My most cherished days of working in floral wholesale will always be working with my clients. Each one presented opportunities to learn something new, to share in our common love of flowers, and most importantly to grow a relationship. I especially love opportunities to assist someone just starting their floral journey. Maybe I feel the same excitement and anxiousness as they are feeling and the joy of being able to help them along the way.
I believe we all have gifts and talents to share with one another even as we continue to grow ourselves. Lending a helping hand, encouraging words, constructive critiques, engaging through human interaction (hopeful for the day): each connection is important. While still at Cut Flower Wholesale, I had the privilege of meeting Amanda Rodgers as she began her new floral journey. I recently asked Amanda to share a little about her floral story, and I am happy to share with you.
Why flowers?
Ever since I can remember, I have planted flower gardens. When I was a little girl, I was fortunate to have a large flower garden. We grew a mix of perennials and annuals. I remember the cleomes always taking over the garden each year. When I was 10, I went to the Philadelphia flower show with my grandmother and those remarkable displays are still on my mind. After college, I moved to the country outside of Athens, Ga and started farming vegetables and flowers for a couple of years.
Funny story, in high school, I took a career aptitude test and my result was florist. I thought they were crazy at the time! Florist? Why would I ever want to be a florist? So instead, I went to Paris to study cooking. I worked in restaurants and food retail, finally settling on teaching cooking. About a year ago, I just randomly started buying floral arranging books, then more books, then every book I could get my hands on.
What have been your greatest sources for learning floral design?
Playing with flowers, lots and lots of flowers! I try to reuse flowers many times, making something, then taking it apart and trying something different.
I have signed up for many online video courses including Tulipina, Susan McLeary, Sinclair and Moore, Putnam and Putnam, and Joseph Massie. Each designer provides a unique perspective and approach to design. Last year, I attended Flowerstock, seeing the designers work up and close (and in 3 dimensions) was very helpful. This year, I attended a wonderful hands on workshop with Hitomi Gilliam.
Photography: @minavonfphoto, Venue/Host: @flourishflowerfarm, Flowers: @florabundanceinc, @garden.roses.direct, @alexandrafarms, @flourishflowerfarm, Silk/Ribbons: @silkandwillow, Fashion: @inesdisanto, Floral Pin Frogs:@floralgeniusig, HMUA: @anarie_brides, Model: @brianadariy_
Of course I have to ask, What is your favorite flower ?
Hyacinth (for as long as I can remember). The perfum is intoxicating! In the springtime, I become the crazy lady at the grocery store, picking up every hyacinth plant, closing my eyes and inhaling! 😂
Perry Ann Photography @perryannphotgraphy | Venue: Meadowlark 1939
Bouquet Atlanta
My business is me and my 140 lb Newfoundland dog in the basement. I have an online shop on Shopify to sell arrangements for delivery. Instagram is a great platform for me, driving lots of business through emails and DMs. Currently the business is delivering locally in Atlanta: bespoke garden style arrangements and hand tied bouquets. We also have started corporate floral installations and florals for intimate events. Eventually I would love to open a retail shop, but for now I want to grow the business organically.
Photography: Bon Photage | @bonphotage | www.bonphotage.com
Planning & Design: Krissy Campbell | @krissycampbell_celebrations | www.krissycampbell.com
Venue: Swan House at Atlanta History Center | @atlantahistorycenter | www.atlantahistorycenter.com/explore/destinations/swan-house
Floral Design: Bouquet Atlanta | @bouquetatlanta | NA
Day of Coordination: Ashlie Muller Celebrations | @ashliemullercelebrations | www.ashliemuller.com
Gowns, Shoes & Veil: Claire Pettibone | @clairepettibone | www.clairepettibone.com
Tux: Common Wealth Proper Atlanta | @commonwealthproper | www.commonwealthproper.com
Tabletop Rentals: TableMade | @tablemadeco | www.tablemade.co
Linens: I Do Linens | @idolinens | www.idolinens.com
Tables & Chairs: Peachtree Tents & Events | @peachtreetents | www.peachtreetents.com
Stationery: Erin Braun Design | @erinbraundesign | www.erinbraundesign.com
Cake: Cake Envy Georgia | @cake_envy_ga | www.cakeenvyonline.com
Rings: Mineralogy | @mineralogy | www.mineralogydesign.com
Bride: Jasmine Raiford | @jayraiford_
Groom: Justin Burgess | @iam_jburgess
Who inspires You?
I am drawn to the work of Kiana Underwood and Christin Geall.
Can you share a piece of advice that has resonated with you so far in your floral journey?
From Hitomi at the workshop in Atlanta.
She said she likes to judge an arrangement from the side and back first. That piece of advice changed how I start and compose arrangements.
Thank you Amanda for sharing your amazing images and your new endeavor with Bouquet Atlanta. I am looking forward to watching your business thrive and your success in the floral industry. Keep pressing forward! Our floral community is excited for you and I know you are among friends and colleagues eager to help as well as learn together.