Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Bleakley.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I could always be found drawing, dancing, mixing vintage finds into my wardrobe and endlessly ripping inspiring photos from magazines (gangsta-style before Pinterest existed). Art classes were my second home. As I grew older and gained more responsibilities, I began to believe the story that ‘I couldn’t make a living’ in a creative field, so I changed my focus and worked in a corporate setting for many years. Although I was learning a lot about business, I eventually realized that life is too short to spend continuing on a path that wasn’t making my heart happy.
The most pivotal chapter of my story began seven years ago when I decided to overhaul my life and move from Philly to California. Once settled, I left the 9-5 career behind and started learning as much as I could about floral design through several gracious designers and teachers who were willing to share their knowledge. HUNTRESS was founded several years ago and I now spend my days in a North Park studio slaying florals for weddings, events and corporate clients. Since making that shift, it’s been the most freeing, challenging, inspiring and healing time. A beautiful journey getting reacquainted with my true self and a humbling gift to experience it through nature and gorgeous blooms. My inner artist has finally found the medium that was meant for me to create and connect through. It feels like a living dream!
Has it been a smooth road?
Truthfully, the hardest part was taking the first leap into the unknown. Besides the typical entrepreneurial obstacles, it’s been a fairly smooth path. When my decisions are heart-aligned, the universe seems to effortlessly have my back. Opportunities present themselves with more ease and I experience less anxiety when I stay in that FLOW(er) mode. It’s a beautiful state and definitely an ongoing practice!
I’ve learned that choosing a positive mindset is crucial in overcoming many challenges that arise. Taking the lessons, altering course as needed, and giving myself grace along the way has been a helpful process. Having a willingness to fall forward through discomfort is now a welcome struggle because I know the gifts on the other side are worth it!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Huntress Florals was born out of a desire to live authentically and continues to foster healing, creativity, and connection with others through our floral offerings. The name was originally chosen because it has a rawness, a fierce power, and divine femininity that is undeniable. It eludes beautifully to the process of foraging for materials and honoring the cycles of nature. Our signature design aesthetic is full of gorgeous blooms and layered textures, infused with thoughtfulness and a hint of edge.
The HUNTRESS brand reflects the traits I strive to embody and what flowers and the human experience represent to me.
GRACE | STRENGTH | BEAUTY | RESILIENCE | LIFE
I’m most proud of how organically the brand is evolving. We’ll be offering more than florals in the coming seasons, so stay connected with us to be the first to take advantage of our next harvest!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Southern California is an ideal location for a floral design business to thrive. The access to high-quality product and the number of wholesale markets here is extremely valuable. I’ve designed several destination events and returned home with a greater appreciation for the abundance we have. The floral community is very welcoming with many members for new designers to lean on and learn from.
The sunny seasons in San Diego make everything about events easier since we don’t have much inclement weather to contend with. As an east coast gal and former Event Manager, having mother nature on your side is a game-changer in this industry!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.huntressflorals.com
- Phone: 619.777.6188
- Email: info@huntressflorals.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
huntressflorals - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntressflorals/
Image Credit:
@meg_marie_photo
@the_arroyos
@_nickradford
@perlzy
@brooke_ziegler_photography
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