We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hailey Larsen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hailey below.

Hi Hailey, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

9 years ago I was a sophomore in college majoring in event management. In this major, you are required to complete 3 internships throughout your time in school in any related field. I had applied to an event decor company not really knowing anything about it or what I was getting myself into. I met Debbie the day I walked into my interview and the rest was history. It turned out this event decor company was a floral design shop for weddings and events. I felt so lucky because I fell right into it and had found I had a natural talent for it.

I ended up getting hired by her company and worked for her throughout the rest of my college years. After graduation I left her to pursue other avenues of the event industry planning corporate events and then doing sales for a high end wedding company. After doing sales for so long, I really wanted to get back into the hands on design aspect of floral. Debbie of course welcomed me in with open arms to her company like she always has and from there I began hands on designing and doing sales – a marriage of the two things I love.

About a year ago, I decided to take a turn and start my own business. Before I decided to take the plunge, I called Debbie and told her I was going to branch out on my own working a 9-5 and start my own little floral “side hustle”. She said to me “blaze your trail girl.” The response I have gotten since starting this “side hustle” has been amazing and since I started my business, she has answered every call from me with business related questions, talking sense into me and listening to my worries of being a business owner. She also lets me use her space and resources sometimes which is hands down the nicest thing I have ever been offered since starting a business. Debbie continues to do the kindest things and is a mentor and I will forever be grateful for her guidance and generosity. She is a second generation florist and will have been in business now for over 30 years. I learned from the best.

Hailey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Hailey and I have been doing floral design for over 9 years now. It all started when I did an internship in college for an event design company. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting into, I just needed to fulfill an internship for my school. Talk about fate – I ended up loving it. It was one of those feelings of fulfillment and happiness like I had never had. Over the last 9 years, I have worked in various avenues of the event industry, from planning corporate events, operations, and sales for a high end wedding florist.

Since then, I have become very well rounded in all aspects of what it takes to execute a flawless and most important, aesthetically pleasing event. There is something about helping create a feeling for people when they walk into a room. I believe that is what my calling for floral design is all about.

I have seen a lot over the years as far as event design goes. Trends come and go and tastes change. The problems I like to solve for my client is essentially just guiding them to their true self and what they really desire. I can talk to someone and ask certain questions to really get to know them and their style. I can come up with ideas that they might not have ever thought of. I love working with my clients because essentially it is a collaborative experience where they come to me with an idea and I can run with it. I think over the years, I have really refined my design skills while always continue to learn and I really want to share that with other people. I think the key is to truly highlight the beauty of the product you are presenting – nature is truly amazing in what it can provide for us. To paint a picture of what Laynie Botanicals provides, I would say we thrive on eclectic out of the box designs. We love working with clients who push the envelope when it comes to what they are asking for.

The thing I am most proud of since starting my own business is all the milestones that come along with it. Things I never thought I would be able to accomplish, because lets face it, owning a business sounds scary, I am figuring out. I always want to be proud of the work I am putting out there and I really treat it like a form of art. Floral design ignites a fire and passion inside me that I am dying to share with the world and starting my own business has been the most fulfilling thing I have ever accomplished. I am so excited to see how far I can go and excited to meet all the clients I have yet to meet.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

When I initially started Laynie Botanicals, it was intended to be a side hustle as I loved the work and never wanted to give it up. I sent out a little announcement on my personal social media page explaining that I was starting a side hustle. I was honestly very scared to do that in fear of judgement. Turns out, there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of and the response I have gotten has been amazing. I currently work a 9-5 job while simultaneously running my side hustle. I work out of my house at night after my job and hire people to set up events when I am working during the week.

Some of the key milestones for me in starting this, is becoming an official business with an LLC, Insurance, payroll, etc. Something I didn’t think I would need to do after announcing my side hustle. I continue to work both jobs and feel as though I am getting to a point where the goal of this would be to take it full time. As I continue to grow, I continue to learn and it is so much fun to see how far this passion project has gone.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been through all of the years of networking I have done prior to starting my side business. Without investing in any marketing other than social media that I run, I have gotten all my jobs through word of mouth, referrals and previous clients. It has been amazing to see the response

Contact Info:

• Website: www.layniebotanicals.com
• Instagram: @laynie.botanicals

Image Credits
Brianna DuVall Photo Amy Slogar Photo