Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Walker.
Hi Karla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, my name is Karla O’Connor Walker I am originally from Tyler,Tx. I am a 1991 graduate of Tyler High. I wasn’t really sure exactly what I wanted to do once I graduated from high school so my mother suggested I go through the Optical Technician Program at Tyler Junior College. She always gave me great advice. I enrolled in the program and graduated with my certification. Shortly after graduation I began working as an Optician. In 1995 while working at a large Optical chain in the mall I met my husband. We met Halloween night and were married 2 days before Christmas that same year! We decided to move back to his home state of Louisiana where I continued working in that same field. In 1996 we welcomed our son and shortly after decided to make the move back to Texas. Once back home I took a medical records management position with one of the leading Ophthalmic Surgical Center at the time. In 1998 we welcomed our beautiful daughter. I began to grow bored of the office atmosphere and wanted a change. August of 2004 I saw an ad in the local newspaper and took a leap of faith and applied for the position. They were looking for someone with no experience but willing to learn. I definitely fit the bill. I got a call a few days later saying I had got the job. I have always been creative and artistic but had no clue where to start when it came to floral design. I was ready to soak up everything they were willing to teach me. In July 2012 and June 2013 tragedy hit and I loss my mom and dad. I was devastated. Drawing from the strength of the Lord I had an uphill battle with depression. Being at the flower shop helped me immensely. I was truly blessed to work with an extraordinary group of women. It wasn’t perfect but it was where I needed to be at that time in my life. remained at the shop permanently until 2017. Once we made the transition to Dallas I occasionally would commute back and forth to help out. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Watching my mom work as a cosmetologist making her own hours and my Aunt who owned her own antique store I figured this was the way to go. My first business idea was to open a dance apparel store. That is where the name In Step came from. That idea didn’t pan out so once I made my mind up to just do flowers I didn’t want to go register new information and I couldn’t really think of a new name I thought just keep what I have and add Floral Design. Now we have In Step Floral Design. I absolutely love what I do. I am just excited to grow and expand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. The loss of my parents sent me into a tailspin. Struggling to make ends meet in a new city and getting adjusted to new things was rough. We struggled badly financially. Working a full time job putting two kids through college and trying to keep up with a business is not for the weak at heart. I am most proud of my comeback. I didn’t let my hardships take me out. I trusted the word of God even when it looked like nothing was ever going to get better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sure, I specialize in fresh flower arrangements, silk pieces, and home decor. I am known for my garden-style arrangements. I get excited when creating a piece. I pray while working that it will be a blessing to whomever it is for. I think my desire to connect to my client on a personal level sets me apart. I really appreciate them all. They could call anyone but they chose me! I take customer service seriously and I treat everyone the same whether you are spending $25 dollars or $25,000. I try to be as helpful and informative as possible with my clients. Making their ideas come to life is exhilarating.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I guess my advice would be don’t share everything with everyone. Find your true support system and draw from them. Surround yourself with people who are doing better than you and glean from them. Pray, pray, pray, trust, and believe.
Contact Info:
- Email: Instepfloraldesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/instepfloral
Image Credits
Mordiphotographie
