Daily Inspiration: Meet Britney Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Sullivan.

Britney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Britney, I am the owner and designer of Southern Agape Flowers. I was born in west TN; however, I moved around all over the United States while growing up due to my Dad’s employment and I was thankful to see a lot of our spectacular country. During that time, I was homeschooled, which allowed me to be more creative and think outside the box with an entrepreneurial mindset. In 2016, I was so happy that we were transferred back to my beautiful TN. After returning I worked in different types of occupations, but I was needing something with more meaning to me.

I ended up sick and partially bedridden for 2 months. During that time, I was able to reflect through prayer on what I was missing in my career life. I prayed for my eyes to be opened to possibilities. I knew that I needed flexibility in my schedule that would allow me to continue to be an active mentor to young girls in my church and give back to my community. And I also wanted something that would bring smiles and joy to people.

As I was actively looking down paths of other career options, I came across wooden flowers as a hobby. I placed a small order of flowers to “play” with. I was fascinated by the idea that wooden flowers would last a very long time. I made my first small bouquet, and the response was very encouraging. And it dawned on me that the reaction from so many was always “smiles”. I decided to dig in and learn more about these flowers including various techniques of painting them and different styles of arrangements.

After a time of “learning” or should I say, “trial and error”, I realized this was the path for me. I loved that the flowers do not wilt therefore bringing years of enjoyment. I also thought about the idea of brides having bouquets that would not wilt. I wanted to be able to make bridal bouquets last beyond just the day of the wedding giving continued joy. Once I knew this was the path for me, I realized that I needed to hit the ground running and bring those smiles to reality.

My first customers were two weddings back-to-back. There was no looking back, I had brides that had wedding visions and entrusted me to make their day as beautiful as they pictured it. The smiles on the brides said it all and confirmed this is my career path.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As my business has grown, I have absolutely experienced some bumps along the way, as most do. I have learned so much through this journey. In the beginning, when I had my first wedding order, I had many extremely long days and nights due to self-doubt. A wedding doesn’t get a re-do if the bouquets and boutonnières do not look good. This is a couple’s special day and I want it to look just as they planned for.

Self-doubt was accompanied by other struggles as well. I had to learn that it was okay to say, ” I’m sorry, I’m booked”. I want every customer to receive 100% satisfaction and I want to give every customer time for their special piece. Of course, there are additional struggles, that all new businesses encounter, but I am thankful for my struggles because I truly believe that is how I grow.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Southern Agape Flowers specializes in hand-painted wood flowers for wedding pieces, home decor, and floral arrangements. Although wood flowers do not do well in some outdoor climates, I have added foam and silk flowers to my arrangements and wreaths to accommodate that issue for customers that need those outdoor pieces. I love the flexibility that I can make to accommodate customer needs.

My business has recently branched out to include more wreaths, home decor, church centerpieces, gifts, and holiday arrangements as well. I am so thankful for the variety of products that I can provide especially between weddings,

I have been asked, “what am I most proud of”? I would have to say I am most proud of being able to see that moment when the bride comes down the aisle holding one of my creations that captured her vision. Then, seeing the final big picture moment of the entire wedding party and knew without a doubt I did my best for them.

I have been told by my customers that the quality of my work, the detail in each piece, and the arrangement placement are what sets me apart from others. Here is one review from a customer that confirms it all to me, “God has given you a beautiful gift. When I see your arrangements, I see the love you put into each one, that is what makes it a beautiful gift. The love you create for others brings out a smile.” After all, that is what I was searching for and have found.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The resource that I find that helps me to do my best in life is simple, The Holy Bible. The Bible is what guides me in all that I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernagapeflowers
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/southernagapeflowers 

  Image Credits
Jessica Hartle Photography