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

Lori, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Growing up, my parents were gardeners. They had a green thumb and could plant anything, from guava trees in the living room, to an array of flowers and veggies in the garden. I was always surrounded by flowers and fresh vegetables because of it. I remember when they let me have my own spot in the garden, so the very first flowers I planted were marigolds from seeds that my 3rd grade teacher gave to the class. It was such a miracle when I saw those seeds turn into a jungle of cheerful orange flowers. I fell in love with flowers in my parents’ backyard.

Each time I walked through the garden, it gave me peace, and an appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of each flower. We carry so many memories with us in flowers. Rose bushes will always remind me of my mom who loved them. I remember the first red carnation that my husband gave me.

Being in nature does something for us. It provides a sense of peace and calm in a fast paced world. And each time we see a particular flower and smell its scent, we are flooded by memories and the emotions that come from them.

In creating my business Fleurs Et Temps (meaning flowers and time in French), I wanted to bring flowers into the lives of others in the form of jewelry, art pieces, and bookmarks so that they could last for a long time. I wanted others to also feel peace and calm from nature, and always have those special memories and moments with them each time they wear a jewelry piece, or open up a book, or look at an art piece on the wall.

Lori, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up around flowers, I would hang them all over my room, and press them in books. When the Covid-19 pandemic started, I started pressing flowers again and would make bookmarks from them and send them to friends and family. At the same time, my husband had been fighting cancer for a couple of years. I wanted to work from home since it was during the pandemic and also help support my husband. We also had many candid conversations about the future with his cancer. So that’s when I had the idea of my online shop, Fleurs Et Temps. After much research and listening to podcasts, I opened up my Etsy shop at the end of September 2021. But a year later, I created my own website for the shop, fleursettemps.com.

I make by hand all the jewelry, bookmarks, and art in the shop using pressed flowers. I now have nearly 2 dozen flower presses and keep them filled at all times. I make custom pieces also, and from time to time press wedding bouquets or other special flowers for others and turn them into one of a kind pieces for customers. I love classic literature so release literature inspired collections of jewelry. This year, I decided to expand my products and will be carrying cottage and vintage inspired clothing that reflects each collection that’s released.

Being a small business working from home, I’m the employee and the owner. It’s been so nice being able to do something I love, and creating special pieces for others.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

After creating my business, my husband suggested that I try to market on social media. I didn’t have a clue of what to do, so I looked up all the information I could on how to market on Instagram. After creating an Instagram account, I came across another small business owner who makes clay jewelry. She was so kind in giving me advice on how to market on Instagram. She told me to share behind the scenes posts and reels of my shop, not giving away all the details, but enough to share with the audience. I appreciated that advice so much.

In other research about marketing on social media, and also by trial and error, I’ve found that coming up with an aesthetic I like, and a theme for my account has helped. I try not to talk about myself a lot, and instead, let my followers picture themselves there, and wearing the pieces.

The saying goes, “A picture tells a thousand words,” so taking good photos is important. You don’t have to be a professional or have professional equipment, but creating a good backdrop or telling a story in your photos is important. I’ve also learned that you don’t want to just post for the sake of marketing, but instead, share tidbits and hopefully make your account a little beautiful corner of joy that others want to visit.

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

Throughout the 2 years that my shop has been opened, my husband has continued to battle cancer. It has been nice to work for myself, because I’ve been able to pause on certain days when I need to for my husband.

Just last week we received some bad news about his health. The doctors have been amazing in trying to do everything they can. We’re not sure what the near future will be with his condition, but in working from home, it’s allowing me to spend as much time with my husband and cherish all the moments we have together now.

Contact Info:

• Website: fleursettemps.com
• Instagram: @fleursettemps

Image Credits
Fleurs Et Temps (I took all the photos)