We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Aguiar and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Matthew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I just saw a need for it. I started about 3 years ago as of 2024. I started working in weddings part time and would witness all of these flowers getting trashed at the end of the night.
I’m talking like $6,000 – $15,000 worth of flowers. It was so sad, the worst was when the bouquet get trashed. Those can cost $2,000.00 depending on the floral varieties in the bouqet
I had just graduated college and remember one of my professors say, “Any business that’s been created was started due to a need, that had to be resolved.”
I then found this girl on Instagram one day, she pressed flowers, not for weddings or anything, but simply to sell her art.
Badaboom badaBING!!! Light bulb haha
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe my unique characteristic is authenticity. I am extremely flattered by each client of mine. The fact that the ideas in my head and my creative eye is something people believe in. Women, Men, and Non-Binaries I have never met and owe me nothings believe in my talents.
I’m not Ariana Grande of the flower preservation community by any means, but, I can say I have some fans and that mean everything!
I am most excited about the future. 2024 I have experienced my biggest month ever and all of my growth has been organic word of mouth’s I don’t pay for advertisements, I did at the beginning. But that fizzled out and it was a great decision for me.
It was easy! It may sound cliche but I believe in divine timing/intervention. The idea to do this came to me so naturally, I had a vision and an overall idea. I paid my dues: long nights, tired nights as it’s my 3rd job, etc but I have had the best experience trying this venture out in my life.
Lessons learned…oh gosh! How long do we have?! The most important lessons i would say is patience and continue to learn!! It doesn’t happen overnight, it happens when and how it’s supposed too. Just go for it, keep your head down and learn!
I get asked to do new designs, work with new flowers, all types of intimidating situations. But, it’s apart of the fun.
MemsbyMatt is a brand that I envision and believe stands for realism. So much of the stuff we see on social media are these unrealistic expectations of happiness. Even with this interview, my responses I feel like may paint this ideal picture. But I want people to know. That there’s nothing perfect. Everyday is a challenge. I’m not rich and thriving by any means doing preservations. However, I do feel content with the trajectory of my life this year. I work 3 jobs. Full time office manager to pay for my bills, and my other 2 are for additional
Income as well as a creative outlet, to keep my spirit elevated and sustained.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooo love this. I can plan but truthfully, I like to plan partially when it comes to dinner. I follow this lovely lady on Instagram. Her handle is ATLlovesMo! She shares the best places and puts serious effort into her work!
She’s given so many recommendations so just check her out on IG.
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?
I want to shout out so many. My support system has been unmatched!
My parents for allowing me to take over their new homes basement with all of equipment haha as love you both!!
Your Best Guest – owned by my talented friend, Hannah Guest. She’s been a top cheerleader since the beginning. Her business was my intro to the wedding industry. She does exceptional work for Florals, Decor Rentals as well as Event Coordination.
I want to thank my dear friend Emmye Wilson, Co founder for Blueberry Falls Farm in Mentone, Al. Her wedding allowed me to create my first piece and start to get inspired and see potential with this life path.
My friend Lizbeth, who is a successful Florist in the Atlanta area. She’s supported every design and shown so much love since we met in 2023. She’s owner and lead designer of DRL Florals.
Honorable mentions as well, Julia with JBlair Florals based in Athens, GA
As well as my friend August Culver, The tenuous and creative lead behind the Resin Preservation Company, August in Full Bloom!
Website: MemsbyMatt.com
Instagram: Mems_By_Matt
Image Credits
KimHynesPhotography photo via Your Best Guest brand shoot