Meet Laura Shackles | Owner & Creative Director

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

Hi Laura, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
In my industry, there is an abundance of talent and sometimes it’s hard to differentiate yourself from the competition based on aesthetic and pricing alone, although I do think our clients are drawn to our bountiful, cheerful and romantic designs. BUT I strongly believe that what keeps us moving forward is the fact that we take great care of our clients. We make their lives easier, less stressful and offer a fun aspect to the planning process. Efficiency, responsiveness, kindness, flexibility, excitement, professionalism…all things that I appreciate and value when I’m on the client end and I think those qualities keep our clients happy and give them comfort in referring us to their loved ones, as well. I love the relationship that I have with my clients and being a large part of a huge day in their life. Most importantly, I love making the process enjoyable!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Two characteristics of myself that I’m proud of are 1) I’m an extremely hard worker and 2) I’m optimistic and not afraid to take leaps of faith. Yes, I love money, but money has never been the most motivating factor. I graduated from college and quickly found out that I hated my entry level corporate job and I’d rather intern during the day (for free) and wait tables at night to get ahead in something that I loved…event planning, which is extremely difficult to jump into. I worked for next to nothing (for probably longer than I should have)…but learned valuable life lessons along the way. I was at my first employer for about 4 years and was introduced to floral design, something I never even thought twice about before! I loved it, though, and was good at it. When it was time to move on, I was intrigued by corporate events and got a Project Management job at a wonderful company. I worked there for another 4 years, learned new life lessons, saw a lot of the world and met wonderful people. I’m too much of a homebody to be a road warrior, though, and I was missing florals too much so I started my business on a whim, as a side gig, and to grow it organically. My biggest take away from my path and advice I would give to others…stay the course, work your ass off and things will work out. I’ve put blood, sweat and tears into growing my business for the last 7 years and because it’s something that I love (flowers, design, events, creativity, working, being my own boss, building a business) it’s fun for me… it’s not that much work! No matter your age you should put your time and energy into something that fills you up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m pretty trendy and also pretty lame now that I have a 2 and 5 year old but a dream week with my bestie in Colorado would consist of: A few days in the mountains to do a mixture of relaxing (in a cozy Air BnB or fancy hotel) and outdoor fun like snowboarding, hiking, bike riding, or just hanging by a lake. Back in Denver we’d have day drinks at a brewery with a fun patio and wine or martinis at a rooftop lounge before dinner. A private “igloo” or greenhouse dinner during COVID times would be a blast, too! A run at Wash or Cheesman Park followed by picnic lunch. A casual walk around Cherry Creek with acai bowls, coffee in hand and Hillstone Ribs for dinner. Sunrise yoga at Red Rocks (and then coffee). What can I say… I love mornings, coffee, being outside, cocktails, and I don’t know the names of cool restaurants anymore because I live in the burbs, now. =)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hands down I would not be living the life I am today without my family! I’m lucky to have a wonderful (and local) support system in my immediate family, in-laws, and of course my husband, none of which questioned when I made the decision to start a business and a family at the same time. Their time and energy spent helping me get work spaces up and running, bounce brand ideas and business names around, haul things around town and take care of my babies while I work on weekends is invaluable!

Website: www.blushandbay.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blushandbayfloral/

Image Credits
Caitlin Coar David Le Robin Cain Jamie Beth Photography Dani Cowan J and K Photography Michele with One L Photography