Meet Payton King

We were lucky to catch up with Payton King recently and have shared our conversation below.

Payton, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

In 2011, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS) at the age of 16. I wasn’t allowed to drive, could barely go to school, and dealt with challenging factors as a teenager that other teenagers I knew didn’t have to face. I never wanted to be someone who was stuck at home sick. So, I started working at a small restaurant with some of my friends, and they or my Mom would take me to and from my short shifts. I want to say that I lucked out because I was always with someone I could count on to ensure I was okay.

In 2014, I met my now Husband and had been dealing with my autoimmune disorder for what seemed like an eternity. Shortly after, I was then diagnosed with another Autoimmune Disorder. (Fibromyalgia)
Then, I started working at my Husband’s family’s Florist, and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve been working at the Florist for ten years now, and it has been a challenge at times dealing with my symptoms, but our family is very understanding. I am currently the wedding specialist and assistant manager at the Florist. My passion has always been helping people and being creative, and I’m so lucky to do both.

My Grand Mother In Law and Owner of the Florist (Mary) has Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ve seen her overcome and achieve things over the years that I know would take others down. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways.
Without her, her help, and the love she has for everyone, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I’ve learned that even though I have autoimmune disorders, I don’t have to let that get in the way of me living my life. My resilience comes from persevering and not letting those things have a hold on me. I’m not particularly eager to talk about my biggest weakness, which can also be my biggest strength. Sometimes, it’s great for others to see that anyone can do it if you just believe.
My Husband always tells me that I’m the strongest person he knows, and those words help me get through each day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Currently, at the Florist, we’re entering wedding season, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. I get to be creative while envisioning the dreams of others for their events. We have a Harry Potter/Lord Of The Rings wedding coming up, which I’m most excited about as it aligns with what I love: all things Fantasy!

Next year, we’re hosting. “Calan Mai” by Beyond the Books Events By RMK at our Wedding Venue; Hidden Gardens Venue.
That will entail many activities and yummy eats, but I’m most excited about the flowers that I’ll be getting to create and showcase. Which will be similar to a styled shoot we recently did in the Spring.
This event will be like a smaller version of the Scarborough Fair.
It will be a knockout event, and I’m so excited to be a part of it!

My team and I will head to Oklahoma in late October to create the flowers for the “Beyond the Books Fantasy Retreat & Ball.”
It will be a luxury event, and oooh, do I have some beautiful ideas coming to fruition. Think dark and sultry, with jewel tones but warm and cozy.
Not only will we do the flowers for this event, but we will also get to attend, and I can’t wait to share how beautiful it’s all going to be.

We have some exciting things in the works that I can’t indulge in yet. It will be something we’ve never done before and hope to continue to do in the future. Be on the lookout for updates on our Instagram, and you might see what we’re waiting for soon enough.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Oh gosh, I’d have to say the drive to get things done. I’m constantly in a state of hurry up and be finished. You can’t wait around for things to get done in the Floral industry because you’re on a timeline. I’m harder on myself than I think is necessary, but it helps me achieve my goals quickly.

Another thing is keeping a positive mindset. Things don’t always work out how you think they are, and you have to be creative and find other ways to do it. It can be tricky sometimes because you can do something once and then have to start all over until the look you want is achieved.

Lastly, listen and learn from your peers, but don’t take it to heart. There are basics that any Florist should know before they begin designing, which I believe is the best way to get anyone started, but you should learn and develop your own set of skills. Finding mine took me a while because I was so wrapped up in doing things correctly. It’s helped me to do my research, and watch videos of other designers.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

I would have to say the book that has played the most crucial role in my development is “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros. Not only does the main character experience Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but the Author does as well.
I’ve taken tremendous strength from both the Author and Violet (Main Character).
Rebecca has surpassed her goals, dreams, and ambitions, which is admirable.

Not only that, but Violet (Main Character) shows how she’s not willing to let her brittle bones get in the way of her being her best self. I see myself in her as I do my daily work by never allowing my autoimmune disorders to get me down or get in the way of my achievements.

“But I will not run. I wouldn’t be standing here if I’d quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today” – Violet Sorrengail

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographers

Emily Wynns
lmosphotography1
cabreraphotography_video
Sadi Brooke

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move