"Once I gave into my passion I realized it was where I was meant to be." Shewanders sat down with Annette Gomez of Flowers Annette Gomez for some extra special one-on-one time. Keep reading for all of the dirt on her creative inspirations and best advice, including a pie analogy. Who doesn't love pie!?
How do you continually stay inspired and creative?
I spend a lot of time digging in my garden. That’s really all I need to stay inspired. Oh and rain. I love when it rains.
Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?
I am a morning person. I get most of my best work done early in the morning. I am usually up by 5am and am self admittedly a little neurotic. I clean the house, pack our lunches, make breakfast and feed the animals. I actually like doing chores. I am one of those people who will leave the dishes in the sink until the morning because that is when I have the most energy. I am usually out the door to work by 6:30am and headed to the flower market. I love that part of the business - shopping for product and seeing what is new at the market always inspires me.
If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?
Be patient. Don’t expect to be super busy right away. Take your time and learn as much as you can from a seasoned designer or shop. Volunteer to work for someone who has been in the business for years. Listen, watch, and be patient.
Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?
No. When I was in college I tried to convince myself that I was more of the corporate type gal. I majored in International Commerce. That didn’t last long. I just could never break free from the flower business. Once I gave into my passion I realized it was where I was meant to be.
What season inspires you most?
No particular season inspires me as much as the rain. I am most inspired when it rains; the more rain, the better. I feel like Mother Earth is happy when it's raining and that inspires me.
Do you have any funny short stories or embarrassing moments from when you first got started?
I could write a book of stories having been in the business for almost 30 years. One of my most embarrassing moments was when I asked a client how she liked the flowers her husband purchased for her, only to find out that the flowers were not for her, but for his girlfriend. Ugh. I learned a fast lesson that day. How embarrassing!
What is the best advice you have been given?
Follow your gut and don’t try to do everything. Think of all of the work as one big pie and then decide how much pie you would like to eat. Don’t be greedy and don’t try to eat too much. You will end up with a stomach ache and underserved clients.
What is your dream project?
My dream projects always involve gardening and growing flowers or food. I would love to have a bigger piece of property to grow on and have my workshop.
If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?
Anything Van Morrison.
Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?
My garden.
What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?
I would grab my husband, a couple of backpacks and head south of the boarder. We would wander through South America until the money ran out, seeing where the wind blew us.
Annette, your insight is as beautiful as your work. Thank you!
xoxo,
Suzanne, Mike & the Wanderers
