Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Seward.
Hi Jamie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been defined by a desire to leave things better than I found them, whether that was serving in the U.S. Navy, practicing law, my current role at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and as CEO of Repeat Roses.
The common thread is a passion for people and the planet. This led me to re-start Repeat Roses. The business originally launched in 2014 as a zero-waste solution for event florals, but like many businesses, it was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I saw an opportunity to revive this mission because I believe beauty shouldn’t be a luxury that ends up in a landfill. Today, we take magnificent arrangements from high-end events—think weddings, galas, and even the Super Bowl—and give them a second life. We break them down into smaller arrangements, deliver them to nonprofits to brighten someone’s day, and then return to compost the remains.
Getting here required a lot of ‘grit and grace,’ a lesson I solidified while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. That climb taught me that when the path seems insurmountable, you just have to put one foot in front of the other. Whether it’s scaling a mountain or rebuilding a business, I’ve learned that perseverance always pays off.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d love to say it has been a smooth road, but as anyone who has climbed a mountain—literally or figuratively—knows, the most rewarding views come after the steepest inclines.
The primary challenge hasn’t been the logistics; it’s been the restoration of trust. When I took over Repeat Roses, I wasn’t just starting a business; I was reviving a brand that had been forced to disappear during the pandemic.
The ‘roadblocks’ I’ve navigated include:
Rebuilding Relationships: Reconnecting with former clients and vendors required a high level of transparency. I had to reassure them not only that we were back, but that we were operating with a renewed commitment to ethics and reliability.
The ‘Restart-up’ Learning Curve: Inheriting a legacy brand means honoring its past while modernizing its future. Ensuring our ‘full-circle’ solution—from the initial donation to the final composting—runs seamlessly across different states requires constant vigilance.
Overcoming Skepticism: In the event industry, reputation is everything. Proving that we are a stable, long-term partner again has required putting ‘one foot in front of the other’ every single day.
I view these struggles as essential. These challenges have been the ‘way up.’ the mountain. They’ve forced me to lead with unwavering integrity and have made the success of every delivery—whether to a shelter or a soup kitchen—that much more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What We Do & What We Specialize In
At Repeat Roses, we specialize in the “meaningful second life” of event florals. We are an eco-conscious luxury partner that intercepts the magnificent arrangements from weddings, galas, and corporate events. Instead of these flowers heading to a dumpster at midnight, our team transforms them into smaller, charming arrangements. We then deliver that fresh beauty to non-profits to brighten the lives of people who need it most.
What Sets Us Apart: The “Full-Circle” Solution
What truly distinguishes us from any other floral service is our commitment to a zero-waste, full-circle model. Our service doesn’t end at the donation.
The Second Life: We ensure the flowers are enjoyed twice—first at the event, then at the nonprofit.
The Final Return: After the donation period, we return to the site to collect the blooms for composting, ensuring they return to the earth naturally rather than producing methane in a landfill.
The Client Value: We bridge the gap between philanthropy and finance. We secure donation receipts for our clients, allowing them to potentially offset their original floral costs through their in-kind donation with a receipt for their tax deduction.
What I Am Most Proud Of (Brand-Wise)
I am most proud of our resilience. Repeat Roses was a pioneer in this space in 2014, but like many, it withered during the pandemic. I’m proud of the “re-startup” phase—taking ownership to replant these roots and rebuild the trust of the event industry. Seeing the brand blossom again, knowing we’ve served clients both large clients, corporations, and weddings, proves that people are focused on sustainability and doing good for others.
What I Want Readers to Know
I want readers to know that beauty shouldn’t be wasteful. When you work with us, you are making a statement about your values. Whether you are a bride, a corporate planner, or a venue manager, we provide a way to marry celebratory beauty with genuine community impact. We operate nationwide and are ready to ensure that your most exquisite moments leave a legacy of joy and a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
How do you think about happiness?
For me, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s the byproduct of alignment—when what I do for a living aligns with what I believe in my soul.
There are three specific layers to what makes me truly happy in this journey:
1. The Power of the Gesture
The absolute best part of the process is delivering flowers to nonprofits.. We have to remember that for someone in a difficult season of life, flowers are a luxury they often can’t justify. When we walk in with these beautiful arrangements, you see an immediate transformation. The smiles on the faces of the residents and the staff aren’t just about the petals—it’s about the fact that someone thought they were worthy of something beautiful. That moment of joy elevates the entire environment, and witnessing that is a gift I never get tired of receiving.
2. Empowering My Team
As a leader, nothing is more professionally fulfilling than being able to employ people and pay them well. My background in the US Navy JAG Corps taught me the value of a strong, respected team. Being in a position to provide meaningful work that people can be proud of—and compensated fairly for—is a huge driver for me. Knowing that my business supports the livelihoods of my team while they, in turn, support our community is a win-win that keeps me motivated.
3. The ‘Clean’ Conscience
Finally, I find a deep sense of peace in the environmental aspect of Repeat Roses. It makes me happy to know that we are offering a solution that is as kind to the Earth as it is to the people on it. Providing my clients with a way to enjoy their big moments without the ‘waste-guilt’—and even giving them a tax benefit to boot—feels like I’m leaving the world a little better than I found it.
Ultimately, I’m happy when I’m putting one foot in front of the other toward a goal that serves the ‘Triple Win’: the people, the planet, and the community.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://repeatroses.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repeatroses
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/repeatroses/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10413482/admin/page-posts/published/
