Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Handley.
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Watching a friend from college start and create her own floral design company in Boston, I was inspired and dreamed of doing the same thing someday. That someday came during the height on the pandemic. It seemed crazy and didn’t make sense but I talked to this sweet friend who was so kind, encouraging and shared so much of her journey. I just went for it. A couple of weeks before Mother’s Day, I started an Instagram and Facebook pages and put out that I was offering floral orders for Mother’s Day plus delivery. Since so many were not gathering and at the time, to my amazement, it absolutely blew up. From there I did daily orders and deliveries and then as events started taking place again, I began to do smaller events and then weddings. I now have transitioned and only do weddings and events. It has been the biggest rollercoaster. I have learned so much. I have made mistakes, been stretch, encouraged, proud of myself, and so much more. I am excited to see what the Lord has for the future of Stems of the Kingdom.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not! Figuring out I can’t please everyone while also learning how to set boundaries for myself and business. I have had to navigate pricing in a world that doesn’t really like to “share” their knowledge and skills. I have had to balance being a mom, wife, teacher, and now business owner. Every day I’m learning and better than I was the day before.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a floral designer. My design style is to create beautiful, unique, organic style floral arrangements. Honestly, each wedding, event, bouquet, etc. I’m proud of because 99% of the time I’m pushing myself to do something I haven’t done before. Whether that’s a new variety of flower, or bouquet style, or mechanics to hanging something 15 feet in the air. Many late or sleepless nights doubting myself and abilities but seeing it come to fruition always makes me dang proud. I hope what sets me apart from others is being kind. I know that sounds silly but put my work aside I want people to want to work with me because they feel loved and celebrated. That’s my goal and my purpose through flowers.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One day, one arrangement, event, etc. at a time. It can become extremely overwhelming at times but prioritizing and working hard on one thing at a time has helped me to be more proficient using my time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stemsofthekingdom.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemsofthekingdom/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/stemsofthekingdom/
Image Credits
Meg Calkins Photography
Photography By Kylee
Availeth Photo Co
