Meet Meryl Craft | Floral Designer & Owner of Well Crafted Florals

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

Hi Meryl, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Well, this one is easy. Don’t give up! If we didn’t experience roadblocks in our personal and professional life then we would never grow. I have had my fair share over the years and now that I’m on the other side I can see the beauty in the struggle. The life lessons and knowledge I’ve gained from said roadblocks has propelled me to this point in my life. We owe it to ourselves to be consistent, disciplined, determined so we can be everything that we want to be. I have to keep this mindset strong as a business owner because it’s not easy but so worth it.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Flowers are my medium of choice. As a florist, the importance of learning about flowers and each variety is so important when creating. It takes time to create a recipe of flowers that all work together effortlessly. But when it comes together, it’s the best feeling.

Here are some things that set me apart when designing: I love to embrace negative space when creating a bouquet or centerpiece – it gives every flower their own moment to shine. I almost always incorporate dried florals into my arrangements because it gives an element of texture that I just love. I design with nature in mind – pairing flowers together as you most often don’t see just one wildflower alone in a field. I try to source products locally first, and then I’ll reach out to my wholesaler. I hope someday I can collaborate with local Texas flower farmers! Lastly, I always trust my sense of creativity and try not to get lost in what someone else would do. 

It has taken years of training, practice and freelancing to feel confident in starting my own business, Well Crafted Florals. It definitely hasn’t been easy. I’ve put in my fair share of long hours scrubbing buckets and processing flowers for other florists. I had to start somewhere and I didn’t cut any corners, I knew I had so much to learn! I kept saying to myself, if these girls can do it, so can I! I’m still on a long path of learning, but so thrilled with the steps I have made so far.  I pour so much love and intention to each part of my business and I hope my clients can feel that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Oh I love this question! I actually still feel somewhat new to the area, I moved here with my hubby from Seattle a little more than 2 years ago. We have our go to spots, though.

We absolutely love Eggsqisite Cafe, seriously the best breakfast ever in McKinney! The owner is the nicest guy ever. We’d order the migas and the chicken carnitas skillet, hands down the best options on the menu. If we’re not feeling a sit down restaurant then obviously we’re going to Whataburger and ordering honey chicken biscuits. It’s a TX staple, amiright?!

Later in the day we’d hit up the Dallas Farmers Market for a leisurely stroll – pick some local produce and of course grab a snack from one of the food vendors. Next, let’s swing by Flea Style – a super cool vintage shop with the best esthetic in Deep Ellum. I love Bishop’s Street – so many cute shops and lots of restaurants, super fun vibe for visitors.

I love to walk around downtown McKinney! There’s an amazing local Mexican restaurant called Cookies that serves authentic plates and the best chips and salsa! Lastly, gotta grab a drink from Landon Winery or the Yard. My favorite simple pleasure in life is taking long drives through the country. Windows down, music up especially on warm TX evenings.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Maybe it’s cliche but my mom, Linda has instilled my deep love for nature and flowers. Honestly, now that I’m a mom of a 2 year old daughter I hope I can do the same for her. Being connected to nature is a grounding force that I have always carried in my life, thanks to her. My mom is an incredible gardener. Her knowledge of plants and flowers is so impressive! I think without consciously knowing, her passion has rubbed off on me years ago. It’s no surprise that I’m now operating a small floral design business out of my home in McKinney.

My sweet Hubby, Brad has been so supportive as I chase my dreams in this field. Between him and my father in law, they’re able to work through all the mechanical/engineering bits of design, which is so helpful. Good design means good mechanics.

I’m so thankful for Josie + Taylor, owners of Business & Blooms. They lead an amazing workshop + mentorship business for new florists in the industry. Together, they teach and share all the knowledge they’ve acquired as successful florists. They’re passion and guidance has been invaluable as I started my own business. I also have met so many creative women since taking their workshop, which has been so amazing to feel a part of the florist community. Women supporting women will forever give me life!

Website: wellcraftedflorals.com

Instagram: @wellcraftedflorals

Facebook: @wellcraftedflorals

Image Credits
Ronya & Dom, Taylor Folmar