Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gary Pratt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
When you do the things you love in life it doesn’t seem like work. It’s a passion that God placed in your heart. People thrive when they do what they love.
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 am a very creative person. I own a floral business and every design that goes out my door is created by me. The Floral Business has been a gift that I am so fortunate to have. It has been named the Best Floral shop in Westmoreland County, Pa for the last 4 years. I am very proud of this accomplishment. I started this business with a pop cooler, a rusty old van and a 200.00 rental unit 11’x 22′. I was a Recreational Therapist before this and when a new company purchased the facilities and I got canned. I thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. However, it was the best. I took a year off, got a job delivering flowers and then opened my own shop 1 year after. The business grew with word-of-mouth recommendations and now I own a 4 story building in the downtown business district of Greensburg, PA. I really feel God gave me this. I have always had a passion for singing and writing music. I have a fairly decent independent music career, with credited International Awards. However, I would not have been able to fund my music and albums without my Floral Shop and its success. businesses. I am so Blessed to be living my life and doing the things that I love. Here are the websites for both of my businesses: www.lejardinfloralshomedecor.com and www.garyprattmusic.com
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I believe that you must follow your passions to be happy. God gave these to us to share with others and the world. When you do what you love it grows. Giving and opening up customers and sharing how the business came to be and how God has worked in my life.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I sort of explained that before. Losing a job after many years of dedication was terrible. But God had a better plan for me. He knew Music was in my blood and I had dreams of recording a professional album with Nashville Producers and Musicians. He made that happen through my shop and let me explore by creative mind in making that happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lejardinfloralshome decor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyprattmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyapratt
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/garypratt1/videos
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-jardin-florist-greensburg
Image Credits
none myself