1) Can you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey and work?
I'm Stephanie Thi, and I am a floral artist. I've always had a keen interest for the arts and alway imagined myself as a painter or photographer growing up. When I began my floral journey my creativity truly blossomed.
I started off at a local flower shop, soaking up knowledge and perfecting my craft. It was there that I truly fell in love with floral design. But then came a pivotal moment when I thought I'd found my dream gig at a floral company, creating catalog photos and showroom displays. Little did I know, the reality was far from dreamy – I encountered abusive behavior and racism, which shattered me for a little bit.
Rather than letting that experience dim my light, I took it as a sign to blaze my own trail. So, I founded my own business, In Flower, where I could let my imagination run wild. My designs? They're a reflection of me – whimsical, vibrant, and just a tad eccentric. Through every arrangement, I tell a story, infusing each petal with a bit of my own magic.
2) Looking back, was your journey relatively smooth or did you face significant obstacles?
Navigating through obstacles has been a defining aspect of my journey. There were times when it seemed like people kept me at arm's length, taking credit for my work and congratulating themselves for a job well done. It was a frustrating cycle, where I consistently delivered my best work in hopes of earning more opportunities. However, it became apparent that waiting for those chances to come to me wasn't enough. I had to carve out my own path.
Acknowledging the privilege in my life has been crucial. I'm aware that certain advantages have made my journey more accessible. Yet, it doesn't diminish the hard work and determination I've poured into creating my own opportunities. It's about recognizing the balance between the barriers I've faced and the advantages I've been fortunate to have, all while staying focused on my passion and vision for my craft.
3) Can you highlight a few key milestones in your career that you consider pivotal moments? How did they shape your trajectory?
Absolutely! One significant milestone in my journey was the decision to launch my own business. A pivotal factor in its success was tapping into social media opportunities that propelled me forward from the very beginning.
While I take immense pride in creating beautiful work, getting it in front of the right audience was really the thing that bolstered a lot of my success. Social media became a powerful tool in achieving this. A prominent influencer reshared one of my pieces in the beginning – it was like a floodgate had opened, bringing a wave of attention and opportunities my way almost overnight. This lead to being featured on various platforms which further amplified my reach.
I have also found authentically sharing parts of my identity and sharing certain aspects of who I am allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level.
4) Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you what sets you apart from others?
Yes, so I like to describe myself as a floral artist. What sets me apart in the world of floral artistry is my expertise in working with dried botanicals and my approach to color. If I were to pinpoint one talent, it would be my ability to craft color palettes that are both unexpected and captivating. This, combined with my distinctive design style, truly distinguishes me within the industry.
I thrive on pushing the boundaries and experimenting with hues in ways that surprise and delight. Whether it's through unexpected color combinations or bold contrasts, I want my work to evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression.
In a field brimming with talent, I stand out for my commitment to innovation and creativity. I'm part of a larger artistic movement within the floral industry, where florists are redefining the craft and breathing new life into an often-overlooked art form. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to embrace bold and colorful design and really reimagine the possibilities of floral design.
5) Reflecting on your experiences, what important lessons have you learned along the way? How have they influenced your approach to your work?
Reflecting on my journey, I've learned invaluable lessons that have profoundly influenced my approach to both my work and personal growth. Perhaps the most significant lesson has been the realization that not everyone will resonate with me or my creations, and that's perfectly alright.
It's akin to the adage about being the most delicious peach in the world – there will always be folks who simply don't care for peaches. Understanding this truth has been both challenging and liberating. While it can be disheartening at times, I've learned to accept it and focus my energy on showing up authentically for myself.
This mindset shift has also helped me combat the temptation to compare myself and my work to others constantly. In a world saturated with information and endless content, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Instead, I strive to stay grounded in my own creative vision and trust that the right opportunities and connections will naturally align with me.
Overall, these lessons have taught me the importance of self-acceptance, resilience, and staying true to my unique voice as an artist. They have empowered me to navigate challenges with grace and to continue evolving both personally and professionally.
You can find Stephanie's beautiful art on her instagram page here and her website here.
