Meet Heidi Knauss

We were lucky to catch up with Heidi Knauss recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heidi, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

To be honest, I haven’t.
In fact, I often still feel like an imposter.
I started my business without any specific experience in how to run one, and I’ve realized the myth that everyone in your field knows what they’re doing all the time. Shocker–they don’t. I use to think (hope) that one day I’d stop feeling like an imposter, but now I have a different perspective. For me, it’s not about eliminating imposter syndrome but about embracing discomfort and continuing to build my skills. I’m learning to be confident in what I know, stay curious about what I don’t, and to take action even when I feel uncertain.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The first time I picked up a flower, I knew it had something to say. My childhood home in Denver overlooked our family garden, and bringing those blooms indoors planted deep joy in me. I’ve since made Grand Junction my home, and as a Speech Pathologist for many years, I’ve witnessed the creativity in communication, yet I’ve always heard nature’s voice the clearest. As a speech pathologist, I work closely with patients to understand what aspect of communication will help regain their ability to communicate effectively, and those same listening and communication skills are essential when I work with clients as a florist. Whether Im helping someone navigate a health challenge or creating a floral arrangement for a wedding, it’s all about genuinely connecting with people.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ve had the privilege of working in hospitals during the winter, transitioning to floristry in the warmer months, which allows me to fulfill both passions. I often wish I had known earlier that it’s possible to pursue multiple careers at once, especially when they both bring so much fulfillment. Each field strengthens the other, and I love the balance of the two–being able to care for others in very different, yet meaningful ways.

Don’t feel limited to one career path. You can pursue multiple passions and still be successful, though it likely won’t be smooth, it’ll be messy, and that’s okay. The key is to work hard, stay focused, and learn from failure.
Success doesn’t come from perfection, but from persistence and a willingness to grow. So if you want to do both, then do!

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I’ve been fortunate to find some incredible women who are badass business owners in our small town on the Western Slope of Colorado. One person who has been pivotal in my journey is April Arnold from Kosi Events. She’s a wedding planner who, like me, is a female entrepreneur, but with a 6 or 7 year head start. Being in the same industry, she really understands the relationships, standards, and organizational demands that come with working in the event field.

What makes April stand out is that no matter how many questions I have, especially those that I sometimes feel like I should already know, she never makes me feel like an idiot for asking. Instead, she’s always patient and encouraging, creating space where I can learn and grow without judgement. Having someone like April, who I can turn to for advice or to talk through challenging situations, has been invaluable. It’s not just about technical advice; its about finding someone who’s walked a similar path and can offer guidance when things get tough.

I feel very fortunate to have someone like April, but I know not everyone may have that kind of support right away. It can feel vulnerable, like you’re showing your cards or admitting you’re not as capable when you ask for help–I initially thought the same. It’s actually been empowering to build relationships where I’m not the expert, but the one learning and growing. You’ll often find that others are more than willing to share their knowledge (especially women!). The support you gain from reaching out can make a huge difference in your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fiddlesticksflorals.com
• Instagram: @fiddlesticksflorals

Image Credits

The Foxes Photography
Cody Knauss
Kaylan Robinson Photography
Matt Davidson Photography
Bree Woolley photography