Meet Kay DiPace | Floral Designer

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

Hi Kay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was a mix of passion and practicality. I’ve always loved the creative process behind floral design and getting to lead that vision, whether it’s for a wedding, celebration, or just a stunning everyday delivery arrangement. I wanted to build something that felt truly mine, where I could pour my heart into the work but also have the flexibility to pick my son up from school, attend his events, or sneak in a few ski runs on the mountain when the powder (or mountain biking in the summer!) is calling. That kind of freedom to work hard, but on my own terms is priceless. It’s what keeps me inspired and grounded at the same time. I live a couple hours outside of Denver in the mountains of Grand County, there were not many florists established here but this is a fantastic and beautiful wedding and vacation hub. I saw a need for another flower shop and really wanted to follow a dream. I love to travel and have been so blessed to always live in many beautiful places. This is my second time around in Colorado, with many years in Maine mixed in as well. In Maine I was diving into flower farming and when I returned to Colorado I wanted to find something for me comparable. Flower farming would have significant challenges up here at 8600’ so the pivot into floral design felt natural. I realized I wanted the freedom to take the reins creatively and create a lifestyle that worked for me. Bear’s Bouquets gave me the chance to do both.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is the depth and range of my experience. I’ve done a little bit of everything over the years!! From running Snowcats and building terrain parks at ski areas, to hauling heavy equipment with my CDL, working logistics and shipping, landscaping, hardscaping, farming, and eventually working for other florists before opening my own shop. I’ve driven buses, built gardens, loaded freight, and spent hours with my hands in the dirt. I’ve met and worked with people from every kind of background and I’m proud of that. It’s made me adaptable, compassionate, and deeply curious about the world.

I’m someone who loves to learn. Whether it’s through soccer, skiing, mountain biking, drawing, or reading, I’m always up for a challenge, and I’m never afraid to ask questions. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way. You’ll figure it out. And if you don’t know how to do it yet, you will!! All because you’re willing to try, to learn, and to get uncomfortable for the sake of your dream.

I don’t know if I’d say the road here has been easy or hard, it has just been real. Running a business means juggling everything, learning something new every single day, and trying to stay a step ahead. Sometimes I panic a little (because doesn’t everyone?), but then I lean into the possibilities and work through the best outcome.

One of the best things about the world we live in now is that we have access to so much knowledge. If you’re stuck or struggling with something in your business, the answer is usually out there. It’s a gift to be able to teach yourself, to evolve, and to build something out of a mix of passion and grit.

With Bear’s Bouquets, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned, from all those wild jobs and creative pursuits and woven it into something meaningful. My goal is to create beauty that connects people. Whether it’s a bouquet for a bride, a family gathering, or just a random Tuesday, I want people to feel joy and care in the details. This business is a reflection of everything I’ve lived and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Me and my best friend share a love for skiing and beautiful views. I’d plan the perfect cozy, mountain-town week full of great food, fun, and time outside. We’d kick things off slow to help them acclimate to the elevation!

Day 1:
We’d start the morning at Simple Coffee in Fraser for one of their incredible lattes and the best breakfast burritos! From there, we’d head to Winter Park and spend the afternoon wandering around Cooper Creek Square, doing some light shopping, grabbing ice cream at Charlie’s (yes, even in winter!), and enjoying lunch at Terrain Taco! The rest of the day would be spent taking it slowly.

Day 2:
After stopping at Carver’s in Winter Park for breakfastt, We’d take a scenic drive up Highway 40 to 34 and head toward Grand Lake. The views are spectacular, snow-covered mountains, the frozen lake, and maybe even some wildlife. We’d explore Main Street, shop around, and grab lunch at Sagebrush. On the way back to Granby, we’d stop for warm cookies at Mary’s Mountain Cookies, stroll down Granby’s Main Street, being sure to stop into The Bowerbird’s Den to browse all the treasures. Dinner that night would be at Granby Garage, I’d recommend the tuna poke bowl.

Days 3–5:
These would be ski days! Whether we’re at Winter Park Resort or Granby Ranch, we’d spend the daylight hours on the mountain, then wind down with some home-cooked meals together, one of our favorite ways to spend time together! We’d definitely go out to Fuego Azteca in Fraser for dinner one night, and do a fancy night out at Deno’s in Winter Park. And of course… we’d probably have to stop at Charlie’s again for more ice cream.

Day 6:
We’d take a break from skiing and head to Colorado Adventure Park for sledding after stopping in Sharkey’s for breakfast! I’d also make sure to check out what’s happening locally that week. It feels like every week there’s something fun going on in the community, from craft fairs to live music, or mountain-town celebrations. There’s always something to join in on.

The thing I love about Grand County is how much life, charm, and personality is packed into these little towns. Every shop and restaurant has a story, and the people here are warm, resilient, and down-to-earth. There’s always something new to explore, and always someone interesting to meet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is such a long list! I am so grateful that those so close to me are always supportive. A good start would be at Scott Shepard from The Flower Podcast. I spent so much time listening to the wonderful guests and gaining inspiration from their stories. It encouraged me to begin testing larger scale growing of flowers and working with designing with them. My loved ones were all immediately on board. Everything from helping with installing the gardens and maintaining them to helping with moving coolers but also from just constant encouragement, during both easy and challenging times. They knew my passion for growing things and my equal passion for creating art. My son, Jackson, spends almost every wedding we design helping me load, unload, process flowers, set up the venue, helping break down at the end of an event and every single thing in between. I am honored to have raised such a wonderful and helpful person and so appreciative of sharing this path with him. My brother, Glenn, has always believed in any dream I have ever had. His support is always felt even from 2000 miles away. Lastly my best friend Kody, I hope every person in their life gets to have a friend like him. There is no idea, decision, dream I don’t bounce off of him first. He will haul equipment and love hundreds of miles. Helping put up greenhouses, doing earthwork or just being a friend. I can’t thank my loved ones enough for everything.

Website: https://Bearsbouquetsco.com

Instagram: @bears_bouquets

Facebook: “Bear’s Bouquets”