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

Hi Jenn, what are you inspired by?
My floral designs are inspired by the desert landscapes in the Southwest. I’ve been a florist for 13 years, but spent the last 10 years exploring Arizona and our neighboring states through rock climbing, hiking, and trail running. I’m constantly amazed by the diversity and simple beauty of the desert – the shapes, textures, colors, and movement. I strive to bring the same kind of harmony and natural beauty to the pieces I design. I’m also so inspired by my clients. I LOVE when they come to the table with their own ideas and are willing to tell me all about what they love about their wedding plans, floral dreams, and how they envision their venues looking on their wedding day.

What should our readers know about your business?
One of the aspects of my business that I get most excited about, is how I’ve been able to blend my business and creative skillsets together at Juniper Flowers AZ. I have worked at several Phoenix native startups (Tuft & Needle and Neighbor) as the Head of Finance, which means I’ve been in charge of budgeting, planning, forecasting, and accounting. I’m able to take that practical knowledge and combine it with floral artistry to know that I’m offering my clients a buttoned up process that they can be confident in, in addition to beautiful flowers that fit within their budget. I also love that I’m able to pay it forward to other florists I meet, by sharing what I know about spreadsheets and running a profitable business. I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but am learning more every day!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The answer to this question would for sure involve some kind of outdoor adventure! From years of climbing throughout Arizona, I’ve seen some incredible places that most residents and tourists aren’t exposed to. We might spend the weekend in Southern AZ, checking out Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon mountains, floating through Winslow canyon, or hiking around Sedona. For a friend who hasn’t spent much time in the desert, anything that shows off our amazing landscape and unique cacti and plants is a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first boss! My very first job was actually at a flower shop, when I was 15. Marg, the owner, was from Plymouth, England, and had purchased her shop in Scottsdale after traveling the world as a cruise ship florist for Royal Caribbean. She was like a second mother/grandmother to me and taught me so much of what I know about floral design, customer experience, and operating a small business. She showed me what it looks like to follow your dreams, especially as an independent female entrepreneur. Of course, I can’t forget to mention my parents for letting me take over their house with flowers when I worked on big weddings before having my own space, and my boyfriend Nathan for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.

Website: juniperflowersaz.com

Instagram: juniperflowers_az

Other: juniperflowersaz@gmail.com

Image Credits
@paulyerrick @eunicebeck @opalandox @kyleniemier

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.