Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Dittmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amy, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My parents taught me so many things when I was a kid. They showed me that working hard could also be fun. They never made me (or my siblings) feel like we were holding them back from enjoying a full life and a full life together. Even though they both had demanding jobs, we always had the best adventures. From sports, to fishing, to enjoying good food, learning how to cook as a family, and always growing flowers and veggies in their garden. They certainly always made it clear that success comes with sacrifice and a job worth doing should be done with vigor and excellence.
Most of all my parents taught me that treating other people with kindness, respect, and gratitude is always the best endeavor. People matter the most. No matter what.
I lost my mom 2 years ago to cancer and I’d give anything to kiss her face again and say thank you. She was a high school math teacher for several decades and also a very talented artist. I can recall late nights doing math homework with my moms help and wondering if I’d ever use these skills again. She assured me that learning to do hard things will always be a life skill and something worth working through. She was probably the first person I told when I wanted to quit my social work job and start my own floral business. She was my biggest cheerleader and support.
My dad, is something of a legend. He and my mom built a legacy of friendships across the country that continue still to this day. My dad is a problem solver, future thinker, and people person. He’s taught me all of those things in the most practical way. Watching him navigate complicated work challenges, cross country moves, all types of employees and colleagues, becoming a grandparent and even living in the trenches of terminal illness when my mom was sick. Although my dad is retired, he can’t sit still very long. He offers his skills in any form possible. Candle cleaning, playing with our kids, making meals for my team, and even the occasional boutonniere. He’s the best. He and my mom: the best.
Most parents are really just trying their hardest to keep their kids healthy, safe, and growing, both physically and intellectually. They’re trying their best. I didn’t full understand this until I became a mom. Sometimes we get things wrong. But my parents got most of everything right and it’s shaped me in to the woman I am today. I know I wouldn’t be the same mom, wife, friend, artist, boss or business owner without their impact in my life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I own a floral design company in Denver, CO. We produce large events all over the state and most of our weddings take us in to the mountains. My mission as a florist is to create inspired weddings with sustainable methods. More on that but first a look at how I started:
After college I worked in social work around the Washington DC area. I could write a novel about those experiences. They definitely shaped me in to a kinder, more aware person. I’m a feeler and a doer. This job gave me a crash course in staying on my toes, thinking creatively and coaching clients (in this case homeless families) towards achieving their goals. This career also gave me an extreme level of grit that pushed me towards owning a business. (You need grit for that.)
When I had my first baby and got back to work, it was evident that my job was no longer sustainable for the kind of life we wanted to live. I wanted to be around for my family, make more money, and do something creative and romantic in the way that I wanted to savor things more often.
I had a friend in the wedding world. She’s a very talented and now well known wedding planner. She encouraged me to turn my hobby in to a career. I began learning everything I could about becoming a wedding florist. I took every job I could get my hands on.
Over the years (almost 9 to be exact) and a move to Colorado later, I’ve found a true design style and an ideal client. I believe that everyone should have access to flowers and things that grow. This is why I love to educate about how to create your own florals, grown your own flowers, and find ways to source locally grown flowers.
My main wedding clients are looking for large scale floral production. Not just a few centerpieces. We specialize in large installations, from arches and pathways, to ceilings and room transformations. These require large teams of talented artists and heavy lifters. I never knew I would love the leadership aspect so much…but its one of my favorite responsibilities. I wish everyone could experience working on a team that cares for you and helps lift you up. It’s my goal that everyone who works for me enjoys the experience and becomes more like family.
One recent accomplishment for my business: removing as much single use plastic from our designs as possible. We no longer use micro plastics in the form of traditional flower foam. We also source as much local/seasonal flowers as possible. Please don’t ask me to find peonies in December or cherry blossoms in August. Seasonal, local and sustainable is possible for large weddings. We’re doing it!
I’m also passionate about coaching. I take on a few coaching clients a month. The problem solving, brainstorming part of my brain thrives on breakthrough moments. Coaching has given me more opportunity to do that.
Last thing: I’m obsessed with flowers and making people feel special. The idea that hundreds of people sit down at a wedding and soak up my designs will never get old. I love the magic of making people savor a moment and this is the best way I’ve found to do that.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I started using Instagram for my business 9 years ago. Things have changed a lot since then. Right now I’m learning how to be myself but not share too much in this space. I want to strike a balance between authentically me and also a curated visual representation of my favorite floral work. I think we are living in a time when people want to learn things. They want to consume knowledge. So I love creating short videos to engage this part of their brains. Maybe thats a helpful tip or a quick tutorial on how to make your own florals from home. I’d like to think that engaging in this way is not only fun but encouraging to others that flowers are all around you! Go find some or grow some or at the very least, make someone feel special in any way you can.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Creating trusted relationships with wedding planners! I think I certainly find clients other ways but the most important way is working directly with planners who know my values, trust me, and tell their clients they shouldn’t want to work with anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amylaurenfloraldesign.com/
- Instagram: @amylaurenfloraldesign
Image Credits
Bonnie Sen Photography