Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawntee Reed.
Hi Shawntee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been shaped by a willingness to take risks, embrace mentorship, and adjust the vision along the way.
For more than 20 years, I built a career in corporate human resources, leadership development, and education. Throughout that time, creativity remained an important part of who I was. What started as a simple habit of buying fresh flowers for my home each week unexpectedly became the foundation of a business. After sharing a few arrangements online, someone asked me to design florals for an event. I initially said no, I didn’t see myself as a florist. But they saw something in me that I had not yet recognized in myself.
I took a chance and said yes. That one event led to another, and soon I was balancing a full-time corporate career while building a floral business on evenings and weekends. Along the way, mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and a strong community helped me navigate challenges, share best practices, and think bigger about what was possible.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of staying flexible. My original vision was a traditional retail flower shop, but as the business evolved, so did my goals. I realized I was most energized by creating experiences, through events, workshops, installations, and intentional gatherings. What began as a floral business became something much larger, a way to bring people together, create meaningful moments, and inspire transformation.
Today, my work blends leadership, coaching, creativity, and floral design. Whether I’m designing for an event, facilitating a workshop, or coaching a leader through change, my mission remains the same — creating spaces where people can reflect, connect, grow, and thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but the challenges have been some of my greatest teachers.
One of my biggest lessons was learning the difference between having a passion and running a business. Early on, I was focused on creating beautiful designs and memorable experiences, but I wasn’t always pricing my work to account for the full cost of flowers, supplies, labor, and operations. Simply put, I was still treating my passion like a hobby and not fully stepping into the role of CEO.
That realization led to a financial reset and a shift in mindset. I had to learn how to price for profitability, build sustainable systems, and make decisions that supported long-term growth rather than just the next event.
Balancing a full-time corporate career while building a business also came with its share of sleepless nights and uncertainty. But through mentorship, community, and a willingness to learn, I gained the confidence to adjust, grow, and continue moving forward.
Looking back, those challenges helped me become not only a better business owner, but a stronger leader.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Creative Essence is more than a floral design company, it’s a brand built around creating meaningful experiences through flowers, beauty, and connection. We believe the spaces we gather in can influence how we feel, connect, and celebrate life’s most important moments.
We specialize in custom floral design for corporate events, leadership summits, brand activations, private celebrations, and curated gatherings. Whether it’s an intimate centerpiece, a beautifully styled tablescape, or a large-scale floral installation, we create designs that reflect our clients’ vision and leave a lasting impression. In addition to our event work, we offer floral subscription experiences that bring seasonal blooms and a touch of beauty into homes and workplaces throughout the year.
What makes Creative Essence unique is the perspective behind the designs. My background in leadership, coaching, education, and organizational culture has shaped how I approach every project. I’m not simply designing flowers; I’m thinking about the experience people will have when they walk into a room, the emotions a space evokes, and how thoughtful design can bring people together.
Whether I’m creating florals for a corporate summit, a micro-wedding, or a community gathering, my goal is the same — to create environments where people feel inspired, connected, and fully present in the moment.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand that sits at the intersection of creativity and connection. Much of our growth has come through referrals and repeat clients, which tells me people remember not only the flowers, but the experience. Whether designing for a corporate stage, a leadership summit, or an intimate celebration, the goal remains the same: creating meaningful experiences that people remember long after the flowers are gone.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that clarity often comes through action, not before it.
For much of my life and career, I believed I needed to have everything figured out before taking the next step. I wanted the perfect plan, the perfect timing, and the confidence that things would work out exactly as intended. What I’ve learned instead is that growth requires movement. Some of the best opportunities, relationships, and experiences in my life happened because I was willing to take a step forward before I felt fully ready.
Building a business taught me that perfection is not the goal; progress is. There will be mistakes, unexpected challenges, and moments when you need to adjust the vision. The key is remaining open to learning, trusting yourself, and continuing to move forward.
I’ve also learned the importance of community. None of us are meant to navigate life or entrepreneurship alone. Mentors, peers, friends, and supporters have helped me see possibilities I couldn’t see for myself and provided encouragement when I needed it most.
If there’s one lesson I carry with me every day, it’s this: you don’t have to see the entire path to take the next step. Sometimes, the courage to begin is what ultimately creates the clarity you’re looking for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeessenceflorals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawntee_creativeessence/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawntee-reed-2ba1a81/
