READING TIME: 2 min 51 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/2024
UPDATED: 12/27/2024
“I stumbled into the floral industry by what feels like a little bit of chance and a whole lot of fate over ten years ago,” shares the founder of The Wild Pansy Deanna Balmer. Despite holding a University science degree, she found herself at a crossroads in her early 20s. An unexpected opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional opened the door to a vibrant world she never imagined.
“With a keen eye, love for unique and playful color stories, and a mild obsession with flowers, I’ve been lucky enough to start my own floral business in 2021,” she reflects. From those early days of uncertainty, The Wild Pansy has blossomed into a thriving floral design studio, known for its artistry and creativity.
For The Wild Pansy, floristry is about more than just flowers. “One of the most rewarding parts of being a wedding florist is the impact you can have on a couple’s most special day of their lives so far,” Deanna Balmer explains. Flowers have a unique power to transform spaces and create unforgettable moments. Beyond the wedding day, the relationships built with couples often extend into the future.
“We are also a retail shop, so we see past grooms buying anniversary flowers year after year, friends sending them congratulatory baby flowers, and so on.” These enduring connections are a testament to the emotional significance of her work.
When asked about a standout memory, she recounts a dramatic incident: “One of my most memorable wedding experiences as a floral designer takes place moments before all of the guests enter the ceremony space just as a huge storm rolls in alongside a huge gust of wind.” As the bride’s father stood near towering floral arrangements, a gust threatened to topple one over.
“I ran and leaped between the arrangement and the bride’s father to catch the flowers to not only save them but also keep the bride’s father safe from the impact (and a whole lot of water)!” she recalls. It’s moments like these that showcase her commitment to excellence, even under pressure.
While The Wild Pansy is drawn to a natural, garden-inspired aesthetic, she loves to incorporate unconventional touches. “There is something alluring about adding in fresh produce, a curvy garlic scape, or an edgy color palette to push the boundaries of what people think wedding flowers are,” she notes. These unexpected elements breathe new life into traditional floral design, offering clients something truly unique.
The floral world is ever-changing, and The Wild Pansy embraces its dynamic nature. “The incorporation of fresh produce has been circulating a lot recently, which I love,” Deanna Balmer observes. Another trend she’s excited about is the juxtaposition of grand installations with minimalistic table arrangements. This contrast creates a sense of balance while keeping the overall look fresh and modern.
For couples unsure of their floral direction, her advice is simple: “Do your research to find a florist whose style you LOVE.” Trusting a florist’s creative vision can make all the difference. “A florist that feels their couples really trust them and allows for some creative freedom will ultimately give you the BEST flowers and will go above for you.”
Certain flowers hold a special place in her heart. “My favorite flowers to use are sweetpeas, fama scabiosa, annual phlox, and I would absolutely love to find a couple that loves lady slipper orchids!” Deanna Balmer shares. These delicate and whimsical blooms reflect her signature style and passion for creating something extraordinary.
Looking back on her journey, she offers this advice to aspiring florists: “Your early designs won’t be amazing, experiencing growing pains is a good thing, and rejection is a part of the business.” It took seven years of learning, experimenting, and refining her craft before launching The Wild Pansy.
“I took 7 years of working for others and taking workshops to find my style, understand how to operate a business, make a profit, and manage client expectations in order to feel confident in opening my own business.” Her story is a powerful reminder of the dedication it takes to turn a passion into a thriving career.
