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

Hi Erin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is an ever-changing scale. Over the last decade both my life and my business has expanded and balance has shifted accordingly. Today, my workflow changes focus daily between my family and my company depending upon current events. I think of balance as not a give and take but as a culmination of energy, effort, awareness and self care. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Plum Sage on the side when working full time in healthcare. I gradually built a client base and ultimately went full time once the business was financially stable. I produced out of my home until I could expand to a design studio. I purchased the real estate for the first studio and eventually expanded to our current location due to our growth. There were no shortcuts to the success of Plum Sage. Floral design and event production is physically labor intensive. The profit margins can be difficult to manage without careful planning and tracking. Positive referrals are based on positive client interactions. Plum Sage expanded due to hours of labor and effort and dozens of positive reviews. It expanded due to my passion and creativity with floral design and the event consultation process. I have been fortunate to employ numerous talented individuals. This growth is also due to the dedication, creativity and hard work of my team. I am proud that Plum Sage has been in business for 16 years and truly, the heart of the business has not changed. We are committed to creativity, quality, client connection and the beauty of fresh flowers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is pre-Covid, of course! Welcome to Denver! I am so excited that we have a week to explore. Although I love living in Cherry Hills Village, let’s leave the kids at home and stay in Cherry Creek at the Halcyon. We can lounge poolside on the roof with a cocktail tomorrow afternoon before our dinner reservation at Bilboquet. There you must try the roasted chicken and fries. I will check in with my friend Karmen to see if she will keep A Line Boutique open so you can grab a soft Elder Statesman sweater for when it gets chilly. I have tickets to the Botanic Gardens for the following day. I cannot wait to show you the woodland and shady gardens. I have a catered lunch planned in the gardens in my favorite structure, the solarium. I worked with the talented Nicole with Grace and Gather Events who planned a catered meal by Vert Kitchen and unique table setting for us. The flowers will be provided by Plum Sage of course. I invited a dozen of our old pals from our days at CU Boulder and two talented photographers, the Scobeys, to document our fun. Later that afternoon we will head to The Four Seasons spa. I booked you my favorite treatment, the herbal poultice massage. That evening we will head to Izakaya Den on Pearl for sushi. We must start with the Lucien Albrecht bubbly rose with the broiled black cod. The following day we can grab a latte at Steam and I will take you to a Yoga on the Rocks class with Core Power at Red Rocks. If we still have energy, I would love for you to try a pilates class at Fierce 45 as well. For the last leg of our trip we will head West on I-70 past Winter Park and land in Tabernash. We will hike on my favorite trails with beautiful views and spend the night at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Unwinding in one of their oversized copper bathtubs is heavenly. Dinner at RanchHouse restaurant with a view will be memorable. On way back East we can stop in Evergreen and paddleboard on the lake. A quick lunch at The Cow in Evergreen and I will take you back to DIA. Thank you for a memorable week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this story to the circle of humans in my life that have weathered the past year with me. My husband, my children, my dear friends, my family and my work team. Last but not least, our pups, Winnie and Wesley. These characters have shown up daily and supported me with actions, thoughts and words.

Website: www.plumsageflowers.com
Instagram: @plumsageflowers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumsageflowers

Image Credits
Amy Caroline Photography, Megan Wynn Photography, Abbey Rice Photography, Dani Cowen Photography, The Scobeys, Tara Beilecki Photography and James and Shulze Photography

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