion found you, I’d love to hear it. DM me on Instagram at @lily.and.iris. Here’s to finding your magic, wherever it may come from!