Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Havenga.
Shawna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started floral designing as a hobby and posted an add on craigslist offering cheaper floral services in order to build a portfolio. I invested a lot of my own money in order to have portfolio worthy jobs and it eventually paid off. It’s been 8 years since that craigslist posting and I couldn’t be any prouder of what the company has become. We have worked so hard and it’s finally paying off. We’re at the top of the line venues and working with some of the best vendors in the industry. We have raised the bar even higher this year and I cannot wait to blow clients away!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly has not been a smooth road, a fun one, but I’d say it’s been a wild one. The wedding industry and wedding season is insanely hectic and stressful. One mistake or set back can really take your confidence down a notch, especially when you’re surrounded by really talented competition. The advice I’d give anyone starting a company is taking the risk, its ok to fail, it’s ok to be told no, but don’t give up. Use every mistake or set back is an opportunity to learn and grow. The longing for success should always be the focus, let it outweigh the fear of failure. Not trying would be the biggest failure of all so take the leap, don’t look back and give it all you got.
Please tell us about The Wild Dahlia.
The Wild Dahlia is a free-spirited floral and event design company created for the client who wants to set themselves apart. We specialized in untamed floral designs and have gained a reputation for large bouquets, lush greenery based designs, and over the top installations. From decked out mantels, flower-filled stairways, to cascading overhead structures, we can do it all. I’m so proud of our can-do attitude, as an entire team. We all get a little anxious walking into complex, big jobs, but the feeling of nailing it and blowing people away is almost addicting. We all love it and it shows. I’ve received so many compliments from other vendors and venues that the company is a breath of fresh air and I love hearing that. We are definitely a fun group that loves what we do!
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother for sure. She is the happiest, most positive woman. Even in the most difficult times she always has a smile on her face and the most beautiful one, too. She hasn’t had the easiest life, it’s been unfair to her quite a few times but you’d never know. She’s taught me to persevere and to always stay positive. When you fail or when life fails you, shake it off, pull your head up, throw on a smile and keep crushing life. Her experiences in part with mine have taught us that life is short and nothing is guaranteed, so take the risks, take the trip, live life to the absolute fullest and pursue whatever sets your soul on fire.
Contact Info:
- Address: 299 Oak Street Pembroke Ma. 02359
- Website: thewilddahlia.com
- Phone: 508-524-6942
- Email: thewilddahlia@gmail.com
- Instagram: wilddahla_
Image Credit:
Ramble Free Hannah Photography
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