Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justine Thibault. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Justine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned floral design through an internship with my friend’s business, where I gained hands-on experience in creating arrangements and understanding floral mechanics. My background in painting comes from my studies at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where I developed a strong foundation in composition, color theory, texture, and form.

My learning process was intensive—I dedicated long hours and late nights to mastering both disciplines. I believe that daily, repetitive practice is crucial for developing a skill quickly. In both floral design and fine art, having an artistic eye is essential, but so are technical skills like floral care and handling, efficiency, problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management.

One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the cost of materials, which sometimes limited my ability to experiment and practice. Beyond that, I’d say my own fear of failure and perfectionism sometimes held me back. However, I’ve learned to embrace the process and see challenges as opportunities for growth.

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.

About Me & How I Got Started

From a young age, I was always artistically inclined, drawn to colors, textures, and composition. I constantly experimented with different mediums, fueling my natural artistic curiosity. During my exploration year at community college—where I took art classes with a friend—I had the opportunity to intern at her new floral business. This hands-on experience introduced me to floral mechanics and event design, and I quickly realized I wanted to build a career that combined my artistic background with the beauty of nature.
I later moved to Colorado to attend the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where I majored in illustration and deepened my understanding of color theory, balance, and form. During this time, I also worked for small floral businesses, where my love for painting and visual art naturally evolved into a passion for floral design. I began to see flowers not just as arrangements but as living works of art.
After years of working in event design for small businesses, I took the leap to start my own. Now, I combine my fine art expertise with floral preservation—transforming meaningful florals into lasting works of art—while also executing fully designed events that bring artistic vision to life.

What I Offer & The Problems I Solve
I specialize in artfully unique, sustainable floral design for weddings and events, as well as floral preservation that transforms meaningful flowers into lasting works of art. My services include:
* Custom floral arrangements & full-service event design – for clients who value floral artistry and intentional design.
* Flower preservation – pressed florals in frames and resin preservation, allowing clients to keep their wedding or sentimental flowers as a tangible memory.
The biggest challenge I solve for my clients is turning their vision into something both breathtaking and deeply personal, while also ensuring they receive sustainable, high-quality floral art that doesn’t feel wasteful or generic.

What Sets Me Apart

What truly sets me apart is my artist’s approach to floral design—I don’t just arrange flowers; I create compositions with an intentional use of color, movement, and texture. With over 15 years of artistic experience, I bring a fine artist’s eye to every bouquet and installation. I also prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly techniques and sourcing responsibly whenever possible. Pricing my work accordingly allows me to invest in high-quality, long-lasting blooms, sustainable mechanics, and ethical growing practices—ensuring that my designs are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built my business around artistry, sustainability, and meaning. My work isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about capturing emotions, preserving memories, and creating something that resonates deeply with my clients. Seeing someone light up when they receive their flowers or preservation piece is what drives me.

What I Want Clients & Followers to Know
If you’re looking for floral design that feels intentional, artful, and sustainable, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re a couple planning a wedding, someone who wants to preserve a meaningful bouquet, or just someone who appreciates floral artistry, I’m here to create something truly special for you.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society can support local artists and creatives while also fostering a thriving creative ecosystem in several impactful ways. First and foremost, we must value artistic work and recognize that art, design, and craftsmanship are skilled professions, not hobbies. It’s essential to pay artists and creatives what their work is truly worth, rather than expecting discounts or compensating them with exposure alone. Supporting fair pricing ensures that artists can sustain their careers and continue producing high-quality work.

Engaging with artists on social media—through liking, sharing, and commenting—helps amplify their reach and connect them with a broader audience. Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful, so recommending local creatives to friends, family, and businesses can make a significant impact. Additionally, leaving reviews, tagging artists in posts, and properly crediting them when showcasing their work online helps foster a supportive community and increases visibility for the talented individuals behind the art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The creative journey is filled with challenges that are often invisible to those outside the field. For many creatives, the path to success isn’t always straightforward. Unlike traditional career paths with clear promotions or milestones, artistic careers are filled with experimentation, failure, and evolution. It often involves countless hours spent refining techniques, working with materials, and sometimes stepping into new fields, only to pivot again. The learning curve is ongoing, and there are no shortcuts. It requires a delicate balance of artistic passion and business management, constant personal investment, and a strong sense of resilience. Many artists face financial instability and emotional vulnerability as they work to build their craft and sustain their careers. Yet, despite these challenges, creativity thrives because of the deep connection to the process and the reward of sharing one’s vision with the world. Understanding this journey is key to supporting and valuing the work of artists and creatives, and helps everyone—whether you’re in the creative field or not—appreciate the depth of what it truly means to be an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jaelemae.com
• Instagram: Jaelemae
• Facebook: Jae Le Mae

Image Credits

LC Photostyle
West Wedding Co
Amanda Lee Photo
From the Daisies