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

Hi Nikki, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Starting my own business during the beginning of COVID I had time and the ability to say yes to everything. As my business started growing, while also caring for my family, I became stretched too thin. I started to make mistakes and felt that quality was more important than quantity. Over time I have learned to say no. I’ve learned to prioritize and learned that saying no doesn’t mean my business isn’t going to grow or do well. I am able to pour more into what I am doing in my business and still be 100% for my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a florist my style is different from most of your brick and mortar florists. I don’t use floral foam like most traditional florist use. I try to be very cautious of the materials I use and the waste I create. My style is modern, whimsical, and organic. I want my flowers to look like nothing anyone has seen before. I’m excited to educate people about the floral world. Different types of flowers, varieties, how to make arrangements using eco friendly materials, while also pushing myself out of my comfort zone and creating different shapes and color palettes. I’m not everyone’s style and that’s ok. I try my best to use what’s in season which then resorts to not being able to always fulfill exactly what a customer might want. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to stay true to myself, the brand, and business that I’m creating I’m not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m going to make mistakes but I’m learning and growing. I want people to see my flowers and to feel joy! Different can be good sometimes it’s worth taking a risk!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That sounds like a dream, Most of the time it’s a quick drive thru Chickfila with my kiddos in tow. But, in a dream world first coffee. Fort Worth has so many amazing coffee shops. At the top of my list are Common Grounds ( I went to Baylor over a decade ago and it is very nostalgic to me), Black Coffee, Sons of Liberty, or Dwell. Lunch at Local Foods and then shopping at University Park and Montgomery Street Antique Mall. Definitely need to check out all that’s going on in the Stockyards. The Drover for a cocktail outside and dinner at Joe T’s. Main Street also has so many fun restaurants and lots of places to sit outside.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Michael has been my biggest cheerleader, encourager, social media expert, and so much more. My mom for helping with our kids so I could pick up flowers, design, deliver, and figure out how to run a business. Kaylyn Hewitt, she is a friend from college who started her own floral business. I have always admired her, her work, and not to mention one of the most joyful people you have ever met. When I was thinking of starting Stems of the Kingdom she was so kind and talked me through the ups and downs, answered any questions I had, and was super encouraging.

Website: www.stemsofthekingdom.squarespace.com

Instagram: @stemsofthekingdom

Facebook: @Stems of the Kingdom

Image Credits
Britt Latz Photography

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