Conversations with Renee Lingo

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Lingo

Hi Renee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love of flowers began when I was a girl watching my grandmother prune and tend her camellia and rose bushes. It grew from there and I began growing flowers for myself and to sell at farmers markets as a teenager. Friends started asking me to arrange flowers for their weddings. I really enjoyed the design process and my calendar filled up with more and more events. People were telling me that I should make a business out of my passion for flowers. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to take the joy out of it by making it “work”. But when Covid-19 came along I started planting more flowers than ever and really felt that the world needed more beauty. People needed a way to send their thoughts to friends and family and say “I love you.” Thus my love of floral design and flower farming went from a hobby to a full time business. I’ve learned a lot since then and I am always looking to grow my design skills. Each event brings its own unique challenges that stretch me creatively.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
People tend to think that design is the biggest part of being a florist. Honestly I find the design and artistic side to be very straightforward. But there is no handbook for how to create the mechanics that support large installations which have become much more popular in recent years. Thankfully there is less gatekeeping now than when I first started and there are some amazing people offering training and insight. But much of it is learn as you go by problem solving on each job. Often I’m creating a metal sculpture first before I ever start using live florals. I’ve learned construction skills I didn’t have before!

Communication is a huge component as well. Often clients have a picture in their mind of what they would like but don’t have the floral vocabulary to describe it. It’s my job to flesh out their ideas and bring them to life. Learning to ask the right questions has been super helpful.

Of course imposter syndrome has been a battle as well. I think that’s always going to come into play as a young entrepreneur.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The designs that I am most passionate about creating are the ones where I’m able to work exclusively with locally grown product. As a regenerative rancher and flower farmer it’s really important to me to support local growers and keep my impact as low as possible. To go beyond not harming but also do what I can to cultivate healthy soil, healthy community, and a healthy planet. I wish that more people cared about utilizing seasonal ingredients over having a specific flower variety or color shade. Not only is it better for the earth and the people growing the flowers but you get such a beautiful, unique, end result when you work with slow flowers. It really sets designs apart from the crowd!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m always devouring books and podcasts. Honestly I gain inspiration from so many different subjects! I love art books and studying the impressionist painters for design inspiration. Erin Benzakein’s books and resources on growing flowers have been very helpful on the gardening side of things. The Flower Podcast with Scott Shepherd is a great one for both florists and growers. I read anything and everything on business mindset and marketing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bluebirdandcompany.net
• Instagram: Bluebirdandcompanyflorals