Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ferguson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story goes all the way back to when I was 15. I got my very first job at a local flower shop. I knew nothing about flowers. I started doing the not so fun stuff, like cleaning buckets, cleaning the cooler and just assisting. Eventually, I learned every flower I saw, how to make arrangements and even how to run the shop. Years went by, I traded the flower shop for the restaurant industry. One day I served a family that owned their own wedding floral business and they asked me to freelance for them. It sparked something. Then, I did 2 of my siblings weddings and something clicked. “I could do this on my own.” So I started promoting myself and booked a couple weddings. For the first two years of my business I still bartended. As my business started to grow, I needed a space larger than the spare room of my house. I was very lucky to find my little studio space in Downtown Jax. I got in at a great time, it was a blank space I got to create my own little studio space in. Now I have been in business for 4 years, a full time wedding florist and loving it!
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?
Yes and no. I say yes because I feel very fortunate to have built my business enough to be able to fully support myself and have the freedom of working for myself. I am able to create that work/life balance we all dream of! I say no because, with anything there are going to be hiccups/ learning curves. Working for yourself can be tough. You have to wear ALL the hats, bookkeeper, scheduler, place the orders, have all the meetings, create and lead a team. There were also learning curves how correctly ordering product so you do not waste or over spend.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in wedding florals! I am best known for my colorful, whimsical and bold styled designs. I am most proud of the name and community I have built for myself. My attention to detail and care for my craft sets me apart from others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I wanted to be a business woman! Shocker. I was always trying to find ways I could make money and trying to promote whatever business I made up at the time. My parents always tell the story of when I was about 5 or 6 and went knocking door to door of our neighborhood to make sure everyone knew about our garage sale we had planned. I was clearly not very shy as a child and a silly little girl. I think she would be proud!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jleaflorals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.lea.florals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556948834773
