We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Truhlar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My Grandfather and I were very close growing up. He was the kind of guy you just wanted to be around. Whether it was his WWII stories, or whatever lesson he was teaching you, he had a way of commanding an audience, and as a young girl I was totally captivated by him.

I got a handwritten letter in the mail from him every couple of weeks. I can remember his penmanship, and the way his letters were always so carefully worded. He would underline and put into quotations whatever he wanted to emphasize. He’d share what he was learning, and used his lessons to inspire and teach me. He would always list my strengths, and encourage me to follow my dreams, whatever they were. He had really high hopes in me, which instilled a strong sense of self in me at a young age. He gave me courage and confidence, and as a young girl, those things were invaluable.

Perhaps the biggest and most valuable lesson he taught me, was what he called “the secret to success.” “Find a job that makes you happy, and you won’t work a day in your life.”

My Father was a beautiful and kind, creative soul. To support our family of 6, my Dad worked a job he didn’t care for so that we could have all of our needs met. His decision was an honorable one, but my whole life, I watched him worry, struggle. As a result, my Grandfather’s words became not only relevant, but became my sole focus as a child, young adult, and now business owner. My mission has been to honor him and my Dad, both creatives unable to pursue their true passions.

I’ve always paid attention to what I call “the push.” If a job became stagnant, or if there was no more growth, I found the next thing. I did this for years in my 20’s and 30’s, and as a result, have woven this beautiful tapestry of experiences that have landed me exactly where I want to be. Those experiences gave me an incredibly well-rounded approach to where I am now.

This required a lot of Faith. And I couldn’t have done any of it without my partner. Or my Grandfather. Or my Dad.

Call it a leap of faith, blind faith, whatever. To me it’s an inner knowing of who and where I want to be in this life. Turning struggle into teachings, and hardship into blessings. There’s no other way!

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 got here by chance.

I am an Art student, turned Installation Artist, turned Merchandise Artist, turned Interior Designer, turned Floral Designer. That’s the quick version!

When I found flowers, my search was over.

Our goal is to offer a soft-landing spot for our clients. Connection is key, and what drives us to pursue our couples. We want the process to be fun, but we know florals often make the most visual impact on a couple’s wedding day, so we want to get it right. We want it to feel a certain way, and we ensure it does. We care a lot, often times too much. About the little details that likely no one notices. But that’s what makes us good at what we do.

We are currently in process of a brand re-design. We want our name to reflect the feeling behind or the “why” we do what we do. We know that this will attract the type of clients who are seeking those same connections that we are, and what’s better than that?

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I started my Interior Design business after years of designing retail spaces such as Anthropologie and Free People. I knew that I had the skills, and the passion to take this knowledge and apply it to people’s homes. I didn’t, however, understand how to make my business thrive.

As a result, I chose to close my services to the public after 3 years. I realized my heart wasn’t in it anymore, and that was likely what caused my business to fail.

A friend of a friend was designing weddings, and I sent her an email asking if she was hiring. I had no prior experience, other than the occasional arrangement I gifted to my design clients, but there was this strong pull to the industry. 6 years of freelancing later, I am now the proud owner of my own floral design business.

The practice, patience, and years of dedication have set me up to sit more comfortably in the shoes of a business owner again.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had my fair share of poor leadership/bosses over the years.

It’s something I talk about a great deal with the women in my community. Being in leadership doesn’t require thick skin, as I once believed. Being in leadership means finding good people, honing in on their specific set of skills, and motivating them within their role to grow and prosper. And perhaps most importantly, finding that unique ability that only some leaders have, to emplore your staff to WANT to work for you. That’s something I work on daily.

I’ve had so many humbling experiences, but I’m re-writing the script for my staff.  

Contact Info:

• Website: www.katetruhlar.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/katetruhlarfloral

Image Credits
Natalie Estess Photography