We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Ireland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, thanks for joining us today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are often hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

Weddings are an absolute whirlwind. Each event offers a unique peek into a client’s life, their priorities, and their family dynamics. One wedding stands out for its unforgettable stories. It was the largest floral design budget I’d ever managed at that time. My team of 12 and I traveled together, spending an entire week on site in the Santa Ynez Valley, crafting a truly dreamy celebration. This wedding was nothing short of extravagant—think a flower-filled aisle, a massive four-poster arch, floating blooms in the pool, and hanging installations under a custom reception tent. And that was just the floral design. Every vendor brought their A-game, while the guests partied into the night, culminating in the bride’s grand entrance: she emerged from a life-size cake during the after-party. This couple certainly went all out. In the end, everything came together beautifully, and my team and I left feeling both proud and exhausted after a long week of hard work.

A couple of years later, I had the chance to work again with the same event planner. We reminisced about that spectacular wedding until she casually mentioned, “Oh, by the way, they got divorced on their honeymoon.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I own a boutique floral design company in Santa Barbara, California (Alexis Ireland Florals). After years of working in the event industry with catering companies, wedding planners, and other florists, I decided to start my own floral design business in 2017. Even as a kid, I always said I’d end up working with my hands and with people. Somehow, I knew I’d start my own business, too.

With an undergrad background in fine arts and a lifelong love for the natural world, I’ve channeled that creativity into creating custom designs for weddings and events. My work is inspired by the relaxed sophistication of Southern California and the natural tones and textures of the coastlands. I specialize in custom, organic-style arrangements, using flowers sourced from local growers and markets whenever possible. I love working with clients who trust the design process and share a similar coastal, natural, and refined aesthetic.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a kid, I was the quiet, reserved girl who didn’t want to make too much noise. I worked hard and was terrified of making mistakes. These qualities served me well for a while, but then I had to learn how to market myself and my business. This journey has taught me that mistakes are crucial for figuring out what works and what doesn’t as a business owner. Trial and error are essential. Taking up space is essential. A business thrives by being seen and being known.

At first, stepping out of my comfort zone was daunting. I attended networking events, reached out to collaborate with other vendors, and embraced social media to showcase my work. I learned to view each mistake as a valuable lesson, which helped (& still helps) refine my strategies. Over time, I gained confidence in my ability to promote my brand and connect with clients who appreciate my vision. This process continues to transform my business’s growth and success.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love working on my own terms. Yes, weddings and events cater to the client’s needs and wishes, but ultimately, I still get to decide my own schedule, hours, and workflow. Spending time with my daughter or taking a day off to surf in the middle of the workweek is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade working for myself for anything. I’m so grateful that this small business supports my family and creativity while allowing for lots of flexibility in my work-life balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexisirelandflorals.com
• Instagram: @alexisirelandflorals
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/alexisirelandfloral
• Other: Pinterest @alexisirelandflorals

Image Credits

Mallory Carlson, David Mendoza, Ali Beck, Natalie Town, Kristina Adams