Meet Holly Strawn | Flower farmer

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

Hi Holly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first started thinking about selling flowers, instead of just growing them for myself, I thought a lot about how happy flowers make me feel. The past few years have been tough for a lot of people and I started thinking about spreading the joy of flowers throughout the community. I learned more about the negative aspects of the floral industry, the environmental impact of imported flowers, and the health concerns for florists and others that handle the flowers because of the amount of chemicals that they are sprayed with. I began learning about how local, seasonal flowers can counteract those things and bring beauty to the local community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Last year (2022) was my first year as a flower farmer. I learned that there is a huge difference in growing for yourself and growing for others. It was very challenging and very rewarding! I’m very excited going into this second season with more focus on the romantic, whimsical cut flowers that I love to grow, more bouquet and arrangement making workshops, and expanding sales to more local florists/designers and restaurants, as well as more spots in my bouquet subscriptions. My goal is to provide daily beauty, joy, and fun through flowers to the local community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many beautiful hiking spots in the area-Fires Creek, Panther Top. I love going to Hanging Dog Lake in the summer. Strolling downtown to the galleries and shops is really fun. Some favorite restaurants are the Crown Brasstown, Epic in Hayesville, and Sage in Andrews.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible group of lifelong friends, family, and community who have supported this entire process. My parents have been incredibly supportive, from helping clear space for new beds, helping with my kids, letting me raid their perennials when needed, and giving growing advice. My friends have listened to all my uncertainties and daydreams about years to come. The entire local community has been so supportive of local flowers- purchasing bouquets and arrangements, talking flowers, and becoming bouquet subscription holders. It’s been really exciting!

Website: www.harppflowerfarm.com

Instagram: @harppflowerfarm

Facebook: Harppflowerfarm