The Gilded Garden story
Stay-at-home mom to woodworker to florist
After over a decade of the multi-faceted job of being a stay-at-home mom—and with a boy nearly grown— I tried my hand at construction and then woodworking. I learned so much about creating and the need for fluency and flexibility as a builder—there are often multiple good approaches to achieve a desired end! I was the only woman on my team at these jobs, and I started helping a talented Chattanooga florist, Stephanie Lang, on the side as a creative outlet where I could spend time with other women. I discovered that I loved floral design and had a knack for it. After a couple of years assisting Stephanie, I reached out to a few other florists I admired and began freelancing for them as well. Working for multiple florists with a variety of business models (home studio vs retail shop) gave me a broad spectrum of design approaches in my floral tool belt, and when I decided to start my own floral business in 2024, I knew that I wanted to work out of a home studio! I’m wrapping up my second year in business now, and I continue to learn and grow and admire the many talented women who are my colleagues in the Chattanooga floral community.
An origin story
My Gran was a Boss. She worked her way up to become a manager in the 60s, when women were typically not in management roles. She had pluck, and she was a leader. She dressed and accessorized like a boss, taking pride in her role. Meanwhile my PaPa passed up promotion opportunities because he wanted to do his work and then get home—to sit in his chair, to watch a Braves game, to tend to his roses. My Mom still claims that my PaPa could kick dirt over a rose cutting, and that it would grow. I don’t know about that, but he did have a way with roses and in the garden. I see myself in both of them— ambitious, creative, innovative… peaceful, content, drawn to the earth.
I decided to call this creative venture The Gilded Garden, to draw from the strength and soul of these loved ones who inspire me. Because of my PaPa’s roses. And because of my Gran’s jewelry that I now wear—etched and gilded with blooms.