Year one, in reflection

I’m a self-taught florist who decided to combine two passions in a way I hadn’t really seen done before.

The Reality Check, the Lessons, and What Comes Next

I don’t think I ever shared the story of how Fiction & Florals came to be publicly. Last year, my mentor and close friend Cieja and I attended a seminar at Soho House. The focus was simple: change your inner beliefs, and your actions will follow.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical. “You see it when you believe it” sounds good, but it also feels a lot easier said than done. Still, I went home that night and decided to apply what the instructor shared. That’s when I created the Fiction & Florals Instagram page. I didn’t have a clear vision of what it would become yet, but I knew it would live at the intersection of books and flowers.

As this brand approaches its first year, I realize how often we rush to celebrate the wins, especially in year one. This time, I wanted to pause and honor the lessons. The moments that shaped me, stretched me, and grounded the work.

Here’s to one year of a beautiful, wild, and meaningful ride.

Section 1: The Reality Check

What did I think this year would look like vs. what it actually became?
Honestly, I had no idea what this year was going to look like. If I’m being completely honest, I thought I was going to become a social media manager for different brands. I even had clients lined up. I took a few initial calls and immediately realized this was not what I wanted to do.

Combining my two loves, flowers and books, was a mindless decision that ended up having a massive impact. I created my own version of what a soft life looks like within my own storm and confusion. I still can’t believe I built a lane out of something so peaceful and grounding. And yes, I still buy myself flowers. I still read books for my own pleasure. That part never left.

What was harder than I expected?
Showing up consistently on social media and running the book club side of the business. Also having so many ideas and knowing what to actually focus on.

I suffer from idea vomit. Creative ideas come to me easily and often. I’m also an air sign, a Gemini, which means I have many skills and many interests. The hardest part has been telling myself not right now. Focus on this. Own this. Master this. Stay committed to this. It’s not that I can’t execute everything. It’s that being strategic and intentional actually matters.

What almost made me quit?
Getting seven stitches in my leg. Literally stabbing myself with my own shears.

It was horrifying, extremely painful, and genuinely scary. I learned two of the most important lessons in the goriest way possible. Getting physically hurt, especially in my leg, really shook me. And honestly, it made being on my feet for 16 hours, running on four hours of sleep at an activation, sound real cute again. That moment forced me to slow down and respect what my body was telling me.

The hardest part has been telling myself not right now. Focus on this. Own this. Master this.

Section 2: Lessons I Had to Learn the Hard Way

What mistake taught me the most?
After receiving those seven stitches, I learned the obvious lesson first: never put your shears in your apron without closing them.

But the deeper lesson was about boundaries and discernment. The event I was working when I got hurt was one I should have never taken in the first place. The budget was extremely low and not worth it. I learned that I only want to be part of projects where I can control the quality of my work and be properly compensated for it. Going against my better judgment and getting hurt in the process taught me a lesson I won’t forget. That will not happen again.

What did I underestimate about running a creative business?
How doable it actually is when you have a solid structure in place. I truly believe my background in operational and assistant roles prepared me for this. It’s not easy, but it is very possible.

What did I have to let go of to keep going?
My idea of perfection. I’ve worked within big machines with large budgets and access to high production value. This year required a lot of DIY, and I had to stop telling myself my work was “tacky” just because it wasn’t resourced the way I was used to. This is another DIY year for me, and instead of fighting it, I’m leaning into it.

Section 3: Trust, Fear, and Self-Belief

When did I doubt myself the most?
At the very beginning. I’m a self-taught florist who decided to combine two passions in a way I hadn’t really seen done before. That is scary. That is a mountain to climb.

What fear did I move through anyway?
The fear of losing interest. I’m someone who can lose interest quickly. I struggle with new-toy syndrome. But I committed anyway, even on the unsexy days filled with backend work and reconciling charges.

And honestly, if not me, then who? God put this vision on my heart. He gave me this gift, and it would have been a disservice to myself and to God not to honor it.

When did I choose my instincts over outside noise?
In February, just one month after launching, when I booked my first hotel partnership. That moment felt huge and affirmed that I was on the right path.

Section 4: Community and Gratitude

Who helped me keep going when motivation was low?
My loved ones, without question. Especially my girlfriend, who reminded me I was built for this, met me at the hospital when I got my stitches, and took care of me alongside my sister. That kind of support is everything.

What surprised me about how people showed up?
People genuinely cared and supported me financially. They bought flowers, emotional tote bags, workshop tickets, and referred me to clients. As soon as I said I was a florist, my community showed up. I thought I would have to fight for every opportunity to make money, but my people made sure I could pay my bills. I will always be grateful for that, and it’s why I remain committed to showing up fully.

What kind of support mattered most?
The support from my cousins, my sister, and my girlfriend. They arranged flowers with me, helped with events, and even did a wedding with me. I became a florist, and they became one right alongside me. When I hit my first million-dollar year, I’m making it rain on them. They will still have to dance for it though. I need to feel like the man while I’m spending it.

Section 5: Looking Ahead

What does intentional growth mean to me now?
Intentional growth looks like prioritizing impact over speed. Instead of moving quickly just to make money, I want to focus on meaningful partnerships and building community through books. I want real people I can gossip about books with all day. I’m tired of scrolling TikTok, leaving comments, and hoping for the same excitement in return.

What am I protecting more fiercely in year two?
My body, first and foremost. No more freak accidents from ignoring my inner voice. I’m also protecting my rest. Burnout is not cute, and I am not a nice person when I’m tired. Rest and recovery are non-negotiable.

What am I most proud of, even if it looks small?
Gaining 400 followers in my first year. It might seem small to some people, but 400 individuals found my brand interesting enough to follow and stick around. That feels incredibly special to me.

As soon as I said I was a florist, my community showed up.