Meet Ashlyn Palmer | Home and Floral Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlyn Palmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity has always been a major aspect of my life. From the time I was little, I was always drawing or building something in one way or another. In short, I do not remember a time in my life when some creativity did not exist or take part in what I did. I knew that whatever I went into for my career, I needed to find something to allow for a creative outlet.

Going to college, I had no idea of “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” So, I began to try things. I started with an interest in horticulture. Once this happened, I was introduced to floral design, I discovered a completely new avenue in which I could build things, arrange them with different elements, and be submerged into a completely new medium. Floral design added to the fire of creativity that burns within me and I am running with it! My passion is growing in new ways, giving me such a deep purpose!

As I recognized the specialization I had with floral, the rest of horticulture kind of died out in me. Because of this, I kept searching. I eventually came across architecture and interior design. When I walked into some of my first design and building classes, I knew that I belonged. The fire continued to grow! I started to recognize all of the things I did for fun growing up (drawing my own houses or rearranging for instance) were more than just a pastime; they were a part of me.

Knowing what I do now from the journey I have been on, I am so grateful that I found out what I did because I am allowed to create things and continue to be myself. The child within me can still invent and dream in so many more ways than I thought could be possible for me. Right out of high school, I started to lose hope. I thought to myself, “I will have to do something that will be worthwhile in this world and I do not know where I can fit in.” Little did I know, creativity would find me again and help me regain sight of who I was, and what was important to me, and show me that what I am doing is not only worthwhile but one of the most rewarding and inspiring things that I could ever take part in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Currently, I operate a small floral design business out of my home while I am finishing my degree. I started Palmers Petals this year and I am so proud of myself for making it to this point! I have designed a website, created business cards, sent my name out to photographers in the area, and so much more! Luckily, this is just the start! I am so excited to work with even more people in the future in new ways! It is so exciting to see cultures, personalities, and lifestyles come into the designs that I am commissioned to do. I love helping people bring their visions to life and bring some joy to them as well!

I think that my business is different than others because I try to really be personable with my clients. While most florists do, I try my best to spend as much time getting to know the individual so that I get a better sense of who they are and what they want or know better what their expectations may be. My business really isn’t floral; its a people business. I want to know that I am giving my client what they need and deserve. Whether it is to create memories to revisit at anniversaries, or beautifully give tribute to loved ones, I want to help how and where I can.

Starting a business is far beyond easy. It is challenging and you face new challenges with every turn you make. It is so easy to feel defeated but when you don’t give up, you get to see how many amazing things are waiting for you. I think that something I recently realized that has made all the difference for me at this point in my business, is the fact that even when you feel the most invisible, people are noticing you and admiring the things that come from your passion and drive. I know that I am far from being a professional. I know so much more now than before I started but I still have much to learn. I am blessed to have learned from other florists and small business owners who have guided me and served as an example of building their dreams. I hope that I can do the same. I want to give people that hope back that they may be searching for or needing to gain. I aspire to provide the inspiration and service that people need to feel that they can keep going and be happy about the next chapter of their lives no matter the stage they are at.

Like I say, this is only the start. My floral business is blooming and my home design company is under construction. My story has just begun and I am glad it is a happy and life-filling one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Right now I live in Rexburg Idaho where I am completing my degree. I think that my top choices for a fun Rexburg experience would include sandwiches from Millhollow restaurant, a walk through Ricks gardens, a smores cookie from the Cookie place, a picnic at Beaver Dick Park, and a game-filled end to the day with games at Fat Cats.

However, because I know that this is an Arizona page, I need to take you back to my roots in Holbrook Arizona. A fun time would include buffalo chicken fries from Trina Bops, a green chile cheese crisp at Romos, a movie at the Roxy, a photoshoot at the Wigwams, a hike through the Petrified Forest, and sunset watching at Woodruff falls.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful to my husband for supporting me, my parents for encouraging me, and my university (BYUI) and professors for showing me that there is a path for me!

Website: https://palmers-petals.square.site/

Instagram: palmers_petals

Facebook: Palmers Petals

Other: Stay tuned for more content concerning my future home decor and architecture work which will be posted on Instagram @ashlyn.naomi.designs

Image Credits
Allison Quist Photo (picture of girl holding bouquet)