Spring has officially sprung! With warmer weather and snow melted—well, at least for most of us—the first crocuses have popped through the bleak landscape and blooms are on their way. It is safe to assume spring is a magical time of year, not only for the cabin-fever crazed, but also for florists and flower designers. With more offerings available, bouquets are growing fuller at flower shops across the country and we got down to business with two of our favorite independent flower power women who not only run their companies effortlessly, but are true naturals when it comes to floral expression.
Kelly Marie Thompson from Fleur owns and operates a delightful independent floral boutique in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. With a handpicked selection of trinkets and gifts, her shop offers a unique experience along with an incredible floral selection. Whether you walk through and make a bouquet from what you see on display or set up a custom order with Thompson herself, Fleur is known for their long-lasting and one-of-a-kind designs. About to celebrate their 13th year in business, it is safe to say Thompson and her team at Fleur know a thing or two about the floral craft.
A bit farther west, in Salt Lake City, Utah to be exact, Ashley Beyer’s floral design company Tinge mainly focuses on weddings and special events, but, from a quick glance at her website, Beyer’s full and wild designs have editorial grace written all over them. Her aesthetic is romantic and bold with a vibrant and natural wildness all its own.
Via email, we reached out to both women and got the scoop on where they draw inspiration from as well as the best and worst parts of the business. Though they both had different views on spring bouquet trends, both designers are creating some of our favorite floral looks today and have a unique and charming aesthetic perfectly theirs.
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Paste: What led you initially to the floral design world?
Kelly Marie Thompson: I grew up in a standard Chicago bungalow with a little yard. This small bit of land was covered in every possible spot with flowers by my mother who loves gardening. I was surrounded by peonies, lilacs, roses, snapdragons, potted annuals and would play under the apple tree in the back. Flowers were rooted in my heart and mind so early, I don’t think I could have escaped them if I wanted to.
Ashley Beyer: I spent a long time looking for a creative outlet. I went to the University of Utah and received a degree in public relations. I was working in that field when I realized it just wasn’t the right fit. I had spent some time in flower shops and helping other florists and I just decided that I needed to just go for it. I had a long time to think about what I wanted Tinge to be, but it really was just one day I decided and I went for it. I really believe that if more people in the world were spending their time utilizing their talents instead of just doing what is practical, it would be a happier more interesting world.
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