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

Alright, Kristian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I decided to join FFA(Future Farmers of America). I began to work little by little with plants, soil, and floral design. I was one of the students who would take care of the school greenhouse and plant sales. I really enjoyed getting my hands dirty and soaking up any knowledge about horticulture.

In school, I was extremely shy. I made it a point not to raise my hand, do presentations, and never joined any extra circular activities. One day, my teacher decided to push me out of my comfort zone, that day everything changed. She asked me to compete in Floral Design competitions for FFA. I would stay after school and practice designing flowers, learning the history of floral design, and identifying all types of cut flowers and greenery. By this point, I was ALL IN.

What began as a high school elective quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Through the FFA organization I was able to build confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the floral industry.
I fell in love with every aspect of floral design. During this time, I also got a job as a floral designer for a local flower shop. I continued to work at a the flower shop until spring of 2016. I had plans of opening my own business but I wasn’t sure of the timing of everything. Things fell into place, and at 19 years old in April of 2016, I opened my business, Kristian Designs.

Kristian, 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?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I decided to join FFA(Future Farmers of America). I began to work little by little with plants, soil, and floral design. I was one of the students who would take care of the school greenhouse and plant sales. I really enjoyed getting my hands dirty and soaking up any knowledge about horticulture.

In school, I was extremely shy. I made it a point not to raise my hand, do presentations, and never joined any extra circular activities. One day, my teacher decided to push me out of my comfort zone, that day everything changed. She asked me to compete in Floral Design competitions for FFA. I would stay after school and practice designing flowers, learning the history of floral design, and identifying all types of cut flowers and greenery. By this point, I was ALL IN.

I fell in love with every aspect of floral design. I also got a job as a floral designer for a local flower shop. I continued to work at a the flower shop until spring of 2016. I had plans of opening my own business but I wasn’t sure of the timing of everything. Things fell into place, and at 19 years old in April of 2016, I opened my business, Kristian Designs.

My passion is weddings and continuing to make my couple’s wedding floral dreams come to life. I truly love what I do, and I can’t picture myself doing anything else.
I chose the name Kristian Designs because of one thing, well maybe two. My name is Kristian, but also being I wanted my business model, me as a person/leader, and my designs to represent my faith.

Kristian Designs is a full-service, published floral design company servicing the low country area and beyond. Bringing beautiful and unique arrangements to your wedding or event.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Owning a business in itself makes you very resilient. I have always had the mindset that, “If I don’t do it, no one else will.” Over the years there have been many moments in business that have tested my resilience and my willingness to overcome obstacles.

During the beginning, I had to do everything on my own. From the phone calls, to the ordering, making all the arrangements, and then setting up and cleaning up. No matter what I had going on, no matter how sick I could be, I had to push through because it all relied on me.

I now have a wonderful team of people that help, but that doesn’t mean I can let things go by without putting my all into it.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and Bartonella. This has brought many daily challenges to the duties I have as a business owner. Like I said, there are times I have been so sick or so tired, but I have pushed through to get the job done.

Being a business owner requires grit, resilience, and perseverance. It shapes you to be a stronger person and know that you can do a lot if you put your mind to it, and with God all things are possible.

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

Surprise!
I am currently in the works of buying another flower shop. Over the last few years, I have wondered what or how I wanted to expand the business. I know I either wanted to build a shop or do something along those lines.

With much prayer and patience, I had an opportunity land in my lap. A local flower shop was for sale, and I had to jump on it(only after the third time it was put in front of me). I couldn’t think of a better way to expand than have a flower shop alongside my wedding business. Now I can hit all sides of the floral industry from the day to day, to the bigger wedding/event side.

I am super excited to open this new venture later this year!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristiandesigns.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristian.designs/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristiandesignsflorals/

Image Credits

Abby Giles Photography

Esther Griffin Photography

Alex Converse Photography

K Kalon Photography