Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Gaffney.
Hi Emily , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always enjoyed DIY projects and had many hobbies. I inherited my creative side from my dad, and I always knew I wanted to succeed in a career that allowed me to share my creativity with others. However, I struggled to identify what that career could be. I opened an Etsy shop in 2019 and experimented with various projects that didn’t quite resonate with me.
In 2020, after losing my grandmother, my sister suggested that we press some of her memorial flowers and incorporate them into pieces for my wedding. I had no idea there was an entire world of professional floral preservation. Thanks to social media, I learned more about the art of pressing flowers and established Mayflower Artistry in the winter of 2022. Since then, I have created hundreds of pressed flower pieces for clients all across the nation and have taken my flower preservation business to etsy and beyond.
Local to St. Augustine, Florida the opportunities are endless and I couldn’t be happier to be where I am today in my business but also my passion to create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it were a smooth road, there would be no fun stories to tell at parties!
Navigating the preservation process, clientele, networking, website designs (and redesigns) and all of the in between’s. Each and every bump in the road has brought me to where I am today. Some of my most major struggles have been just the humbling feeling of self doubt… the fact that total strangers choose *my* small business to handle such sentimental blooms is truly an honor and joy. It’s a total pinch me moment each and every day!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Flower preservation is the art of giving life to sentimental flowers that would once wither away. I specialize in pressed flowers taken from weddings, memorials, baby showers, and all of life’s monumental events. I display my flowers in frames, jewelry boxes, ornaments, necklaces, and more. I am also very passionate about the community of artists who preserve meaningful flowers and have enjoyed connecting with so many of them in my personal life. It is still an art form not commonly known and talking about it brings me so much joy. I think uplifting one another and sharing tips and tricks along the way goes so far. Connection is very important to me and I love chatting with fellow artists/ helping in any way that I can.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I always had an amazing support system growing up. I was surrounded by a loving family who encouraged me to follow my dreams and still to this day. Starting my business was risky as it isn’t always a guarantee that it will work out. But your cheerleaders play a huge part in your story and I don’t know where I would be without mine.
Pricing:
- 8×10 $195
- 11×14 $310
- 16×20 $460
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayflowerartistry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayflowerartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mayflower-Artistry-bouquet-preservation-61556545868717/
