Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jarzombek.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been playing with flowers my entire life, foraging through my childhood gardens. Growing up, I never dreamed I would have my own floral business, it was always just a fun pastime. My background is varied, from a degree in Geology and Geography from Western State Colorado University, to working in the outdoor guiding industry, to bartending, I moved around a lot. When I returned to my Rhode Island roots, I fell under the creative spell of flowers and founded Pine and Petal. I felt the drive to start my own business and tap into a creative space that keeps me happy. My hobbies and work experience have prepared me well for quick problem solving and working under pressure, while finding balance in design. It is comforting to know my childhood passions fulfill me as an adult.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Floral design is hard work and people often don’t realize the effort involved in preparing for an event, The physical challenges of heavy lifting and working at a fast pace can make staying organized and tidy quite difficult. Staying calm while traveling to an event or during set up when flowers are most vulnerable to heat is also a challenge. Arriving onsite with happy flowers is always a good feeling. I would say that overall operations have been pretty smooth. Thankfully, I work out of my home, so my overhead is low, which has given me the opportunity to grow. Having a studio at home has allowed me to take on some really large events and prepare all week if necessary.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pine and Petal – what should we know?
Pine and Petal is a full service floral design company, specializing in weddings and parties. My designs are wild at heart, just like me, so everything I create feels really personal. I draw inspiration from my surroundings and the people I meet to personalize every design for a unique and fun loving showcase of color and texture. Pine and Petal is a symbol of New England’s wilder landscapes, with so much rich history it’s hard not to feel inspired. I love to learn about my clients and hear their stories, because that first impression is the jumping point of design for me. I aim to forage and source local seasonal flowers to add natural and organic elements into my designs. New England has some amazing farms, so it has been a real joy to work with local flower farmers. It elevates our relationships and community which in turn pushes me to work harder with incredible products.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am self-taught, letting my passion guide me, however I was fortunate enough to freelance with Hana Floral in Mystic, CT, which was always an amazing experience. I don’t assume to know everything, so any experience I get with other florists is mutually beneficial and positive. As I mentioned, floral work can be physically demanding and I owe a huge amount of gratitude to my husband, Sam. He has supported my vision for Pine & Petal and is there on special events to help set-up and keep me on time. His business acumen is a resource for me as Pine and Petal continues to grow each year.
Contact Info:
- Website: pineandpetal.com
- Email: ashley@pineandpetal.com
- Instagram: pineandpetal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pineandpetal
Image Credit:
Profile photo: Idlewild Photo Co.
Andrew Fisher
Love Sunday Photo
Amma Rhea Photography
Josh Behan Weddings
Rowanberry Lavender
Idlewild Photo Co.
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