Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Sweet.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Growing up I knew I was a creative! The problem was…. I wasn’t good at anything we consider conventional “art”. I wasn’t good at painting, drawing, photography, dance, etc. You name it, I tried it, and I was not the best. What is funny to me is that it never made me sad to realize I wasn’t good at something. I took it as a step in the right direction to finding what I WAS good at. In high school I started working at the garden center down the street from me. I absolutely loved being around all the different plants and flowers. It quickly took hold of my heart. I began landscaping my backyard as a sophomore, fulfilling floral orders as a junior, and by my senior year I knew that this was my creativity in motion. After I graduated, I took classes and got trained to be a floral designer and a year and a half out of high school, I started my own company. I absolutely love Sweetwater Botanicals. It is my heart and soul. When I work on people’s orders, it is not just a numbers game. I am here to give people an experience they will never forget. My favorite part about handing someone their bouquet or flower crown is the look on their face. I love what I do, and I cannot believe I get to do it. I don’t have the most glamorous coming of age story, but I would not trade it for anything because it got me here!
Please tell us about your art.
I am a floral designer. I make more than the conventional grocery store bouquet. I use natural things like blooms, sticks, and stems to create bouquets, head pieces, centerpieces, and more. My main work is with weddings. Each and every event is uniting to the special couple. No two wedding set ups should be the exact same. I make my art because I believe everyone deserves something special that is uniquely theirs. I hope people take away that this is more than an order. Every single person is different, and your florals should fit you perfectly! I want everyone to feel special, empowered, beautiful, and unique. My designs are so much more than an order to fulfill. I am here to be your friend, supporter, creator, and to give you something that brings joy and confidence.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
The role of artists has drastically changed. I think artists are so important to the world today. They have become more than art, but a way to move things forward, challenge the status quo, and create real change. Artists are given a broader voice to tell stories and move hearts. Local, national, and international events can affect my art. It may be a local or national recession, art and flowers are not seen as essential, thus chopped from the budget. Global farming practices and climate change affect when, how, and how much I can get of a certain product. We all have to be on the same page of keepings things sustainable and ethical to keep this industry going!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work on Instagram @sweetwater.botanicals and Facebook @SWBotanicals. I hope to have a website up and working soon! You can support me by following along on my socials and by ordering your own creation! I can’t wait to grab coffee 🙂
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2142771810
- Email: olivia.m.sweet@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sweetwater.botanicals
- Facebook: @SWBotanicals
Image Credit:
Phillip Goldsberry
Jordan Willmon
Luis Velazquez
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
