Meet Natalie Haney | Floral Designer & Floral Business Owner

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

Hi Natalie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea of starting my own flower business started once I got my certification for Floral Design. I had been in the Horticulture program for over a year learning how to grow flowers and other plants, but it wasn’t until I learned the design process, all of the different kinds of flowers, and how to bring an event together that I realized that it was my passion and I wanted to start something of my own. I knew that there were so many other amazing floral companies in Atlanta, but I realized that it was actually a big community of business owners that were extremely supportive of others and I was excited to become a part of that. I knew I wanted to bring my own personal style so sticking to my Horticultural roots, I wanted to make sure that I always tried to use local flowers that were in season. My style is usually a wild, organic look so I wanted to keep a wild look with a modern touch.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think when you’re starting from the beginning of floral design, you’re taught the basics of different flowers, different types of arrangements, etc. It’s not until you get your feet of the ground and work with other companies, that you start figuring out what your own style is. I was fortunate enough to work with so many amazing floral companies that had access to amazing flowers of all kinds, and that really opened me up to wanting my own brand to have everything. There’s so many amazing types of Roses, but I realized that I was drawn to the other flowers. I really love a modern wildflower look, incorporating flowers that are wild and tropical, and several different types of greenery. However being in this industry, it’s not necessarily what we want, there will be plenty of clients that will want something that isn’t ‘your style’ but I still really enjoy making something that’s not what I’m used to to take me out of my comfort zone a bit. It’s always humbling to know that no matter if it’s your style or not, it always turns out beautifully because that’s just what nature does. It definitely takes time to build your name and get noticed but just like anything, with consistency and hard work it will eventually pay off. I used to constantly reach out to venues to try to get my name out there and it sometimes takes the right time for things to come together. I am blessed to have mentors that were already established to help teach me how to run a business and they helped get me a lot of my first opportunities and I’m forever grateful for that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say at some point we would definitely go to Ponce City, I love walking around inside and people watching. There’s plenty of great food options but I love the food at Botiwalla! And the rooftop is so fun, I love putt putt and the fact that you have an amazing view just makes it better. The whole rooftop is a carnival theme so it’s always a good time, in the Winter, they have heated igloos to rent with hot cocktails that’s really fun too. The museum district in Atlanta is amazing too, the High Museum always has amazing artists on display, the Atlanta History Center is a must just to see the history of Atlanta, and the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Park is a must when in Atlanta, you can go tour his birth home and his family church.
Not to mention just getting dressed up nice and just walking the streets, and engulfing yourself in Atlanta culture and art is an experience in itself.

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 would say my two biggest supporters during my floral design process is definitely my teacher, Ms. Cherie Mason, and my amazing fiance, Marcus. Ms. Mason is my instructor that opened me up to the world of floral design back when I didn’t know anything about it and no more than 5 different types of flowers. She’s taught myself and so many other students how to love floral design and the business aspects behind it as well and without her and her program, I wouldn’t have been introduced to the most life changing career! My fiance has been by my side for several years and he’s the one who encouraged me to go to school and figure out something that I was passionate about. He’s always pushed me to be better and always keep growing. Not to mention, he’s always been by my side from the beginning when I didn’t have that many employees and always came through to help setup and keep me calm during hecting situations.

Website: agapefloralcreations.com

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

Other: agapefloralcreationsllc@gmail.com

Image Credits
Sarah Joy Photos SD Photographs Blaccvelvettmedia Eve Yarbrough Photo