This process and project inspired and helped me emensly as I plan for a big move in 6 weeks to the next phase of my life from renting and working in basements to owning a farmhouse and spacious barn/studio on 2 acres.

I loved especially the reminicing with my mom which lead me to an important epiphany which I would like to share here:

The Problem: As owner of two creative small businesses www.littleflowersoap.com and www.sweetpfloral.com I am interviewed pretty regularly by bloggers, the list of questions they send almost always includes How did you know you wanted to do this? I know they are looking for an answer like "ever since I was a little girl I have known I wanted to play with flowers" but that wouldn't be true and I value being genuine, my real answer kept coming up.... I'm doing it for the money which isn't something you want to tell to a blogger because its gross and made me feel pretty ashamed just to think it.

The Solution: During my short conversation with my mom about what I was like as a little girl we stumbbled upon a few themes, I loved to pack a big bag and go out into the garden and set up camp on a blanket with lots of different books, blank paper , a set of pens markers, snacks, music, prepared to spend the whole day in nature discovering things and writing them down. I talked to myself for hours in the back of the car on long drives from Detroit to Tornoto and when asked to write papers for school i would often make them 3 x longer then the teacher requested. I liked to be left alone to do things my own way..... then she said something really intersting... I prefered a safe space to create without being critiqued BINGO!! The answer to my shame I didn't start my businesses for the money I started them because they enabled me to work full time in a safe space away from the fear, critique, judgment, or small mindedness of others.

Whimsical Rediscovery - image 1 - student project

Whimsical Rediscovery - image 2 - student project

My 4 collections revealed my hearts desire to cultivate and currate 3 quaint whimsical spaces

A sweet charming cozy farmhouse

A playful earthy garden with loads of lavender

A lightfilled studio with a small retail corner

Maybe it is my desire to "Choose All" in the words of St Therese of Liesiux but I choose to believe that the three things are really just parts of one NORTH STAR a cohesive complex of home, garden and business that play well together, compliment one another and serve as a whole to enrich my life and community.

Whimsical Rediscovery - image 3 - student project

As enticing as taking my safe space on a trip to paris sounds I think a better date might be to an inspiring independent garden shop or mabye to meet with a contractor!! The below polebarn studio will need plumbing, gas, insulation, drywall, flooring a furnace, AC a cooler etc etc and until that is done I will STILL be running the business from the house which will STILL look like a soap and flowers war zone so yes I think going on a treesome date with a contractor is step 1

Whimsical Rediscovery - image 4 - student project

The site of our new studio in Chelsea Michigan

Whimsical Rediscovery - image 5 - student project

Our first home an 1840s farmhouse just begging to be surrounded by split rail fence and lavender (studio in background)

Holly Rutt

Owner and Lead Designer at Sweet Pea Floral Design

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