Embracing the Early Years of Business
INTERVIEW WITH KATELYN | OWNER OF FIELD AND HAND FLORAL DESIGN.
For those of you that have your own business, you know how challenging the first few years can be. Between being overwhelmed by all of the information on the internet telling you that you are already behind, to learning how to remove your own self-worth from rejection, to finding that ever-elusive idea of “balance” - it’s a rollercoaster ride, to say the least.
So, I was excited when Katelyn agreed to let me ask her a few questions about her experience in those first few years of her own business Field and Hand Floral Design.
I had the pleasure of working with Katelyn about 6 months ago on her logo development and right away, I could tell she had a calm and caring demeanor about her. Even though she has only been in business a few years, she offers some sage advice about finding your strengths, the idea of starting before you are ready, and how to have fun while learning something new.
She even offered a special (delicious) treat for us at the end, Enjoy!
(CAIT | FORE FOLK) WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START?
(Katelyn | Field & Hand) - I officially launched my business in the fall of 2019. I had been working as a freelance florist for about a year and a half, and started to feel like I had a good understanding of what it would take to run a floristry business on my own. I certainly wouldn’t say that I felt “ready”, but I knew that I wanted to have my own business at some point and was feeling inspired by the “begin before you’re ready” sentiment.
A FEW MONTHS AGO, YOU WENT THROUGH THE LOGO DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS THE RIGHT TIME TO WORK WITH A DESIGNER?
I had never done any sort of intentional marketing, but mostly received inquiries from word-of-mouth referrals, or individuals stumbling upon my Instagram, website, etc. I currently have a full-time job in addition to my business, but the plan is to go full-time with Field and Hand in the future. I knew I wanted to be prepared for that time with a more professional and cohesive presence and knew that a new logo and branding was going to be a big part of that.
HOW HAVE YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE THE PROCESS?
I have not yet presented my new branding publicly (waiting for my new website launch), but even after the process concluded, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to think about and hone in on my ideal client, which is something that influenced the branding process heavily. Again, even without the new branding being public yet, I can tell by the business I am attracting that being aware of who my ideal client is - really makes a difference.
“Even without the new branding being public yet, I can tell by the business I am attracting that being aware of who my ideal client is - really makes a difference.”
BEING YOUR OWN BOSS ISN’T EASY. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT TAKING THE LEAP?
I would say that it’s important to be aware of all of the hats you will wear. While you don’t need to be an expert at every job (client meetings, finances, administrative responsibilities, creating, etc), take the time to figure out your strengths, and where you could ask for assistance in some way. Throughout this process, don’t be afraid to take things slowly to ensure the foundation of your business is solid, do not compare your starting point to someone else’s 5 year mark, and give yourself a ton of grace as you figure it all out!
A FUN PROJECT YOU STARTED INVOLVES BEAUTIFUL FLORAL COCKTAILS. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT PROJECT AND WHAT INSPIRED THE IDEA?
I have always appreciated unique cocktails and have started seeing them as a creative expression or art form. My husband actually gave me the idea initially as a fun way to diversify my business and aesthetic, and it’s been a way for me to learn something new as I go. I’ve decided that it’s going to be something that I do just for myself, for as long as I enjoy it, and if it opens up new opportunities, that’s just a nice bonus.
HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR EACH NEW RECIPE?
I have a few different cocktail books that I like to compare to each other when figuring out base recipes, but I really love getting inspiration from seasonal flavors and figuring out how to incorporate floral components to familiar cocktails. We’ll see how that goes throughout the colder months, but like I said, it’s all just a fun way for me to learn something new and stretch a completely different creative muscle.
ANY CHANCE YOU COULD SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE WITH US?
Absolutely! I recently developed an Apple and Elderflower gin cocktail that is just perfect for Fall, as well as a Crème de Violette Whiskey Sour for all the upcoming spooky festivities;
Makes 1 cocktail
What you’ll need:
Juice of half a lime
1 oz Elderflower liqueur
3 oz. fresh apple cider
1.5 oz gin
1 Tbsp eggwhite
Recipe:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and dry shake (no ice) for 30 seconds
Add ice cubes and shake for an additional 10 seconds
Pour over crushed ice
Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon
Makes 1 cocktail
What you’ll need:
2 oz Whiskey
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz Crème de Violette
Recipe:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously
Strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with lemon peel
WHAT IS CURRENTLY INSPIRING YOU NOW?
Now that I’ve learned a bit more what my unique style is, I’m so inspired by thinking about how I can grow. I love creating an arrangement that I’m really proud of, while also acknowledging that I will always be learning. I always love when clients come with new ideas that I haven’t thought about before, and it makes me so excited to have a craft that is constantly shifting with trends, but also makes so much space for individuality and expression. I’ve been really loving unexpected color palettes and textures as well.
Huge thanks to Katelyn for sharing her experience with us and how she stays inspired. Feel free to follow Katelyn’s journey on Instagram @fieldandhand.
All the Best,
A fresh approach for small business