Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Evans.
Hi Eliza, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sometimes seeds are planted and you never know how or where they will bloom. It may be in your garden, that unsuspecting crack in your driveway, your heart, or a new business! Quite a few seeds have been planted throughout my life that have grown beautifully into delicate botanics.
There’s a fine line between that common phrase “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” and a wise nugget I received from a friend encouraging me to be cautious turning a hobby into a business. Pressing flowers truly began as a way for me to disconnect from the busy, unpredictable, tech-focused world to instead do something that was slow, intentional, and tangible. I began pressing flowers as most do…with lots of trial & error, a way to explore nature in a different way, and to try my hand at an art form I had never done before.
I have always had an appreciation for art and have found various ways throughout my life to express artistic skill, but nothing ever felt like it really clicked, or was any good. I don’t believe I have an artist’s hand where I can sketch, paint, or form beautiful things. I do believe, however, that I have an artist’s mind, and that is why I am so grateful for the beauty of nature; I’m able to to tag team with what is already so lovely to create compositions that I am proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This business has certainly seen moments of pruning, dormancy, and withering. New life in the forms of a marriage, a move, and a beautiful baby (my most amazing creation) have slowed the growth of this business, but never in a way that leaves it less wonderful than what I believe it is meant to be. I like to say that I am growing delicately!
I do feel a lack of confidence in certain aspects of the business world, social media is impossible for me to keep up with, and balancing this passion with a full time job is quite a test to my time management and organization skills. I am fortunate, however, to have an incredible support system of family and friends who do truly nothing but lift me up. I could not participate in one market, take one big leap, or even post one photo on instagram without the encouragement, time and love of those around me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I create framed artwork and other goodies (earrings, bookmarks, stationery, ornaments, prints, etc) using flowers and botanics that I have pressed in my handmade (by my husband) press. For most of my original pieces I use florals from my garden, my mother and my mother-in-law’s gardens, and other florals graciously given to me. The major part of my business is pressing flowers from life’s special events (bridal bouquets or other wedding flowers, flowers from memorial arrangements, baby shower flowers, you name it) and creating one of a kind framed pieces with these memory filled botanics.
I am most proud of staying true to myself within my art and business practices. I focus heavily on quality over quantity. I believe that my art form continues to improve with each piece I create, and that is because I feel brave enough to allow my business to grow delicately as I continue to master this skill. Because I do not focus heavily on social media and marketing, most of my customers are recommendations from former customers or folks who I have made connections with at markets. My greatest feeling of accomplishment is when others love my work as much as I do!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Maintaining a genuine presence in my work has attributed highly to my success. Focusing on the delicate beauty of nature allows me to be in the present moment every step of the way. If I were to lose sight of all of the fulfilling parts of this work, I wouldn’t be able to carry the same creative passion, and the art would hold less meaning for both myself and those who appreciate my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.delicatebotanics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delicatebotanics
