We were lucky to catch up with Linda Riddle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Linda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I never saw myself as an “Artist” or a “Creative.” Just someone who loves flowers and enjoys creating with them. It wasn’t until I began selling my Botanical Candles at markets and receiving feedback from people who praised my creativity and artistic talent that I truly realized it myself. And let me tell you, I create beauty, if I do say so myself!

Linda, 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 name is Linda Riddle and I live in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. I’m an artist and entrepreneur specializing in Floral Preservation in epoxy resin and in wax.

Flowers became integral to my life because of my mother’s deep love for them. She was the one with the green thumb, and while I never saw myself following her path, I learned the profound joy that flowers can bring.

In 2014, my late husband Brad diagnosed from cancer, three months into our relationship. Proposing to him myself, we married two months later. Exactly two years from the day we met, on August 10, 2012, he left us, plunging me into darkness.

Amidst this sorrow, I stumbled upon stunning flowers from Floret Flower Farm on Facebook. Their beauty and growth brought light into my life. Motivated, I bought four acres of land in Sonoita, Arizona, a breathtaking area known for its vineyards, and founded Arizona Blossom Cellar.

I remarried five years later to my wonderful husband, Jeremy. Being a wife again made me truly happy and balancing a full-time job as a Phlebotomist with my farm was exhausting, but I poured my heart and savings into it. My flower farm thrived, and in 2021, any unsold flowers were carefully dried. By September, I had a collection of dried blooms, prompting me to seek inspiration on Pinterest for unique creations. I avoided conventional ideas like wreaths and stumbled upon Botanical Candles, however, when clicked on, everything was in Japanese! But, I was determined to learn so I embarked on a journey of trial, error, and testing until I mastered the art.

The success of my botanical candles surpassed that of fresh flowers from the farm. Overwhelmed by weeds and managing everything solo, I decided to sell the farm by the end of 2023. Thankfully, I found a fantastic family—a young couple with four boys—who were excited to take over.

Meanwhile, brides were contacting me about Flower Preservation, to which I initially responded, “No, I only make botanical candles!… LOL.” However, after some consideration, I thought it might be worth exploring. It turned out to be the perfect fit—I had finally discovered my niche, something I truly enjoy that brings out my creative juices!

It’s incredibly rewarding to see my work appreciated, not just by women who often have a natural affinity for flowers, but by men too! In my new venture, at markets, it’s often the men who are initially lured to my booth by the enticing scent of my botanical candles, only to become captivated by my floral epoxy resin creations. They’re filled with curiosity, asking me question after question, and I’m delighted to share my process with them. Their amazement at the crystal-clear quality of my resin items is truly gratifying!

That’s when it hit me, oh my goodness, I’m actually an artist! Ha ha ha… I have a dedicated space for all my botanical candle testing, but my love for flower preservation in epoxy resin is so strong that my home is practically bursting with my creations. I’m my own biggest fan!

But what truly motivates me is the indescribable satisfaction in capturing the essence of people’s special moments and memories, transforming them into tangible treasures that last a lifetime.

What sets my work apart is the unique combination of artistry, craftsmanship, and passion. Each botanical candle and floral epoxy resin piece is meticulously crafted, blending natural beauty with artistic vision. I solve the problem of finding unique, high-quality floral products that not only enhance spaces but also evoke emotions and memories.

I take immense pride in the positive feedback I’ve received from clients and followers. Many have expressed how my creations brighten their homes and bring joy to their lives. What I want potential clients to know is that my brand is not just about products; it’s about creating meaningful experiences through art. Whether it’s a beautifully preserved flower in epoxy resin or a delicately scented botanical candle, each piece tells a story and adds a touch of beauty to everyday life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most fulfilling part of being an artist or creative for me is the power to evoke emotions and forge connections through my work. Whether it’s bringing joy to someone’s home with an epoxy resin piece that preserves memories of their special day or igniting curiosity and wonder with a unique botanical candle, knowing that my creations positively impact others is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, the freedom to express myself and continually delve into new ideas and techniques keeps me inspired and passionate about my craft.

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

I’ve experienced significant pivots in both my personal life and business journey, all aimed at simplifying my life and diving deeper into my creative pursuits. Balancing a beloved 33-year full-time job with nurturing my flower farm, my passion project, required careful consideration and adjustments. While it wasn’t easy, I managed to juggle both responsibilities for a few years.

However, I eventually realized that in order to fully embrace my creative ventures, I needed to make some changes. So, at 55 in 2021, I made the bold decision to retire early from my full-time job. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, although it didn’t exactly slow me down—I found myself busier than ever tending to the farm.

Despite being offered help numerous times, I hesitated to accept, not wanting to burden others or risk any harm. But one day, I relented and accepted assistance from an incredible woman, a local pastor, who dedicated her time once a week for months. Her support was invaluable, and in return, I shared starter plants, tubers, roots, and fresh-cut flowers with her.

This experience opened my eyes to the benefits of collaboration, and it inspired her to start her own flower farm, Sonoita Blooms by Gardenia! As time passed, I noticed that my botanical wax products were outperforming fresh flowers in terms of revenue. This realization led me to pivot once again, ultimately deciding to sell my flower farm—a decision that has proven to be another positive step forward.

Now, I find immense joy and fulfillment in dedicating my time entirely to the creative process and embracing my life as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arizonablossomcellar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonablossomcellar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonablossomcellar