We were lucky to catch up with Adina Salinger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adina , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Starting your own business venture is such a big decision and in today’s world, can feel extra risky. I spent a lot of time holding myself back while I was “waiting for the perfect time” or for an opportunity to present itself, when I should have been following my heart all along. Taking that first big risky-feeling leap into the unknown, creating opportunities for myself and making connections along the way was so empowering. If I had continued to put off opening my business until I felt it was the “perfect time”, I would likely still be waiting!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into floristry in 2016, almost by accident; I worked as a barista for many years and was looking for a change of pace, and applied to work in a grocery store floral department because I love plants. It was love at first prom boutonniere and I quickly realized I wanted to be a part of more challenging and creative work, as well as establish relationships with local flower farmers. My former business partner and I opened our first business in 2018, and I took those foundations with me during Covid and opened Tangled Roots Floral in 2020. Starting a new business in the height of a global pandemic may not have been the easiest path, but I spent all that time waiting for the world to re-open striking up friendships with our growers, connecting with planners and other vendors and establishing myself as a trustworthy name in our area (Northern Whatcom County, WA).
I market myself as a PNW-inspired florist and love to create highly textural, seasonal arrangements for clients who also feel a connection to our unique landscapes, weather patterns, and growing season. Tons of greenery, berries and mushrooms, grasses and local blooms all make appearances in my designs as a tribute to nature. My connections made with flower farmers has deepened my understanding and respect of weather and the resiliency of the natural world (humans included!).
I am very proud of the professional relationships I’ve built so far, and of the connections I am able to make with my clients as we move through the design process together. My process is very collaborative and I love working alongside clients to help bring their floral visions to life. Flowers should be fun, bring you and your family joy, and make you smile for years and years when you look back on your wedding photos.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I do wish that I had done more freelancing earlier in my career! Online classes, articles and YouTube videos are great, but nothing has compared to working with other floral designers. The friendships made are invaluable, and I learn so much every time I am part of a new team. It’s wonderful to be able to problem solve together and teach each other new or improved ways to do things. My best advice to anyone who wants to refresh their skills is to get your hands directly into the flowers with some new friends.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me is always when the couple sees their flowers! We spend months planning together, and much of the planning process is based on trust: no Pinterest inspiration photo is ever going to 100% capture the exact creation that is unique to their wedding. Seeing something that has existed only in conversation come to life and lend its essence to an important celebration is truly magical.
Contact Info:
- Website: tangledrootsfloral.com
- Instagram: @tangledrootsfloral
Image Credits
Caylie Mash Photography Smooch Photo Co. Ash Rene Photography Luna Lion Co. Adventure and Vow