An Inspired Chat with Sebra Debrecht

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sebra Debrecht. Check out our conversation below.

Sebra, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
The wedding and floral industry are dedicated by the seasons, and navigating the feast or famine cycle has been a significant learning curve for me. From April through November, I’m operating at 110%, but the beginning of the year is much quieter. I’m working on viewing this time as a welcomed reprieve, and space to tackle all those back burner projects that fall to the wayside during the busy months. Honestly, I’m still learning how to find the balance between being productive and simply allowing myself to rest and reset.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sebra, a floral preservation artist with over ten years of art and design experience. Through my small business, The Rambling Florist, I transform wedding bouquets and sentimental flowers into everlasting framed art. Based in my Finneytown home-studio, I’m also a gardener, part-time wedding florist, and a believer in keeping the beauty of nature alive forever. It’s an honor to serve the Cincinnati tri-state area by turning transient blooms into timeless heirlooms.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A pivotal moment that shaped how I saw that world actually started with a tomato. During my Master’s program at the University of Cincinnati, a visit to 80 Acres Farm opened my eyes to the power of local agriculture. Tasting a real, flavorful tomato for the first time was my ‘aha’ moment— it sparked a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, supporting small-scale producers, and little did I know at the time, a passion to create my own local business.

I continue to bring that enthusiasm through a ‘slow and sustainable’ mindset within my floral preservation studio. While the floral industry has historically struggled with its environmental footprint, it luckily has been evolving through the dedication of small independent growers and florist. I’m dedicated to being apart of this evolution, pushing that progress forward by prioritizing reusable, natural and chemical-free processes in my own practice. My love for gardening, all-things flowers and environmental ethics is woven into everything I do. I want my clients to know that when they trust me with their flowers, they are supporting a business that cares deeply about leaving a positive mark on our corner of the world.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Changing course is an act of courage, not a sign of failure. I wish my younger self knew that she wasn’t stuck with a decision just because she made it years ago. People might tell you that you’re ‘throwing it all away’ by pivoting, but you are the only one who truly knows what is best for you. Moving on from something that no longer serves you isn’t a loss, it’s an evolution. Every step, every decision, even the ones that feel like detours, led you here. And where you are right now? It’s pretty great.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
This is very personal project, but I cannot give up hope that small, every day choices can impact my local community, if not the world for the better. Whether it is supporting a local farmer, planting a patch of wildflowers for pollinators, or simply recycling, these little, intentional actions matter. These may feel insignificant to the broader issues, but I believe when these choices are made over and over again, they create a larger impact. I find these small acts of stewardship are inspiring and contagious to those around us.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I will not regret staying small. I’ve never had the desire to scale my business to the point where I can no longer have a personal connection to all of my clients. One of the best parts of my work is hearing the stories and understanding the ‘why’ behind the desire to keep their flower forever. Most of my clients are newlyweds, and it’s an honor to be invited into their love stories through my art. My greatest hope is when they look at their floral preservation, they don’t just see flowers, but they’ll be transported back to all the love and happiness they felt the moment they said ‘I do’.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theramblingflorist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theramblingflorist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Rambling-Florist/61556177845887/
• Other: The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/the-rambling-florist-cincinnati-oh-2082006
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theramblingflorist

Image Credits
Photographer: Erica Indiano