Today we’d like to introduce you to Alethea Armstrong.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alethea. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have loved weddings my entire life and worked at bridal stores in high school and college, but it was when I moved to Dallas almost six years ago to work for a bridal designer that my real dream started to emerge. My first dabbling in flowers was actually during New York Bridal Fashion Week when our creative director taught me how to make bouquets for our runway shows and photoshoots. Then, I worked for a florist for a few weeks one summer and really realized how much I loved flowers. The days flew by!
Luckily for me, my cousin was the first person to take a risk on my very, new floral skills. But it was my roommate (and second bride) who saw how much I loved what I was doing and pushed me to start my business. You could say she was actually my first investor and the one who really encouraged me to turn my dream into a reality!
I’ve had help along the way from teachers, family, and other friends. Now 3.5 years later, I have been lucky enough to have designed over 70 events! Each wedding is so special and I count myself honored to be a part of the most important day of each couple’s lives together.
I found what I love to do and it brings me so much joy!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m not gonna lie it hasn’t always been easy. I started from scratch with barely any training. I was just a creative who wanted to make beautiful things. While it was so exciting to start out on my own, my lack of experience definitely presented challenges at first.
If you look on Instagram, you see all the beautiful final products but to get there, I had to learn all the “non-fun” parts of the business. The bookkeeping, taxes, pricing, ordering, and prep time are 90% of what I do. Luckily I knew people in the business who were so patient and sweet to help me figure everything out.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Petals + Pastels story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is called Petals + Pastels and we specialize in flowers and decor for special events. We are known mostly for our garden-style weddings but we have also designed for corporate events, birthdays, and baby showers.
What sets us apart is our mission to serve people. This is a passion project for me and not just a job so I work hard to really understand my brides and their dream. I will bend over backward to get my clients everything they want. I also know that with weddings, it’s not just about the event it’s about a marriage so I make a special point to pray for each of my couples as I prepare for their day.
I’m so proud of my team and how much we have grown and where we are today!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think the luckiest part of this whole journey has been the people I have met along the way. So many wonderful vendors, friends, and family have stepped up to support me and encourage me through everything. Chance encounters have led to lifetime friendships and without their support, I don’t know what I would do. Every time I hit a bump or snag, someone is there to help me overcome it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petalsnpastels.com
- Email: petalsnpastels@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/petalsnpastels
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/petalsnpastels
Image Credit:
Sami Kathryn Photography, Laning Photography, Photo by Joy, Matt and Julie Weddings, Monika Normand Photography, Elizabeth Bristol Photography
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