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

Alright, Heather thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Although my passion + love for creation + design has always been an inherent part of me, I kicked off my career in Interior Design in 2002, right after graduating college. I’ve always been a free-spirit + although I was living in Oregon after graduating, decided on a whim to pack my bags + move to San Diego. It’s here I spent the following 18 years of my life living, eating + breathing my career in commercial interiors. In 2016 I had my son, + I think that’s when I realized something in me was shifting. I still loved my work but became torn between giving 110% to my job when I had a family at home that I wanted to pour as much love + energy into as my career. I went back to work, grateful for my job but also resentful for the emotion it was producing. In 2018 I found out I was pregnant again. This time, to our surprise – it was twins. I’ve never been so terrified in my life. After a very difficult pregnancy + delivery, followed by a difficult journey with postpartum depression + anxiety I came to the conclusion something needed to change. My twins were born in 2019 on the cusp of the pandemic – which offered its own challenges, but also gifted me the opportunity to “be still” + reflect on what + where I wanted to pour my energy. Thus, bringing me to November of 2021. I woke up one day with purpose + knowing where I wanted the next chapter of my life to take me. I wanted to continue to use my creative outlets, but on my terms, as well as directly reach people + bring joy. What better way through flowers? I can honestly say I’m learning as I go. I have relied on being self-taught, as well as leaning on the expertise + support of a tremendous community of friends + family, + can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I question my skill + craft constantly, as well as the decision to start a small business with three young children. But, at the end of the day, I think the take-away is this: I by no means claim to be an expert. I am learning as I go. However, what I do know far surpasses what I lack. I am driven. I am talented. I have a vision. I am passionate. I am open to learn + grow. And, perhaps most importantly, I think the world could use a little extra beauty + joy right now.

Heather, 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 mission in life is to spread joy. My talents + craft lie in all things design, but believe working with flowers not only satisfies my creativity, but also fills my purpose. I specialize in creating bouquets, arrangements + centerpieces for a variety of occasions, gifts, events + weddings. Over the past year I’ve also had the opportunity to participate + create for several styled photo shoots. These really have become a unique way of allowing me to network with an amazing group of talent, as well as really think outside the box (which I love + thrive off of)! I’ve also found a love for teaching workshops, which I will admit comes as a bit of a surprise, as I’ve never thought of myself as a teacher. However, I’m quickly discovering that when you love what you do, the rest seems to organically fall into place. I’m really proud of the fact that although this is a whole new realm of opportunity for me + I’m taking a risk, I’ve putting my vision + drive above my doubt + fear – + I’ve jumped in! I also think there are a few key things that really set me apart from others.

First, part of what’s always been a disappointment for me when ordering flowers, is they have an expiration date – and after a week-or-so of ordering, they are thrown away. I wanted to somehow change that perception, + still provide something beautiful (+ living), as well as give my clients a gift that will continue to bring joy. What I’ve discovered is this: Succulents are a type of plant that are often misunderstood + highly underestimated. Not only are they almost indestructible, they’re also quite beautiful – especially when in bloom. After merging this discovery with the fact I like to think outside the box + provide a bit of the unexpected, I realized there was a way to incorporate them into what I was making. So, whether I’m creating something extremely traditional (think roses), or a bit more abstract, I will always include at least one variety of succulent in my pieces. This way, when your blooms have expired, you can at the very least take your succulent(s) + replant, as well as continue to enjoy.

I also think my background in design provides an extremely unique take on whatever I’m making. I don’t ever go into much planning ahead, + nothing ever turns out looking the same as the piece I made prior. I think my appreciation for balance, texture, color + eye for detail also add something special to what I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create beauty + spread joy. I love people, + I believe everyone has a story. I know this has absolutely nothing to do with a business plan or profit margins, but at the end of the day I think what makes you successful is the footprint you leave in this world + how you treat other people. I want to instill in my children that kindness translates to beautiful things + ultimately success. If people remember me not for the profitable business I had or projects I created, but the number of people’s lives I’ve touched in some positive aspect, I consider myself not only successful in my work, but more importantly successful as a human.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I can honestly say that where I stand today – having your own business (especially as a creative) – is terrifying + even more challenging than I anticipated. I constantly question if I’m headed down the right path, or focusing my time + talents in the right direction. There are days I am beyond frustrated + feel the pressure from a multitude of directions (financial, emotional, mental). However, reflecting in all those moments, I’m much more focused on what this journey has gifted me. At the end of the day, I don’t have a single regret because the rewards are so much greater than the risk. I am able to do what I love. I am constantly learning + growing – not only as a business owner, but as a person. I am able to devote more of my love + time to my family. I am a working role model for my kiddos – teaching them to do what they love, follow your dreams – even when the going gets tough. Teaching them to find your “thing.” Find your drive. Get up + go make it happen – because no one else is going to do it for you. And, at the end of the day, when I’ve made something, despite the fact if the person on the receiving end knows me, or not, is celebrating or grieving – I know I’ve left them with a little piece of something that has hopefully impacted some small (or big) part of their day in a positive + meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bloomdesigns.net
• Instagram: bloomdesignstudioSD
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bloom-design-studio-el-cajon

Image Credits
photo credit (black + white bouquet) – Instagram: @capturedbyamandalynn photo credit (bridal shot) – Instagram: @cherrymae.photography