We recently connected with Leah Cox and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

What Did Your Parents Do Right?

When I reflect on the many lessons my parents taught me, one stands out as particularly transformative: they taught me to have faith. Some might call it risk-taking, but to me, it was always about faith—faith in God, myself, and in the process of life.

Growing up, my parents were a constant source of encouragement. They didn’t just talk about the importance of hard work and trusting in God; they lived it. My father, a dedicated pastor, and my mother, along side him and an incredible mom, both worked tirelessly but always found time to nurture my creative ways. They believed in the power of God and instilled in me the belief that with faith, anything is possible.

When I first had my interest in becomig a florist and later opening a flower shop, I knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, but because of what they had taught me, I also knew that faith could move mountains.

Faith, as my parents demonstrated, is not just about hoping for the best; it’s about taking informed risks, making calculated decisions, and staying resilient in the face of adversity. They taught me that faith is the bridge between dreams and reality. It is what turns aspirations into achievements.

Every time I arrange a bouquet or capture a stunning photograph, I’m reminded of the faith my parents had in me. They did not just give me the tools to succeed; they gave me the belief that I could—and that has made all the difference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always had a creative spirit, and it truly found its outlet in photography shortly after the birth of my first son. Photography became the catalyst for me to explore my creativity and also take myself seriously as a business owner. Then came 2020—what a whirlwind! Amid global chaos, my personal life was thrown off balance. I ended up taking a job at a local flower shop, stepping into the world of floral design with zero experience. Surprisingly, I fell in love with it and knew I had to keep at it. I took floral classes, and when that shop closed, I started selling bouquets from home as a little side hustle.

By late 2022, I found the ideal location to open my own storefront. It was a leap of faith, but I decided to dive into this new chapter and opened Sunday Morning Flowers. The name evokes that “easy like Sunday morning” vibe—where fresh blooms complement your coffee, newspaper, and favorite tunes playing.

Little did I know, the flower shop was exactly the change I needed. Engaging my creativity in a fresh way reignited my zest for life, and now, two years in, I’m still dreaming big. I’m excited to see how Sunday Morning Flowers will grow and evolve from here!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a mom of two energetic boys, balancing a growing photography business for the past 12 years and a flower shop for the last 2 years, unlearning perfectionism has been a lesson I desperately needed. I used to believe that everything had to be just right—the immaculate house, the perfectly staged photos, and the flawless floral arrangements. But life has a way of teaching us that perfection isn’t always the path to fulfillment.

In my photography, I’ve discovered that the most genuine and powerful images often come from candid moments rather than posed ones. It’s in those unscripted instances that true emotions and stories shine through. Similarly, in my flower shop, I’ve found that the most striking arrangements often happen when I let inspiration guide me rather than sticking to exactly what was pictured.

I had to unlearn the idea that perfection is a prerequisite for progress. Waiting until everything is perfect can paralyze us, breeding fear of failure or the anxiety that reality will never live up to our dreams. This realization pushed me to take leaps of faith, like opening my flower shop or sharing my photography work with the world, even when I felt less than ready.

By letting go of the need for everything to be perfect, I’ve freed myself to pursue my passions and embrace the unexpected. It’s been a liberating journey of growth, one that has taught me that moving forward, even when things are imperfect, is far more rewarding than standing still in the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I couldn’t read that question without thinking of one of my favorite shows and characters on “Friends”.

In both business and life, I’m constantly pivoting, just like Ross yelling “Pivot!” as he struggles with that infamous couch. As a photographer, I’ve had to adapt to changing trends and tackle unexpected challenges, like capturing beautiful moments on a rainy wedding day or a session running late. I am constantly pivoting but always find a way to make it happen!

Opening the flower shop was another big pivot. Shifting from photography to floristry meant learning new skills and adjusting to the rhythm of running a retail space, all while juggling my existing photography business. It’s a whole different ball game from working mostly at home.

And then there’s life as a single mom, which is a daily pivot in itself. From managing the chaos of two energetic boys to balancing work, I’m constantly adjusting on the fly. It’s a lot like Ross trying to get that couch up the stairs—full of unexpected twists and turns.

These experiences have taught me that pivoting is about embracing new opportunities with creativity and humor. It’s made me resilient and adaptable, helping me navigate both work and life with a sense of purpose and a smile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leahholston.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahkristincox/

Image Credits

Brianna Adams of Shoot Me Photography, Kalkaska, Michigan