I’d like to introduce to you our next amazing female entrepreneur, Krista with Not Just in Novels Floral Design!
She’s a fabulous floral designer specializing in natural, organic garden style designs that are always so unique and fun. She has now added pottery making to her list of many talents and I’m obsessed with the pieces she creates. I’ve even used one in my latest spring collection.
To learn more about Krista’s business, read all about it below. Plus, check out the picture at the end of this post, featuring her handmade ceramics that I’m absolutely in love with! I’ve also provided a link to her website (beneath the photo) so that you can get yourself one of Krista’s ceramic pieces.
Briefly introduce yourself and your business
I’m Krista Menezes and I’m the florist behind Not Just in Novels Floral Design based in Huntington Beach, CA. I also recently expanded my business to include ceramics for purchase and for rental to my clients.
How were you introduced to Inessa Nichols Design?
I met Inessa while we were both freelancing a few years ago in the beginning stages of my floral business.
How did you start your business?
I started my floral business while working a 9 to 5 job in the fashion industry. My fashion career was a lot less creative than I had expected (lots of data entry, staring at a computer screen in a cubicle, and corporate culture) I looked to flowers as my creative outlet and to just be around something that was beautiful that connected me with nature. I started making ceramics 2 years ago to create unique vessels for my clients to rent exclusively from me. I loved it so much and with a LOT of extra time due to Covid, I decided to make lots of other things and sell them in a web shop now!
What drives your business, why do you love what you do?
There are so many reasons why I love what I do. Working with flowers allows me to create beauty with my own two hands, to have a good hard day’s work and see the rewards of that labor. I get to decide what projects I take on and who I work with. My business allows me to work in lots of new and interesting places and meet a lot of talented and wonderful people. It also allows me to have more personal time, time with my husband and daughter and time for my other hobbies like gardening and pottery. Being an event florist can be stressful at times, but nothing compared to that corporate life I used to have.
What is your women empowerment message to fellow and aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Trust your instincts, your gut, what you think is right. Respect the people that do work for you and pay them fairly. Don’t be afraid to say no to people and projects that don’t benefit you and your business, and don’t be scared to say yes to opportunities that might seem too big or hard, you can do more than you think.
Visit Krista’s website to see more and shop one of these beauties: www.notjustinnovels.com