02/04/2026
Story time…
Back in 2013, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with my second degree in Studio Arts. I wanted to pursue a career that fostered my creativity, but decided to use my history degree to teach high school history for 8 years. I loved my students and I loved teaching, but didn’t want to continue in a career where I was valued very little, not treated like a professional, not supported, and not respected by those in power above me. I couldn’t change the failing system, so I left to redeem my sanity back. After leaving teaching, I had no real idea what I wanted to do, but knew I’d love to utilize my creative side and my Art degree in some way. With no floral training and zero sales skills, I started a side business making arrangements after getting many compliments on the bouquets I made with grocery store flowers. I did some research on flower wholesalers and registered my LLC. My family comes from the country and growing up I heard the saying “what in tarnation” quite often. I thrive on humor, so I decided to use “What in Carnation” as my business name. I like the return to my roots with the name and love it for its praise of Carnations. They’re one of the most beautiful and most under-appreciated flowers in the industry. Since starting my business in July 2022, I’ve been designing unique arrangements every week. None of the designs have ever been repeated. Each week, a fresh design is curated by me while standing in a cold cooler just long enough to craft something up. I’ve come a long way since 2022 when I look back at those first arrangements I made. I’m still learning and still growing. I attempted my first floral foam creation last week and I was pretty impressed with my final product. Thanks to .allie.bo.ballie for giving me some pointers before I went in head first. Also, thanks to YOU for reading this book. 🤓💐💐💚
