Kristin Wolter may be a florist, but she considers herself an artist. The founder and creative powerhouse behind Everbloom Design loves exploring different textures, shapes, and colors in the swoon-worthy arrangements she and her team create for weddings and other special events around the South.
From experimenting with unconventional materials to incorporating locally grown foliage into her designs, Kristin pushes the boundaries to produce “living pieces of art.” She believes fresh flowers can transform any moment into a celebration and offers flower subscriptions, floral design workshops, and more. Get to know this inventive FACE of Memphis!
Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Memphis?
I am originally from Chicago. We came to Memphis 16 years ago when my husband got a job with FedEx.
Tell us a little bit about your background. How and when did you first discover your passion for floral design?
I come from a creative family and have always loved fashion, interior design, and art. I realized in high school that I loved creating with my hands. In college, I was obsessed with Martha Stewart and had every wedding magazine ever published. I started playing with flowers and trying to learn as much as I could about design. At the time, no Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram existed. So, I was self-taught in the beginning. Eventually, I was able to attend workshops, work in shops, and start doing flowers for friends.
What inspired you to launch Everbloom?
I was a stay-at-home mom but wanted to explore floral design further. I just happened to meet a designer in a store and started working for her. I learned so much about the business and the production of weddings from that experience. She actually named my company! I had a small business at the time making fabric floral hair accessories. That is how Everbloom came to be, and when I started my own floral design business, I kept the name.
What was your initial vision for Everbloom, and how has that grown?
I started out just wanting to cultivate my passion for design and be creative while raising my children. I realized how much I loved it and that I could make it a business. I did weddings for many years out of my house. As the business grew, I had to find a bigger space, so I moved into our current location on Broad Avenue in 2018. It was just my studio for a while, and I taught classes. In 2019, I decided to open the retail shop.
What makes your floral studio and flower shop unique?
We see flowers as our medium to create art. Each arrangement is unique and designed with intention. We use non-traditional ingredients like farm-grown flowers and often forage foliage and fillers to create an even more unique arrangement. The shop is pretty much a carbon copy of my house. I want people to feel at home in our space. We often get feedback from customers that that is how it feels and that it’s one of their happy places.
How would you describe your floral design style, and where do you find inspiration?
It’s mostly an ethereal, whimsical style with a major focus on texture and color. I’m heavily influenced by Dutch Master floral paintings and art history. Recently, we have been exploring a more minimal and sculptural design aesthetic.
When I started in Memphis, there were very few local flower growers. Now, there are several, and we are able to purchase from a farmer’s wholesale market every week! Some flowers don’t ship well … locally grown are always better and longer lasting.
What is the secret to creating a standout floral arrangement from what you have on hand?
Take one of my classes! The important thing is to do it all the time. With time and trial and error, you improve your skills. Even if you just have simple blooms in a vase, the mental health benefits of fresh flowers are scientifically proven to be effective.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Being part of so many celebrations of love for couples. Though flowers don’t last forever, the memories of the beautiful event are immortalized in their photos.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I have been training my staff to produce weddings on their own. This will allow me to focus on building and marketing the retail floral shop and doing more classes. I really love teaching. Our space is too small now, but I hope to find a bigger location where we can do classes. Also, I hope to collaborate with local businesses to do custom floral arrangements and dry or silk installations. I’m excited about collaborating with the new Memphis restaurant, JEM.
Name three things you can’t live without.
Floral snips, lipstick, and my reminder app!
And, our final lightning round of questions!
Last delicious local meal? JEM
Favorite vacation spot? Mexico
Favorite flower? Dutch tulip
Book(s) on your bedside table? Living with Flowers
Go-to birthday gift (to give)? Flowers, of course!
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Thank you, Kristin! Check out Everbloom Design here.
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