Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Zimmerman.
Hi Suzanne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
People continually tell me I have an eye for capturing beauty. I remember when I was a young girl, I always wanted to create beautiful spaces. My grandmothers had an eye for design and were very hospitable, so maybe that’s where I get it from. What’s funny is I took what I now consider the “safe” route in college, got a business degree, and went into what has turned out to be a 20-year career in medical sales. It has been a very lucrative career, but I found myself wanting something more fulfilling, something more creative, that I could utilize my eye for beauty. Well, that opportunity came two and a half years ago, in June of 2019, when I was laid off from my medical sales job. A gift in disguise, shall we say. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways! I had felt for some time that I wanted to branch off into something more creative, as I mentioned, so here was my chance. I had been following an event planner, Steve Moore of Sinclair & Moore, for awhile and was in awe of the beauty he created through floral event design. I was given some re-training monies as part of my job loss severance. To my surprise, they approved my using those monies to participate in a floral design workshop, so I packed my bags and was off to Seattle for what turned out to be the most amazing, immersive experience in the world of floral design! I was hooked. The way nature connects us through beauty is amazing! Beauty draws us in and connects to the deepest parts of our souls if we allow it. There is so much beauty around us, and I wanted to play a part in connecting others to that beauty as well! In September 2019, another short-term medical sales job presented itself to me. I decided to take it, which led to a permanent position that I accepted in January 2020. And as we all know, COVID hit in March of 2020, and I was so thankful to have employment during that time and for the next couple of years. This leads me to June 2022, almost three years before I was laid off for the first time. My company made some changes, and I was laid off again.
I don’t know about you, but I pay attention to patterns, which told me that it was time to make a change! And that is what led me to form Vine & Vessel Floral Co. I am so excited to enter the world of floral design. Flowers represent beauty in such a unique way! Who doesn’t love flowers! They bring so much joy and happiness! I want to be a vessel used to pour out joy into the lives of others. I would encourage others walking through seasons of change to pay attention to the things that bring you joy. It might just be your next opportunity to do something you love and to make a difference! We all have gifts and talents that we must share with the world! Now is the time to do what sets your heart on fire!
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?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. In my story, it has taken several years to decide to finally break from the corporate world and pursue my passion full time. Life is full of different seasons, and I believe each season has prepared me for the current season I am in. It is important to trust the process. Life is truly all about timing!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion is showcasing beauty through the art of floral design! My business is in its early stages, but I will be specializing in floral design for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, photo-shoot floral styling, seasonal styling, and personal home gatherings. I will also be hosting flower workshops to teach people who are interested in learning the art of floral design! It’s a great way to get a group of your favorite people together and have some fun with flowers!
How do you define success?
I define success as making an impact and difference in the lives that you come into contact with. I truly believe that we are not called to be “successful” in the traditional form of the word. We are called to be faithful to the gifts and talents we have been given, and through that faithfulness, “success” and impact will come
Pricing:
- Contact vendor for pricing/specific to event
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Vineandvesselfloralco
- Facebook: Vineandvesselfloralco
Image Credits
Mary Pastuh-floral photographer-last 5 photos Logo-The Autumn Rabbit
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