We were lucky to catch up with Payton King recently and have shared our conversation below.
Payton, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken – and one that is still unfolding – involves a bold decision we’ve made at our floral business. As you know, the wedding and event industry is fast-paced, with many seasonal pressures. While summer can be a slower period for us, June, in particular, is often our “quiet” month, at least here in Texas, because it’s too hot. So, it feels like the right time for a leap! My team and I have decided to take almost an entire month off this June to travel to Italy and Switzerland for both a floral design class and an experience of a lifetime. The goal was not just to travel but to immerse ourselves in new experiences, gain inspiration, and, most importantly, take a floral design class in Italy. We will learn from some of the best in the world, and my entire team is coming along for the journey.
Now, I’ll admit, it’s a big decision. It’s a major financial commitment, not just for the cost of the trip but also for the time away from the business, the clients, and the ongoing work that we usually take on in the off-season. So it’s a risk on a few different levels: professionally, financially, and personally. We are essentially stepping away for a full month in the middle of the year when we would normally build our portfolio for the busy season ahead. At first, the decision to leave for a whole month felt incredibly risky. The idea of stepping away from our business for that long was daunting. As a small business, we’re used to being hands-on every day, and it’s hard to let go of that control. We rely on our team and our processes to ensure that things run smoothly – but this was going to be a whole different level of letting go.
But we’re doing this because we’ve come to believe that investing in ourselves and our craft is the most sustainable way forward in this industry. The floral world constantly evolves, and staying competitive means expanding our skills and embracing new techniques. By taking this month-long trip to immerse ourselves in the culture, the flowers, and the expertise of renowned designers in Italy, we hope to bring back new insights and creative ideas that will shape the future of our business and set us apart from the competition.
While it’s risky to step away from our usual routine and put ourselves in a position where we’re “off the grid” for a month, the rewards are invaluable. We’re not just going to be learning floral design techniques – we’re going to be surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and florals. The entire experience will allow us to broaden our vision and infuse new energy into our work when we return. I believe this trip will also help strengthen the bond within our team as we work together to refine our skills in such an inspiring setting.
Ultimately, this trip is about growth – for myself, my team, and our business. It’s definitely one of the most challenging risks we’ve taken at the Florist. So, while we’re nervous, we’re also incredibly excited. We’re confident that the skills and inspiration we bring back will help us serve our clients even better, and we can’t wait to share everything we’ve learned with our community and clients when we return.
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’ve been in the floral industry for 11 years, working with my in-laws in a family-owned florist business. My journey into this field was a bit serendipitous—I originally entered the floral world when I met my boyfriend (now husband) a decade ago. His family needed front desk help at their shop, and that’s how I found myself immersed in the floral world. What started as a small job helping with the phones and customer orders quickly became a full-fledged passion. Over the years, I’ve evolved from a front desk assistant into taking on much larger roles, and now I’m deeply involved in all aspects of the business.
I currently help manage day-to-day operations and run all the weddings and events as the Florist Wedding Specialist and Assistant Manager. We’re a full-service florist, offering everything from weddings and sympathy arrangements to birthdays, anniversaries, and custom designs for any occasion. Whether it’s a simple bouquet or an elaborate event, our team is committed to making each arrangement and event reflect our clients’ dreams and emotions.
What sets us apart is the personal, hands-on approach we offer our clients. As a family-owned business, we treat every customer like family, which we believe resonates with our clients. We know that flowers aren’t just products—they’re an expression of love, gratitude, celebration, and remembrance. It’s our goal to make each arrangement as meaningful and unique as the person receiving it. We’re not just about flowers; we’re about creating experiences that people will remember forever.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve built our reputation in the wedding and event space. Weddings, in particular, are such a big deal, and I feel incredibly honored to be part of so many couples’ special days. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, it’s a privilege to bring their floral visions to life and help make their day as beautiful as possible.
As for what sets us apart, I think it’s the depth of personal involvement we bring to every project. We don’t just sell flowers; we’re deeply invested in the success of every event we work on. We take the time to listen to our clients, understand their needs, and work tirelessly to ensure that everything—from the flowers to the final details—is exactly as they envisioned.
We also believe in constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity. That’s actually one of the reasons we’re taking such a big risk this year—my team and I are heading to Italy and Switzerland this June to take a floral design class. We see it as an opportunity to learn new techniques and expand our creative toolkit. Although June is a slow month for us, we’re incredibly excited to take this time to grow and bring back new inspiration and skills that will allow us to serve our clients better and elevate our designs. It’s one of the biggest risks we’ve ever taken but also one of the most exciting opportunities to improve ourselves and our craft.
I want our clients and followers to know that we are a team that cares deeply about our work. We don’t just deliver flowers but experiences, emotions, and memories. We take pride in what we create, and we’re committed to making sure each and every client feels like they’re our top priority. Our work is not just about flowers—it’s about bringing joy, love, and beauty to the world around us.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a clear goal driving my creative journey, and it centers around continuous growth and deepening our impact on our clients’ lives. As a floral designer, my mission is to create beautiful and meaningful floral designs and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in everything we do.
My goal is to evolve constantly, learning new techniques and trends that allow us to offer our clients something unique—whether through innovative wedding designs, personalized arrangements, or offering an exceptional, one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression. We’re always striving to blend timeless elegance with modern artistry, creating fresh and memorable arrangements.
A big part of this journey is also about connecting emotionally with our clients. I want every flower arrangement to tell a story—whether it’s celebrating a new chapter in someone’s life, commemorating a loved one, or adding beauty to an important occasion. We aim to make every design feel personal and thoughtful. The relationships we build and the trust our clients place in us are just as important as the flowers themselves.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative in the floral industry is the ability to bring joy and emotional connection to others through something as simple yet profound as flowers. There’s an incredible sense of fulfillment when you see your work’s direct impact on someone’s experience or emotion. Whether it’s a bride seeing her floral vision come to life on her wedding day or a family receiving a sympathy arrangement that provides comfort during a difficult time, knowing that your creations are part of someone’s most important moments is what makes this work truly meaningful.
Beyond the immediate reactions, there’s also a long-term reward in knowing that we’re building a reputation for quality and care. The trust our clients place in us and the relationships we build over time are incredibly rewarding. Many of our clients return for multiple occasions, whether for weddings, birthdays, or even to brighten their homes, and that’s a testament to the meaningful work we’re doing.
So, in short, the most rewarding part of being a floral artist is knowing that my work touches people in a deeply personal way and that I have the privilege of creating something that can make their lives more beautiful, meaningful, and memorable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lakeworthfloristtx.com/
- Instagram: lakeworthflorist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeworthfloristtx/
- Other: Pinterest: LakeWorthFloristTX
Image Credits
Hidden Gardens Venue
Em T Wynns Photography