Q & A
Are you a licensed florist?
Karin: Yes, in the state of Louisiana all individuals selling arranged flowers are required to study for and pass a written exam on creative design and keep a current license with the state.
Where did you get your training?
Karin: In addition to the required studies for my licensing, I took coursework from Floret flowers, one of the nations leading farmer-florist organizations. If you have any interest in flowers at all, no doubt you follow Erin at Floret on Insta or Pinterest. If not, give her a look. I am honored to be alumni of her very first online class for farmer-florist as well as lifetime access to her yearly coursework.
Where did you get your training for running a business?
Karin: This is equally as important as my design and farming abilities. You want to be sure you are hiring a business with integrity and trustworthiness. I am a 4th generation entrepreneur, running a successful business is in my DNA. This is my second career. I was in the field of outside sales for nearly 30 years, the last decade was spent operating my successful real estate brokerage, Smith Realty Group.
What sets you apart from the rest?
Karin: I am not your typical florist. I am a farmer-florist. Many of our very own, farm grown flowers are used in our design work. I am part of an emerging culture of farmer-florist across the country bringing American Grown Flowers back to market. My clients are able to experience the beauty and fragrance of true fresh-cut vintage flowers.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Karin: There wasn't any other time in my life that I could honestly say "there isn't anything I'd rather be doing." I adore what I do. The farming, my hands in the soil, planting seeds, harvesting armloads of flowers, all of it. The sweet icing on the cake is taking my blooms to the studio, turning on the music (usually Nirvana) and shutting off the world while I create a work of art, with flowers. With flowers I grew. I could then sit and stare at it for hours, watch the sun set and rise over it. Yes, I love what I do.
Which floral designers have inspired you the most?
Karin: Farmer Florist are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. The willingness to share their knowledge is remarkable. I have been inspired by the work of so many I could not even begin to name them as I know I would leave someone out. Of course Erin Benzekein with Floret, her work is amazing. Lewis Miller's work really speaks to me, it's so perfectly imperfect, he's high on my list of inspirations. I truly love the work of so many and I do my best to make it known, I think we must hear these kind words to continue to appreciate what we are able to achieve.
Are you a licensed florist?
Karin: Yes, in the state of Louisiana all individuals selling arranged flowers are required to study for and pass a written exam on creative design and keep a current license with the state.
Where did you get your training?
Karin: In addition to the required studies for my licensing, I took coursework from Floret flowers, one of the nations leading farmer-florist organizations. If you have any interest in flowers at all, no doubt you follow Erin at Floret on Insta or Pinterest. If not, give her a look. I am honored to be alumni of her very first online class for farmer-florist as well as lifetime access to her yearly coursework.
Where did you get your training for running a business?
Karin: This is equally as important as my design and farming abilities. You want to be sure you are hiring a business with integrity and trustworthiness. I am a 4th generation entrepreneur, running a successful business is in my DNA. This is my second career. I was in the field of outside sales for nearly 30 years, the last decade was spent operating my successful real estate brokerage, Smith Realty Group.
What sets you apart from the rest?
Karin: I am not your typical florist. I am a farmer-florist. Many of our very own, farm grown flowers are used in our design work. I am part of an emerging culture of farmer-florist across the country bringing American Grown Flowers back to market. My clients are able to experience the beauty and fragrance of true fresh-cut vintage flowers.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Karin: There wasn't any other time in my life that I could honestly say "there isn't anything I'd rather be doing." I adore what I do. The farming, my hands in the soil, planting seeds, harvesting armloads of flowers, all of it. The sweet icing on the cake is taking my blooms to the studio, turning on the music (usually Nirvana) and shutting off the world while I create a work of art, with flowers. With flowers I grew. I could then sit and stare at it for hours, watch the sun set and rise over it. Yes, I love what I do.
Which floral designers have inspired you the most?
Karin: Farmer Florist are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. The willingness to share their knowledge is remarkable. I have been inspired by the work of so many I could not even begin to name them as I know I would leave someone out. Of course Erin Benzekein with Floret, her work is amazing. Lewis Miller's work really speaks to me, it's so perfectly imperfect, he's high on my list of inspirations. I truly love the work of so many and I do my best to make it known, I think we must hear these kind words to continue to appreciate what we are able to achieve.