06/29/2025
Closing the warehouse and painting over our hand painted tile floor today felt like high school graduation:
Bittersweet, nostalgic, proud, grateful and full of excitement for what’s next.
I’ve gone from art teacher to entrepreneur to business coach. From selling florals to mentoring florists to supporting small businesses across industries.
What started at a dining room table grew into a warehouse and a small team - and now comes full circle back to a home studio—with bigger vision and deeper purpose. My teaching ID went from elementary art educator to business consultant at UWSP. Still in education, but in a whole different sector.
I’ll continue leading and thriving in the wood flower world through wholesale and coaching, while also serving as a business consultant with the SBDC—supporting Northwoods entrepreneurs like me right where I grew up and where my heart has always been.
Like graduation, this shift carries all the feelings: nostalgia for what’s been, pride in how far I’ve come, and excitement (with a touch of nerves) for what’s ahead. It’s not an end—it’s a beginning. And I’m feeling like I did with that grad cap on nearly 20 years ago!
Have you ever had this same feeling as you’ve grown into adulthood? I’d love to hear about your “graduation” moments if you can relate to this!?
