Yes! and...

One of the things I love most about this work is seeing it reflected back to me through the eyes and creations of my customers. Recently I was thinking about the improv maxim Yes and, in which one responds positively and enthusiastically to the prompt of one's improv partner and expands upon them with an responding dialogue or scene that adds to their input and grows it to something new and bigger. That's how I see this part of what I do; someone buys what I've made and uses it to amplify their own new work.

In that spirit I reached out to my customers to see if anyone would like to share their work and ideas here and Shawna of Field and Floral Design was the first and very enthusiastic "Yes! and.." reply that I got and I am thrilled to be able to share her beautiful work here.

Read to the end for some answers to my 'what if I want this life' questions!

Shawna Rude of Field and Floral Design

At that time, after 12 years' experience within the floral culture, I was a part of excessive waste, and thoughtlessness for the sake of  'beauty" . That was just the way it was done.

But after moving back to Vancouver, Wa., I decided to do it my way, even though I had no idea what I was doing! I had been gardening for a few years and absolutely treasured my time in the dirt, so I decided to start there. Google became my best friend as I made mistake after mistake starting the seeds, planting and learning how to tend them, then how to harvest them for fresh flowers and for drying. To this day I'm still learning and growing and making mistakes, but it's all worth it.

I'm proud to say that each of my designs are free from:

• Floral foam, a common ocean polluter
• Dye
• Preservatives
• Commercial Ribbons (acetate and petroleum)
• GMO
• Pesticides

Today our offerings are:

• Workshops at the farm
• CSA bouquets
• Dried flower bouquets/wreaths/installs
• Custom requests
• Straight dried bunches
• Weddings/Events

- What has surprised you the most and least pleasantly about running your farm and business?

Running the farming side of my business has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Starting out as a newbie flower farmer, I had anxiety pushing me along to learn as fast as I could and fear that I would mess something up.

But as the years go by I've let go a little, trusted a little more, and googled a lot less! Farming has taught me patience, resilience, flexibility, and letting go of what doesn't serve me as I move forward. I've lost whole seed trays to squirrels, hundreds of newly transplanted starts to voles and moles, bunny damage, deer nibbles, and my own clumsiness (I dropped a tray of gorgeous larkspur!). It's taught me I can always begin again! This has served me in all aspects of my business, and in life.

I suppose what's been a pleasant surprise about my business is that I don't need to cater to the masses, I really don't! I am allowed to let myself go into a "flow" state and just...create! I can feel free to explore and invent new designs as I please. And guess what?! People like it! Those who appreciate your designs will come, just stay true to yourself and what makes you unique, and that will resonate with others. I promise.

- If someone else was thinking of taking the same steps to run a flower farm and design business, what would be the most important piece of advice you could give, based on your experience?

Honestly? The statement I made, above! Also, give yourself space and time to play with your art. Owning your own business can take over the work day so fast! It's easy to get caught up trying to cross off all the to-do's and never get yourself time to stay connected with why you started in the beginning. Even if you have to add it in your calendar to make it happen, because this keeps the creative and innovative part of your brain active so you can bring even more life and love to your community.

You can even sign up for that workshop you're curious about with that other farmer/designer, try new things! Connect with your community. Here in Vancouver. WA. I'm a part of the EFA (Evergreen Floral Alliance of SW Washington). We are all flower farmers, some of us are also designers. This community has brought me so much joy, collaboration, support, and even referrals! Find your people and keep playing.

- What’s your favourite thing about life now?

I'm grateful for many things! But I suppose right now, this time of year, it's all about the possibilities. New goals, new flower varieties to try growing, new collaborations. The excitement about what is on it's way gets me all giddy! I have seeds germinating, and ideas bubbling, I love this time of year!

We are slowly trying to make our way out of social media, so the best way to know what's happening at the farm is to subscribe to our newsletter, you can sign up in our website!

https://www.fieldnfloral.com/

Thank you, Shawna! Your work is so beautiful and I of course love the devotion to a sustainable farming practice. 

____________________________________________________________________________

If you are inspired to share your own work, craft, personal project or event (and it doesn't have to be a business!) I would love to see it and to be able to amplify your voice a little bit too.

Please feel free to reach out to me here