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

Hi Jhenelle, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Kingston, Jamaica. I grew up in a really volatile community of Waltham Park, Kingston 13.

My background & upbringing impacted me to always dream big and to always believe that whatever I put my mind to I can accomplish it. Even though I was raised in the “ghetto” I believed that my environment didn’t define who I am. I took all the hardships and difficulties and used it to create opportunities that will positively impact the trajectory of my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art. I am a floral designer. I make beautiful art with flowers!

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others- I am very passionate about what I do, and I believe that pours out into my work. I have a genuine heart and my number one priority is to exceed my clients’ expectations. I dig a lot deeper rather than just touching on the surface when it comes to design. I get to know my clients on a personal level, asking questions such as what flowers inspire them & why is it important to have this in their design. I ask questions about their dream wedding when they were little girls, even down to their dream dress. Getting this information from them aids me to incorporate it all when designing.

what you are most proud of or excited about. I am most proud of my growth and my desire to keep on growing. I am excited for all that’s in store for me in the future.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. I stayed consistent in prayer and trusting in God’s divine timing. I stayed course in the process, even in moments when I was very uncertain about my next steps. In addition to that, I kept believing in myself. Truly believing that God’s spirit that’s within me will always navigate me in the right directions.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? It was definitely not easy. My perspective has changed over the years when it comes on to difficult challenges. I find that challenges are a part of my growing process, and it helps me to build my spiritual and physical muscles, in order words, my tenacity and perseverance to keep going and my endurance not to give up.

The number one key to overcome challenges is to have fortified faith in God. He promises to never leave or forsake me when I face challenges, I just ask for my understanding to be enlightened in the difficult times and it gives me the opportunity to always give God the glory.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

I learnt that nothing happens overnight and that it’s okay to make mistakes because it’s in the mistakes made that produces the fruits growth & maturity. I also learnt that consistency is a key ingredient in success or let me say it is the key ingredient on the journey to success. Relying only on motivation will not get you far because motivation feeds off feelings. With consistency and discipline, these two surpass the emotion of motivation because even when I don’t feel like it, I still have to do it.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? I want the world to know that putting God first and never giving up on yourself it will get you far in life. My brand embodies faith, perseverance and the love & passion I have for people. To add a ray of sunshine in someone’s life through the art of designing flowers is a part of my purpose in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now we are talking! First, I would take my best friend to the heart of Time square. I would get us two tickets to get on one of those tour buses to drive around in New York City, having her soak in the beauty and the historic buildings in the city. Day 2- the Statue of Liberty, day 3- the 911 Museum, Day 4- The Empire State Building, Day 5- I’d take her bowling to school her on how to bowl & Day 6- I would book tickets for us to check out a live Broadway show, whatever that would be showing at the time.

Day 7- For a bite to eat it is a must we go to the most delicious sea food restaurant in Manhattan, Sup Crab!!!!!!!!!!! There we can get all the delicious food, drinks and just hang out. With all these exciting adventures I guarantee she will extend her stay to another week lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give all the credit to my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the one that ultimately gifted me with this amazing talent and orchestrated my steps to collide with the right people to help me get started. He truly helped me to believe in His word that I can truly do all things through Him that gives me the strength, the gift and the talent (emphasis added).

I would love to give a shout out to the initial person that groomed me into the love I have for designing flowers. Mrs. Maritza Walton owner of the Ritz Walton Weddings & Casa De Flora Bar. I was her assistant in her business for approximately 2 years. She challenged me, without no prior experience, she gave me the opportunity to free handily design floral arches, floral bouquets & to execute full design for her weddings. To be honest, I was terrified because I wasn’t sure, nor did I believe in myself 100% to create something beautiful. I really and truly thank God for allowing her to be a blessing in that stage of my life and for all the hard work and sacrifice she demonstrated firsthand and entrusting me to be a part of her amazing company.

I also want to give a big shout out to Mrs. Kesher Graham from The KG Exquisite Events & KG Exquisite Weddings for pushing me and also believing in me to start my own floral design business. I remember she would give me pep talks and encourage me that I can do it, her exact words were, ” if I can do it so can you.” I am truly blessed having in her in my life and in my corner always rooting for me and promoting me to everyone she knows that’s in need of floral designs.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenelleexperienceflorals?utm_source=qr&igsh=MTZlN3NjNjczOXVvMA==

Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/u8RM2WdB8rZg_HHiKxt3Tw

Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists/the-nelle-experience-floral-event-designs

Image Credits
Photographer For Wedding Images: Lucia Vaccaro Instagram: @shootsnyc

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