We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Grilley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self taught studio florist, I don’t have any technical school training so I am super proud of that. I spent 18 seasons in the greenhouse industry so my floral knowledge was obtained thru this years of on the job training. I have always been creative but I didn’t know it was something I would actually do when I grew up. I initially went to college for criminal justice with the hope to become a lawyer one day. However the creative part of my brain was the winner and I began channeling that and have turned into owning my own floral business for almost 8 years now. I think being creative some of the most important skills is being able to adapt to all situations and think in the moment. Obstacles that have stood in my way gosh maybe trying to prove myself in the industry that I deserve a spot.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I own a small business in Minot,Nd called Pockets Full of Posies. The name comes from the ever so popular song I would sing as a child and I just thought in the moment it would fit for what I was trying to accomplish. I am a studio florist so in the world of tradition flowers shops I am a little different, I do special events such as weddings, baby showers, galas, & lots of custom orders. I am most proud of my style I try and create in an unconventional sense and take every order and try and make magic happen. It’s not just another bridal bouquet or floral vessel and I really strive to show that in my work. I also create with all florals: fresh, dried and preserved and faux so I also think that sets me apart with my style and craftsmanship. My brand gosh that’s such an easy yet hard question. My brand is fun, unconventional, eclectic and I love to create a with different textures so the overall look had so much depth and variation. i think I am also most proud of that I have instilled in my kids that you can dream ad be creative and how it turn into your profession so make magic & dream big because you just never know what the universe has I store for you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Just think how cool is it that I can say I am an artist or a creative. I know I am just a florist but getting to make one of a kind special creations truly blows my mind. I am a part of someone’s forever day, or a first prom… that’s just incredible I still on most days can’t believe this is my job. Also bringing beauty to the general public in a world that sometimes it can be hard to see the light somedays.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I know it probably sounds old school but word of mouth is huge for any creative I think. Knowing you did a good enough hob that someone is willing to speak highly of your business and recommend you to someone they know I think is just amazing, Also we live in the world of media and it can be overwhelming and frustrating for a lot of small business owners but also such a powerful tool to connect to a potential customer. I will always be grateful to my brides who I have worked with that will tell someone about me or mention that they should use me that’s probably my most favorite way of obtaining new clients,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.pocketsfullofposiesnd.com
• Instagram: Pocketsfullofposies_nodak
• Facebook: Pockets full of Posies NoDak
• Other: Tik tok – Pockets full of Posies Nodak