Meet Hollie Guidry | Florist & Event Professional

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

Hi Hollie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business my main reasoning was to utilize my skills to benefit me and my family. I have worked for many other flower shops over the last decade and helped them to grow so I knew I had the ability to be successful. Now that I have my own brand I have the freedom to design things in my own style and with products that I love. Working for myself allows me to choose jobs that are good for me and gives me more free time to spend with my children.

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.
My business is centered around floral design but I love to create with many different mediums. I cater to all design styles but I prefer to make designs that stand out from other artists. I would consider my personal design style as more American inspired and wild. I love to use different textures and juxtaposed colors whenever possible. I am proud to be recognized by my peers as someone who is talented and knowledgable. In 2018 I won 2 awards at the Louisiana State Floral Association’s (LSFA) convention. I placed first in bring your own bridal bouquet and third in the designer of the year competition. In 2021 I had the pleasure of designing the bridal bouquet for Francie Frane and Duane Chapman’s (Dog the Bounty Hunter) wedding. June of 2023 I won the people’s choice award for a wedding design created during the floral fight hosted by the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) in Dallas. In February of 2024 some of my homecoming and prom designs are set to be featured in Florist Review magazine. These are all accomplishments I am very proud of and I look forward to participating in more competitions and conventions in the coming year.

Getting to where I am today took a lot of focus and risk. At the end of 2018 I decided to move away from my home state in Louisiana to work for Anuschka Pashel at Bloom in Cherry Creek. I found her job listing online and moved within 3 weeks. There were many wonderful opportunities that opened up for me coming to Colorado but It was also very difficult. I lived in Parker and my commute time on public transit was over 3 hours everyday but I was determined to work in that environment. I sacrificed a lot of time with friends and family to make sure that I was participating in every opportunity that I could. I just kept pushing myself knowing that everyday I was closer to my goals.

One of the biggest lessons Ive taken away from my career is to not be overly critical on myself and my art. It’s ok to make things that you don’t think look good. Just keep creating and don’t stop. You never know if something that you hate is going to be a best seller because it speaks to other people.

When people read my story I want them to think to themselves about how capable they truly are. You can do anything if you set your mind to it and wake up everyday with a positive attitude. Life is not easy but you can make it great by doing things you love everyday.

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.
When my friends come into town I always have fun ideas planned for us. The last time I had a friend visit I wasn’t able to show him around much so I started by telling him to take HWY 83(Parker Road) south towards Colorado Springs that way he could enjoy the view of Pikes Peak all the way there. Once he got to the springs I had him go and check out Garden of the Gods. After some hiking around I suggested he eat lunch at Thunder and Buttons in old Colorado city. He was then able to do some shopping in that area. After that I said to check out Sun Water Spa in Manitou Springs so he could relax in a spring fed hot tub facing the manitou incline.

The next day we we took it easy. Did some light hiking at Castle Wood Canyon in Franktown that morning. We had breakfast at The Mariachi Food Truck located in Franktown and then ate lunch at the Parker Garage. I showed him around some of the shops in downtown Parker. That evening we listened to the dueling pianos at The Studio at Mainstreet which is always entertaining.

He had come into town to see Phish play at the Mission Ball room so I recommended eating at Smok Barbecue. After the show was over I told him to check out Milk Bar for the rest of the evening.

He had an awesome time and enjoyed all of the places I sent him to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was introduced to the world of Floral Design through my ex-husband Caleb and his mother Lori. When Caleb and I first met he told me that I should be working in the flower shop that Lori managed because he noticed my artistic eye. At that time I was selling car parts and doing mechanic work with my father and knew nothing about flowers or plants. After a few months of pushing me, Caleb got me into the flower shop and I instantly fell in love with it. He was right and I will forever be grateful for him seeing my ability and believing in me.

I have had many great mentors over the years who were willing to share their knowledge with me and I appreciated them so much. Ive worked across the country with many extremely talented designers. Some of the best mentors/friends I have had the pleasure of meeting here in Colorado are Vasilisa Vashurkina, Monet Elena, and Marchello Fedorov. I have learned so much from them and continue to work together with them when possible.

Website: https://coflorist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollieandpinefloristry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollie-guidry-261415157/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollieandpine

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hollie-and-pine-floristry-elizabeth-2

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/hollieandpinefloristry/