Jenn|@bohemianbird.florals

In this heartfelt interview, we meet Jenn, a passionate floral preservation artist who balances her time as a full-time elementary teacher with her creative endeavors in the world of floral art. Jenn’s journey into floral preservation began unexpectedly when her best friend entrusted her with the task of preserving her wedding flowers. Despite having no prior experience, Jenn embraced the challenge and soon found herself captivated by the beauty and sentimentality of preserved blooms. Since launching her business in January, she has evolved from selling dried floral arrangements to creating cherished pieces that hold special memories for her clients. In this interview, Jenn shares her journey, her thoughts on health-conscious practices in preservation, and what it means to her to capture moments in time through her artistic work. Join us as we delve into the inspirational story of a woman who brings joy and nostalgia to life through the artistry of floral preservation.

Jenn’s Instagram: https://bohemianbirdflorals.ca/

Jenn’s website: https://bohemianbirdflorals.ca/

Interview

Jenn, can you do a little bit of an introduction of yourself first?

Absolutely! I am a full time elementary teacher by day and a floral preservation artist by night! I started on this business journey after my best friend got married last June and asked me if I would take on the task of preserving her wedding flowers (although never having done it before), but she had faith in me because I am crafty and creative…3 months down the road was my own wedding and I also did them myself! I previously was selling dried floral arrangements and rebranded to create my floral preservation business. I am a fairly new preservation artist, as I just got up and running this January.

It’s so sweet! Nice to meet you Jenn! Could you give me some pictures of the bouquet pieces?

My friend thinks it is quite personal and she wishes for me not to but I can share mine! Keep in mind this was only the second one I ever preserved so it is not my best work.

Jenn’s bouquet

It’s beautiful enough. Thank you so much! Glad that our silica gel crystals can help you preserve beautiful flowers and memories. During the years of flower preservation, you must try many brands of silica gel crystals. Why do you choose us at the end?

I started preserving using the blue crystal silica and although I wear a mask and gloves I am becoming more health conscious and worry about harmful chemicals. I really like that this brand is free of Cobalt Chloride.

Thank you so much! Health is very important for us. We are always working on making low-dust and non-toxic crystals. You must have preserved many flowers with memories for people. What does it feel like when someone passes you his/her treasured flowers? Would you be nervous when preserving these flowers?

I absolutely love what I do. I like a good challenge and learning new things that I am passionate about. I have already learned so much through the preservation community, researching, workshops etc that I have the confidence to preserve their sentimental flowers!

Jenn’s Art

Wonderful! Is there a story behind the flowers that leaves you a strong impression?

For sure, every bouquet is so unique and that is why I love creating this art! I like to say they are like a recipe of blooms and once they are all together it creates something beautiful. One of my favourite parts is exploring all the different types of blooms and seeing such unique arrangements with colour type.

It’s so cute. What about the memorial stories behind the flowers? Is there a story leaves you a strong impression?

So far I have just done bridal bouquet or special occasion bouquet preservation!

Haha, it’s ok. You will preserve more and more bouquets for people in the future! If you could sum it up in one sentence, what does this job, flower preservation mean to you?

It means being my own boss and having the creative ability to preserve moments in time to create sentimental artwork that will last a lifetime!

It’s amazing. Thank you so much!

Writer: Mingzhu Wu

Instagram/26.07.2024