Meet Mandy Hess: Business Owner & Floral Designer

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

Hi Mandy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As they all say, the creative career chose me, I didnt choose it. In all seriousness, I have always loved art. I really started to enjoy it in high school and took as many art classes as I could. Upon entering college, I realized sociology wasnt as cool as it seemed (no offense,) and didnt know what else to major in so I started taking a ton of art classes and went in that direction. It just seemed natural. Without knowing where my art degree would take me I graduated and ventured into the working world. During college I worked in a retail flower shop, designing and being around flowers gave me so much joy. I decided to pursue that joy and continued to seek it. Creating a bouquet was a “zen moment” and time would stop as I created. Eventually I decided I wanted to create my own designs and be able to be a part of every wedding I could.  Although owning and running a small business isnt easy, and sometimes not fun; being able to get excited with a couple that inquires and books with me, to dream up and create inspiration for their wedding flowers, and make that vision a reality is truly what I love. Being creative and being able to express myself through the art of flowers is overly fulfilling… and to make someone else happy with what I create – that’s the dream come true. There is always stress and anxiety when you pour your heart into something hoping someone else will love it just the same. Every wedding gets a part of me added to their day and it’s an honor to be a part of it. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
MJM Designs is a floral design studio that prides on being creative, innovative, and expressive. We love people who love flowers. We create lush, polished, garden-inspired designs for couples who want to express who they are to their wedding guests on their big day. They want to wow and treat their guests in a way that isnt found on Pinterest. Being a florist in Colorado I’ve learned to think fast on my feet. Being able to trouble shoot quickly is a must and not for the faint of heart while living and working amongst the many possible weather conditions Colorado loves to throw out, even within mere hours! I’ve also learned to be yourself and to know your worth. There is information coming at you constantly. Keep your “why” close by and it will help point you in the direction to continue onwards.

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.
My favorite places to go in Colorado would be to start out downtown; head to Union Station to grab a coffee and take in the views. Next (if it’s summertime) head to a baseball game at Coors field. Even if you’re not a baseball fan it is beyond fun to be in the atmosphere. Then off we would do up I70 to Vail; Vail is beautiful and one of my favorite places to take a day trip to. Being able to sit outside, eat/drink, and people watch while mountains surround you is totally dreamy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is for my floral pals. They help give me confidence and push me to be better in all ways – no judgement ever!

Website: http://www.mjmdesignsllc.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mjmdesignsllc
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mjmdesignsllc

Image Credits
1st 3 images – Amy Caroline Photography 4th-5th images – Michele with One L Photography