Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Whipple.
Hi Liz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve loved flowers and weddings for as long as I can remember! I was the flower girl in three weddings when I was a little girl. I remember just soaking in every minute of the wedding days, from getting ready with the bridesmaids, walking down the aisle, and taking over the dance floor. I loved it all!
Growing up, my mom always had a fantastic garden filled with flowers. I would take garden shears into my backyard and cut fresh flowers to make arrangements. I would place the arrangement on the desk in my bedroom and admire it daily. As I got a little older, I read a book called “The Wedding Planner’s Daughter” about a young girl named Willa and her mother, Stella, a glamorous wedding planner. This book inspired me to study hospitality management and begin a decade-long career in event planning.
Over time, I dove into the world of floral design after admiring the work of the professionals I had been working with over the years. I love learning the nuances of different flower species, mastering the art of various arrangements, and sharing the joy that flowers bring us with my family and friends.
I started Sweet Pea Floral Design because I wanted to combine my experience from the events industry with my love for flower arranging. I think I bring something special to the table when it comes to weddings and events because I truly understand every detail and aspect of events and can personalize so many of those moments with flowers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never a smooth road! Even if there aren’t any major obstacles, you’re still heading into an unknown space that can seem scary. Especially as a creative person, I just want to make and share my art, and the business side can sometimes feel a little daunting.
Additionally, something that I was not expecting as a small business owner during today’s digital age is all of the content creation I would have to do! Social media can be an excellent marketing tool, but in order for your content to be seen by followers and new profiles, you have to play by their rules. Balancing the role of social media manager and coming up with new content ideas, as well as being a business owner and florist, can be a tricky balancing act.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Sweet Pea Floral Design, I specialize in designing floral pieces for weddings and events. When I work with a couple, I walk them through every part of their wedding day to understand their vibe, what they want the experience to be like for their guests, what I can design for them within their budget, and how we can move pieces around to get the most out of their flowers for the day. I also enjoy smaller events, like bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, etc. I think many people associate flowers with big weddings, but they can symbolize celebration for many different events in your life.
My experience in the wedding and event industry sets me apart from other florists. I’ve been an event planner for over 10 years, and I deeply understand what goes into a wedding and the timeline for the day. I think this helps me walk my clients through it in a really easy-to-understand way, allows me to work through any kinks I’ve seen other florists experience without having to experience them myself, and I can be creative with how we can use the timeline of the day to our advantage.
My husband works alongside me, and I’m so grateful to have him as a teammate. He’s incredibly supportive, willing to help, and a great problem solver. We think through situations very differently, so there isn’t a problem we can’t solve between us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has certainly played a role, but I see it as something that meets you halfway. You have to be prepared and willing to act when opportunity strikes. I’ve had moments of good luck, like connecting with a client who ended up referring me to several others, or stumbling across an event that turned into a major source of exposure for Sweet Pea Floral Design. Those moments feel serendipitous, but they only became meaningful because I was ready to deliver and follow through.
There’s also the kind of “bad luck” that every small business owner faces—supply chain issues, unexpected cancellations, or a super windy wedding day. Those challenges taught me to stay flexible and problem-solve creatively. In the end, I’ve learned that luck—good or bad—is just part of the story. What really matters is how you respond to it.
Pricing:
- Full Service Weddings & Events – Starting at $3,000
- Elopements & Smalla Parties – Inquire Online
- Private Workshops or Flower Bar – Starting at $30 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetpeafloraldesign.com
- Instagram: @sweetpeaflorals.sandiego
Image Credits
Sophia Savage Photography, Tayler Ashley Photography, Hannah Smith Photography
