Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Swihart.
Hi Anna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
10 years ago I was a newly single mom, looking for work in a broken economy. I had a gap in my resume from staying home to care for my son with autism. I was so desperate for work I was applying for jobs on Craigslist. But, that is how I found the ad for Urbanstems, a flower gifting company. Part-time, working with plants and flowers. I immediately applied. To my shock, they wanted to interview me. The hiring manager did not see the gap as a downfall, but as a benefit. I was one of the first hires in the Baltimore Urbanstems location. I fell in love immediately. The education that came with working at a startup is one of the best things to ever happen to me. After a few years the warehouse needed to relocate closer to DC and I was devastated. I just could not make the commute work.
I knew I wanted flowers to be my life, but I was not sure where to start after leaving Urbanstems. I started buying flowers once a week and practicing my design skills, watching IG tutorials and other free resources. I invested in a floral workshop, but it was mostly a scam. But during that time people were paying attention to what I was doing, all without me noticing. A cofounder of Urbanstems was starting a new company. Poppy Flowers. And so, I was one of the first hires for a remote wedding floral startup. Along with this was an entirely new world of wedding flowers. I worked with Poppy for 4 years, and became a stronger version of myself that I did not know existed.
None of this has been easy. I had severe postpartum depression and anxiety with my first son. A miscarriage. And a difficult third pregnancy. My oldest son has autism, my youngest was born with a birth defect and now has a speech delay. But my kids and flowers have always been my light and my motivator.
I was struggling at work for a lot of reasons, and was let go. That is when I started my own company, Revive Florals.
Something so wonderful happened when I did this. People who believed in me stepped up to support, encourage, and recommend me.
It has been 2 years now of running my own floral business serving the area. And I could not be more grateful for all of the people that I have connected with. Being a part of someones wedding is just so special. Sometimes I get so nervous I can’t speak or stutter, but trust me I am happy to be there! 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a very bumpy road! My mental health challenges and my kids special needs have played a significant role in my life. I have needed to take a lot of breaks and get back up again. It has taken me a long time to feel confident in my design skills, and I feel like there is always room for improving! The people that support and believe in me really carry me through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in custom wedding flowers, mostly for smaller events. I describe my style as wildly romantic flowers. Sometimes I wonder if I was a florist in a past life. I am self taught, but it feels natural to me. Some things are instinct. I am most proud for believing in myself and being brave enough to go after what I want in this lifetime.
Something that sets me apart is that I do not have a minimum spend. Sometimes I just make the bouquets, sometimes I do more. It is all special to me.
I believe that love is love, and everyone should have the right to get married.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
There will always be more and more demand for locally grown flowers. Climate change has been a big challenge for farmers in our area. Things are always changing! That is what makes floral work so exciting. Trends come and go, but a few things remain timeless. Either way it is art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reviveflorals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviveflorals
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/reviveflorals
