Meet Sandy Whitaker | Botanical Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandy Whitaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, it just evolved on its own! I didn’t sit down with a business plan or anything like that. I was doing something I enjoyed, and one thing led to another. I’d run into a problem, and I’d figure out how to solve it. That part actually became something I liked—just learning as I went and making it work.

I never really said, “I’m going to start a business.” It just kept growing, and I kept showing up. Every time I didn’t know what to do next, I’d try something new and figure it out the best I could. It was exciting to watch it come together, even if I was figuring things out as I went.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about nature—you really can’t compete with its beauty. I work with real botanicals, and over time, through lots of trial and error, I’ve refined my process. A friend once said my work is like “painting with nature,” and I think that’s the best way to describe it.

Botanical pressing has been around for centuries, but it’s not something you see every day, and everyone who does it brings their own vision to it. When I arrange my pressings, I try to recreate the way plants grow and move in nature. It’s a very intuitive process for me.

Like any small business, there have been plenty of challenges, but I’ve always found a way forward—one step at a time. I’m proud of how something that started as a personal interest became a real, working business. It’s still growing, and it continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many beautiful places in North Georgia, but my favorite thing to do is a canoe trip down the Etowah River through the Dawson Forest. It’s a 9-mile run. My husband does all the paddling so I can just relax and take in the beauty and wildlife. It’s nature’s Valium—and we love it.

If a friend was visiting for the week, I’d definitely take them on that river. We’d also spend some time visiting local farms and antique shops—there are so many great little places if you know where to look. I’d probably take them to Gibbs Gardens too; it’s peaceful and just beautiful, no matter the season. In the evenings, we’d find a good porch to sit on and enjoy some Southern food. I’d just want to give them a slow, peaceful week—time in nature, good food, and space to breathe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My love of plants and gardening started many years ago. I grow a lot of the specimens I use, and I also gather them from the woods or even the side of the road. It all began as a personal project—I started pressing flowers because I wanted to create something beautiful for my own home. I gave some as gifts, and the encouragement I received from friends and family was what nudged me to keep going.

I started small, selling through consignment shops, and then did my first show at Chastain Park—which ended up being a rainy mess! But one of the biggest turning points was getting a booth at Scott Antique Market. I was there for eight years and built lasting relationships with so many people, especially interior designers. Many of them still work with me today, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support over the years.

Website: https://botanicalsbysandy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/botanicalsbysandy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/botanicalsbysandyprints/