Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Castaneda.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started pressing flowers a couple of years ago after receiving a beautiful bouquet from my boyfriend and after learning that his grandmother used the process to preserve flowers.
I’ve always considered myself creative, but it wasn’t until experimenting with pressed flowers as a medium that I realized how far I can go.
What it started as a hobby turned into a small local business! I now get contracted by newlyweds and others to create beautiful pieces that are made out of their original bouquets.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy, but if it were easy, everybody would be doing it… right? It’s one of those things, where you have to learn to appreciate every step of the way; I believe determination is the primary source of success.
I think time was the biggest struggle, as I was working a full-time job and the commute alone was one hour each way (I was away from the house 11-12 hours each day). I had about one to two hours a day to work on my flowers, and it got to the point where I was struggling to deliver my pieces in a prompt manner and to have enough material for shows.
I just quit my job; this is my very first week as a full-time entrepreneur, and I am so excited, yet nervous about this new journey!
What it takes: Determination, passion, focus, desire, hard work, early mornings, late nights, bravery, positivism and much more
My advice: YOU CAN DO IT! You just have to be all the way in. Believe in yourself and be passionate about what you’re doing.
Pressed Flower Crafts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I turn nature into timeless and unique pieces of art by using a very old technique: flower pressing.
Creating art and connecting with people are what makes me the happiest!
Pressed Flower Crafts has given me the ultimate gift: to move people in unique ways through my art.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think it has been the way I have connected with others. Every time I see a happy tear from my customers, I get so emotional, is indescribable. I have been very fortunate to be able to touch people’s hearts in ways I could have never imaged.
Pricing:
- Original Pieces (made with real pressed flowers): $50+
- Pieces using customer’s flowers (wedding, memorial services, baby showers, other): $65+
- Prints (replicas or our original work): $15
- Stickers: $4+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PressedFlowerCrafts.com
- Phone: 9728228316
- Email: andrea@dbandrea.com
- Instagram: @pressedflowercrafts
- Facebook: @pressedflowercrafts
- Other: etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/pressedflowercrafts1
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.
