Evelyn Streeter of Columbia Tusculum on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Evelyn Streeter and have shared our conversation below.

Evelyn, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would absolutely hire me. Not because I think I’m perfect, but because I care deeply, I lead with heart, and I show up fully. I’m resourceful, calm under pressure, and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty! Whether that means designing a large-scale floral installation or sweeping the floor at the end of a long day.

I’m also incredibly intentional. I don’t just do things for the sake of doing them and I think through the why, the feeling, the experience I want to create for others. I’ve worn every hat in my business, from designer to delivery driver to teacher to shopkeeper, and I’ve learned how to adapt, listen, and grow through every phase.

I would hire me because I lead with kindness, I value collaboration, and I’m always striving to create work that feels meaningful, not just beautiful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m a floral designer, educator, and small business owner who has spent the past decade building a flower shop that’s rooted in seasonality, storytelling, and community. What started in 2015 as a one-woman operation designing wedding flowers out of my apartment eventually grew into a full-service floral studio and retail shop offering not just custom arrangements, but also hands-on workshops, curated gifts, and meaningful collaborations with other local makers.

My work is inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and the idea that flowers can hold emotion, memory, and beauty in equal measure. I’ve always aimed to create pieces that feel natural, layered, and a little bit wild. Whether it’s a bridal bouquet, a thank-you bunch, or a sprawling installation.

After 10 beautiful years, I’m now entering a new chapter. While I still love flowers, I’m transitioning toward starting something new! It’s a return to the soil, to slower rhythms, and to nourishing beauty in a new way. Stay tuned!

No matter what form my work takes, it’s always been about creating connection between people, seasons, and the natural world.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my mother taught me the most about work. She owned a flower shop for much of my childhood, and I grew up watching her pour everything she had into it! Her creativity, her time, her heart. She really showed me what it meant to be both resilient and generous, to be a leader and a nurturer, and to care deeply about your craft and your community.

Some of my earliest memories are of walking through greenhouses with her, or helping with deliveries, or watching how she spoke so kindly and attentively to each customer who walked through the door. She treated every order like it mattered because it did. And that approach left a lasting impression on me.

In many ways, this business has been a continuation of her legacy. She taught me that work is more than just a paycheck. It’s a reflection of your values, your passion, and the kind of world you want to help create. I carry that with me every day.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to let go, how to pivot, and how to keep going even when things felt uncertain or out of my control. Success is beautiful and validating, but it doesn’t ask the hard questions like, “What really matters to you?” or “How do you want to show up when things fall apart?”

Some of the most difficult seasons in my business forced me to get quiet and listen. Not just to what others needed, but to what I needed. They taught me how to be resourceful, how to ask for help, and how to redefine success on my own terms. I learned how strong I was, not just when things were thriving, but when they were tender and unraveling.

Those experiences built my resilience, my empathy, and my clarity. I wouldn’t wish for the hard times, but I wouldn’t trade what they taught me, either.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I think the version of me that people see whether in the shop, on social media, or at a workshop is very much the real me. I’ve always tried to keep things genuine and rooted in intention. I don’t believe in putting on a polished front just for the sake of appearances. What you see is someone who truly loves this work, who finds joy in the details, and who tries to lead with kindness and care.

That said, like anyone, there’s more beneath the surface for sure. I have my moments of doubt, overwhelm, growth, and learning. Running a small business can be incredibly vulnerable, and while I don’t always share every behind-the-scenes struggle, I do try to be honest about the journey.

At the end of the day, I want people to feel like they know the heart behind the work. That’s always been more important to me than being perfectly curated.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the thoughtfulness and intention behind everything we do. Whether it was a bouquet for a special moment or a workshop on a Friday night, I’ve always tried to make people feel seen, cared for, and part of something more personal than just a transaction.

I think they’d miss the feeling of walking into the shop and being surprised by what’s in season, or discovering something local and handmade on the shelf, or just having a genuine conversation while picking out flowers. So many of our customers have become friends, and I think they’d miss the connection as much as the flowers.

That sense of community, of knowing someone is paying attention to the details and holding space for beauty, that’s what I hope has always set us apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evefloralco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/evefloralco or www.instagram.com/shopatevefloralco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evefloralcollc

Image Credits
Alex Davis Photography
Katherine Dalton Photography