We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberley Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Over the years I’ve held several high-pressure roles, some under challenging circumstances. When reflecting on my career to date, I convinced myself that if I have the grit, determination, and resilience to operate at this level for someone else, why can’t I do this for myself and combine it with something I’ve always been passionate about?

I’ve learned a lot along the way about how not to treat people – both employees and customers. And how treating them right holds the key to success through great service that generates loyalty, which is key in the highly competitive world we’re living in right now.

Once I knew I was ready to start my own business, choosing what to do was pretty easy. Of course, you need to make a thorough business plan, but the key to success is first being as unique and authentic as you can and second, ensuring there’s a market.

I’ve always been creative but struggled to build this into my career. So that was a must. I also wanted to help the planet by offering something sustainable, which of course is rapidly rising the consumer agenda so pretty important for any business. Plus it had to be a passion.

Unique. Sustainable. Creative. Passion. For me, that’s dried flowers. There’s just something so magical about making something so beautiful yet ephemeral last forever.

Fresh flowers will always hold a special place in my heart, and they continue to be the most popular choice for weddings in particular, which is why I like to offer my customers both the traditional fresh option as well as the dried, sustainable option and putting a twist on the traditional florist.

What many people don’t consider is that having dried flowers at your wedding means you can keep them forever, like a time capsule preserving such a special moment. By providing these insights, events requesting a mix of dried and fresh along with all-dried events are increasing in popularity.

What should our readers know about your business?
Growing up, I never really considered a life as a business owner, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth and told my life expectancy was limited and that I could be in and out of hospital with health issues. Throughout my life, I was used to being told “You can’t do that”, with my health at the forefront of these concerns, but I refused to let my condition hold me back and this was where Wylde Flower Workshop was born.

Wylde Flower Workshop is my real passion project. (Wylde is pronounced “wild” spelled as a nod to my British heritage). I moved from the UK to the US almost 5 years ago and I’m hugely grateful for the life experience thrown my way.

Aside from the usual challenges of starting a business such as financial instability and learning how to stand out in a saturated market, there were of course a ton of other risks. There was a huge risk in leaving my job amid a pandemic. It was a risk for our family to rely on my husband to be the sole breadwinner. Starting a business was a risk to my health. Ultimately life is one great risk! Why not try and do something we love whilst we’re figuring it out?

At Wylde Flower Workshop, we offer a selection of fresh and dried floral arrangements and large-scale installations for weddings and events. I love that my job means I have the opportunity to travel the country flowering; working closely with my couples to create something truly unique that celebrates their relationship and sets their ceremony and celebration apart.

Alongside weddings and events, I also host in-person workshops where participants can learn the art of floral arranging. Because it’s such a shift from the norm, while being both calming and creative, participants find it therapeutic and fun. The classes attract people from all backgrounds and genders, and they get to create something truly beautiful to enjoy again and again.

My dream for Wylde Flower Workshop is to open a concept store that offers collaborative workshops in an all-inclusive environment. The core values of my business are to create beautiful, ethically made florals that are accessible and sustainable, without harming the environment. My commitment to sustainability is something that sets Wylde Flower Workshop apart, particularly in the floral industry. I aim to educate others on the benefits of operating an eco-friendly business, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are at the forefront.

Furthermore, I would love the opportunity to hire other ambitious, like-minded women, fostering a new generation of women in leadership roles.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d tell them to Google it, I have enough going on!

But since you asked, my quintessential San Francisco day would start with brunch at Plow (be there at 7.30 am or you’ll waste half the day standing in line!) Be sure to order a side of crispy potatoes and lemon ricotta pancakes for the table… you won’t regret it

From there, head to the Mission to grab a coffee and a pastry from Tartine bakery if you’re still peckish, mooch along Valencia St and enjoy the many eclectic independent stores and possibly some live music or a market. At lunchtime, grab the best sando you’ll ever eat from Rheas Deli and enjoy it whilst you people watch on Dolores Park.

Head to Barebottle Brewery for beers and a pup’s birthday party, before hiking up to Bernal Hill to catch the sunset- it’s my favorite spot in the city.

Pending there isn’t a good show on at the Warfield or The Independent, finishing your evening with a drink and Mexican food is a worthy substitute. Grab cocktails at Holy Water and delicious family-style Mexican food at El Buen Comer.

Yes, it’s all food, drinking, and exploring related because what else is better?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Having come from a working-class background in which my dad started his own business, I learned a lot about how to create a strong strategy and business acumen from the very beginning. So far, I have done the same, deciding to avoid any risk of applying for a loan from a bank, and instead, accepted financial support from my husband, who continues to be my number 1 cheerleader.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, encouragement, and mentorship from them both, and I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.wyldeflowerworkshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyldeflowerworkshop/

Other: Reach out for a complimentary quotation for your wedding, special event or workshop to wyldeflowerworkshop@gmail.com

Image Credits
Geremy Magbanua, Sagrario Cepeda, Melissa Habegger, Alejandra Navarro, Savannah Hayes

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.