My first year as a floral designer at Art in Bloom in Raleigh, NC

Reflecting on My First Experience at Art in Bloom: The Beauty of Overcoming Floral Challenges

Back in March, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Art in Bloom at the @ncartmuseum, and let me tell you—it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, challenges, and growth. Looking back, I can’t help but feel a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. While it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging floral experiences I've ever had, it’s also one I will forever cherish and learn from.

The Challenge of Keeping Flowers Alive

Art in Bloom is no easy feat. The combination of the museum’s warm temperature, the high traffic of visitors, and the time constraints really pushed me to my limits. Keeping flowers alive for days in these conditions was a true test of skill and patience.

But what I didn’t expect was that, halfway through the event, half of my floral installation would collapse. This wasn’t just a small hiccup—it was a complete breakdown of my design, and it happened on day two of the exhibition. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, I had to completely reevaluate the design I had worked so hard on. To say it was a stressful moment would be an understatement.

The Final Ten-Minute Meltdown

Fast forward to the last ten minutes before the exhibit was set to open to the public. You can probably guess what happened next—yes, it all fell apart again. My heart sank. The masterpiece I had carefully curated was a mess, and in that moment, I felt completely defeated. I won’t lie, I bawled my eyes out. It wasn’t just about the flowers; it was the culmination of hours of work, the late nights, the stress, and, of course, the fear of letting everyone down.

Luckily, I had some incredible people by my side to help me pull it together. @floralsbyheritage and another amazing flower friend swooped in to help clean up the mess. It was one of those moments that I will never forget. They showed up when I needed them most, reminding me that even in the face of failure, there’s always room for support and grace.

Rebuilding from Scratch

After the tears and frustration, I climbed into my car and, to be honest, the crying didn’t stop. I was completely spent. But then I took a deep breath, wiped my tears, and decided to take action. I headed back to the wholesaler, grabbed a fresh batch of flowers, and drove back to my Airbnb. I was starting fresh, and though I was exhausted, something in me felt like I couldn’t give up now. That’s when the real magic happened.

There’s something so freeing about starting over when everything feels like it’s falling apart. The new flowers, the new design ideas, the opportunity to completely shift the aesthetic—it reignited my passion. That’s why, if you look closely at my final design, you’ll see a few subtle changes. The flowers I had originally chosen weren’t working in the space, so I adapted and leaned into what felt right in the moment.

The Lesson Learned: Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones

Art in Bloom taught me more than just how to keep flowers alive in a museum. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and think on my feet. It challenged me to be flexible, to accept setbacks, and to trust the process—even when things went wrong.

The experience also introduced me to an incredible group of flower friends, many of whom I now have the privilege of collaborating with. There’s something truly special about the floral community—it’s supportive, inspiring, and filled with people who are just as passionate about flowers as I am.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

Despite the challenges (and the tears), Art in Bloom has left me more determined than ever. It’s inspired me to start dreaming about next year’s design already. I’m excited to push my creative boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and hopefully, create an even more breathtaking installation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that setbacks don’t define you—they refine you. They push you to evolve and grow. And that’s exactly what I’m carrying with me into next year’s Art in Bloom. 💓💓💓

Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art was an unforgettable experience that challenged me, humbled me, and ultimately made me a better floral designer. The emotional highs and lows are part of the journey, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Stay tuned as I continue to create, learn, and grow in this beautiful floral world!

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