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

Kaitlynn, appreciate you joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

One of the most rewarding decisions I made for my business early on was to style and execute unique styled shoots that I personally wanted to experiment with. In many instances, I intentionally crafted each concept and curated a selection of vendors who aligned with my vision.

These styled shoots proved to be a multifaceted investment. Not only did they enhance my portfolio, but they also provided meaningful connections with fellow vendors. Additionally, they provided a creative outlet that inspired me and gave invaluable lessons and experiences from the process of styling each shoot.

Kaitlynn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My love of creativity, designing, and planning started in my early years. I was always crafting and dreaming up big beautiful ideas!

After 4 years of college and one baby (plus one on the way at the time), I realized I was craving something more for my life. I had dabbled a little in floral design – through designing my own wedding flowers and helping out a floral shop for a few weeks, that I knew I enjoyed it and it was something I was good at!

I took the leap 5 years ago and started my company!

As a floral artist, I specialize in garden-inspired, textural designs. I love using the vast textures, tones, and color palettes of flowers to guide my designs! Catering each design to the surroundings it will be created in.

As a person, I am deeply driven and passionate and love working! But I also appreciate and love the simple things in life; such as meditating, reading books, bubble baths, and traveling to see new places.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Personally, the most effective methods of finding new clientele for my business has been a combination of things.

When I first started, Instagram was the highest traffic source of new clients for me; however, the world of social media is always changing and it’s not something we can always be reliant on.

For now, I still focus heavily on marketing through Instagram, but I also put efforts into: Pinterest, a little bit of TikTok (although that is more for fun), and networking with other vendors through wedding industry events and on-site weddings (many referrals come from other vendors – so this is crucial for me).

Another high traffic source of new clientele for me is referrals through past clients and guests. I always make sure to try and go above and beyond for every single client and provide a great experience to them.
Great customer service goes a long way!

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

Creatives, no matter the industry, are not overcharging for their services. Just like any job, time and labor deserves to be compensated. And I promise, plenty of time and labor is put into any creative service.

It’s okay if you don’t personally value a service and wouldn’t want to spend money on it; however, that doesn’t mean that others have the same view point. Art is relative and holds different value from person to person.

It’s also okay to have a budget, but don’t use that budget to undercut or undervalue a service. Just adjust accordingly – find a vendor or alternative option (like faux rental flowers, or DIY, etc) that can fit within your budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetaftonfloral.com
• Instagram: @sweetaftonfloral
• Other: Tiktok: @sweetaftonfloral22 Pinterest: @sweetaftonfloral

Image Credits
1st IMAGE: photo – @blakehogge , model – @mauimoonshine , planner – @rockymtnbride , floral – @sweetaftonfloral 2nd IMAGE: photo – @thatmayagirlphotography , floral – @sweetaftonfloral 3rd & 4th IMAGES: photo – @nicoleastonphoto , models – @kennedy_shaver & @tannercanyon , rentals – @diamondeventandtent , @floral – @sweetaftonfloral , HMUA – @lesleylind , Dress – @altamodabridal 5th IMAGE: photo: @scarletoakstudio 6th IMAGE: photo: @ostendo.photography 7th IMAGE: photo: @emilydawnphoto