We were lucky to catch up with Cat Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cat, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Earth & Thorn began as a very personal act of survival and renewal. In 2020, I underwent brain surgery at the very beginning of the pandemic, and in the fragile season that followed, I turned to flowers and nature as my anchor. What started as a way to heal became a mission: to show others that beauty and connection to the natural world are not luxuries, but necessities. Earth & Thorn was born from that conviction—to create immersive, nature-driven floral experiences that honor life’s fleeting moments with depth, artistry, and authenticity. Every arrangement carries that meaning for me: a reminder that beauty restores, grounds, and transforms.

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

I’m Cat Brown, the founder and creative director of Earth & Thorn, a nature atelier rooted in the Ozarks. My path into this work was born from a deep personal season of change, when nature became my anchor and source of renewal. I began working with flowers out at a flower farm in Northwest Arkansas. That experience reshaped the way I see flowers—not just as décor, but as living art that has the power to transform how we feel in a space.

At Earth & Thorn, we specialize in bespoke floral and botanical design for weddings, events, and luxury spaces. Our work blends the raw, ethereal beauty of nature with a refined, artistic sensibility. Our arrangements are curated from a mix of locally grown seasonal blooms, US stems and exquisite international varieties. We look for inspiration from the natural seasons, locations, a couple’s story, resulting in designs that feel both grounded and elevated.

What sets us apart is our immersive approach. We don’t just deliver flowers—we create experiences. Whether it’s through an event where guests get to design with curated blooms in hand, or through bespoke installations that bring biophilic artistry into a space, our mission is to reconnect people with nature in a way that feels luxurious, meaningful, and unforgettable.

I’m most proud of building a business that values artistry and authenticity in equal measure. Earth & Thorn isn’t about mass-produced trends or cookie-cutter florals—it’s about slowing down, honoring the seasons, and crafting work that feels deeply personal. What I want people to know is that flowers, when thoughtfully designed, are not just beautiful—they can create awe, evoke memory, and leave a lasting imprint on any occasion.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I look back, resilience has been woven into every stage of Earth & Thorn. I launched this company while navigating one of the hardest chapters of my life—recovering from brain surgery at the very start of the pandemic. In that season of uncertainty and fragility, I turned to flowers as both a lifeline and a language: they became a way to process, to heal, and eventually to create beauty for others. Building a business in those circumstances required faith, grit, and a deep commitment to finding meaning in the midst of chaos. That experience shaped not only my outlook but also the ethos of Earth & Thorn: that beauty and strength can emerge from even the most difficult transitions. I chose the name Earth & Thorn to honor this part of my story and the dichotomy of life: Life & Death, Beauty & Pain, Hope & Fear…

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Earth & Thorn began in the most grassroots way possible—through the trust of family and friends. When I first started, they hired me to design flowers for their weddings and events. Those opportunities not only gave me the initial capital to reinvest in my business but also the confidence to grow beyond my inner circle. What started as a way to serve the people closest to me quickly became the foundation for a brand that now creates floral experiences for a wider community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://earthandthorn.com
• Instagram: @earthandthorn