We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Quackenbush and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Celeste, how do you think about risk?
Risks are fun! So many people – I believe – are afraid of risks because the “what if” attached. So what? What if it goes wrong? You tried. Now you know and knowing is powerful and much more satisfying than questioning something forever. I plan my life in small quantities because I prefer a little mystery and I believe in the age old idea that where you are is where you are meant to be in this journey and there really aren’t any wrongs – just lessons. So take the risk! Risk a little money to get your reward or to invest in your dream or future. Money is technically limitless these days – so why limit it yourself?
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
First I am an artist. My happy place is when I am creating and I truly believe my Dharma is getting to create beautiful spaces for others. I feed this by flower farming & doing weddings and events! I tried the brick and mortar and quickly realized through happiness and through the communication of the universe that it was not my path. Now I am focussed on doing only weddings and events as well as creating a non-profit portion of the farm to give beauty to others wherever I can!
I got my start in the floral industry when I felt a little lost after having children. Before children I worked full time while completing college. After having my babies (who are my world), I felt a little lost not being able to work. Let me clarify that I did not feel like I was contributing to society by staying home with them – but that is a huge lie. I realize now that raising children is the absolute honor of a lifetime as well as a huge contribution to society by raising good humans at home and pouring all our love into them. If i’m being honest, now that I am more steady in work again, even though it is seasonal, I am trying to slow down so that I can focus more on the kids and home and giving all to them to raise humans who feel whole.
Regardless, I started a cut flower farm almost three years ago because flowers were a way I could contribute to society and my family. It started out as just a cut flower farm when I quickly realized the wedding floral industry was where it was at. The money, sure. But for me it was the artistic side! I wanted to create beautiful things for others on their important day! This was it! It has taken me two full years; one year focussed just on the farm and bouquet subscriptions, one year of diving deep into the wedding industry and opening a brick and mortar to find my niche. Now I am branded as Lady Southwest Farm & Florals and I am committing solely to weddings/elopements, especially adventure & outdoor weddings! I am currently searching for the new Lady Southwest truck that will be off road capable for all the Colorado and southwest wedding destinations!
Further I put “Southwest” in my name, not only because I am located in the Southwest, but because I love it and I love the wild and rugged west feel that I can hopefully bring into my work and all of the destination weddings. I am truly looking forward to becoming an adventure florist and the journey to get my brand here has been worth it! All the ups and downs, because now I have finally found my niche as well as the balance to have much more time with my family, I just have to go full circle sometimes to learn that what I already had was what I was seeking. I wish more people would talk about how to keep the simple things in life a central focus when starting a business.
The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is, dang it, patience. And it is hard for me to spit that word out sometimes! But everything good really does come with patience, sitting and meditating on it and how it makes you feel and how it holistically impacts your life outside of your career. It’s been a challenge finding myself in this business as I am entirely self taught, minus a certificate course from The New York Art Institute. My original degree is in English-Literature. So it’s been a fun journey getting dirty in the mud and snow to plant in the spring and learn all about soil and the life within soil to learning how to wear a million hats as a farmer-florist-business owner. I have had to learn SO much about business and the greatest lesson of all – let someone help you with your financial records. Bookkeepers are magicians. Don’t forget that!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Currently we live in Dolores, Co. We are about 20 minutes to Mesa Verde National Park, a little over an hour to Telluride, two hours from Moab and 45 minutes to Durango. Our location is a gem to us. Locally I take friends to McElmo canyon in Cortez to Sutcliffe Vineyards! It is a red rock, desert gem tucked away in Colorado with quality wine and the owner is fantastic!
There are so many outdoor spots over here, the exploration is endless! As far as food goes, Olios in Mancos, Co. is such a treat! By far it will be my number one choice to take visitors now when we want some fine dining! Other than that, Colorado over here really is a giant playground. The Dolores river is phenomenal for recreation and fishing and we love to take people out to McPhee Reservoir on the boat! It is another gem over here that very few people explore. It goes from lower elevation piñon terrain into wild exotic rocks and then high elevation pine trees.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my Husband Edward, he is my rock. Truly. He is earth, whereas I am water. He gives me a place to flow and explore. He lets me go wild with any of my creative ideas and when I tell him of a crazy new plan or idea he says, “Okay – wounds great, just let me know what you need.” His unyielding support has meant so much to me. Also my neighbor, Lucy. What this woman has done to support me and help me with my kids is nothing short of a miracle in my life. Without her I would not have the time to conquer the many garden hours and weddings I have been able to! Further, all my girlfriends who support me and tell me to follow the fire in my heart, and of course the other men in my life. My father, step-father & brother who keep encouraging me. Thank you all.
Website: ladysouthwest.com
Instagram: lady_southwest
Facebook: Lady Southwest
Image Credits
Farm Images : Credit to Myself Wedding/Bridal Images : Credit to Evie Joy Photography / Evie Joy Felts