Meet Joni Pass

We were lucky to catch up with Joni Pass recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joni, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Creativity thrives on perspective. When I feel stuck, I step away from the project at hand and take a moment to observe the world around me. Sometimes, a new container catches my eye, sparking inspiration for a floral arrangement that didn’t occur to me before. I’ve found that working on something different helps me return to the original project with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm. It’s not unusual for me to strip everything out of an arrangement and start over, treating the process as a blank canvas. Trial and error play a huge role in my creative journey, and collaboration with my husband adds another layer of inspiration. We bounce ideas off of each other. Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we see things differently, but that exchange often leads to something truly unique.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Joni Pass, and I’m a wooden florist. My company is Joni’s Sola Ever After, LLC. I fell in love with wooden flowers while planning my own wedding. What I love most about wooden flowers is their beauty and versatility. They allow me to create beautiful arrangements that last forever, whether they are for weddings, home decor, or special events.

I design everything from wedding bouquets and centerpieces to prom corsages and boutonnieres. Recently, I’ve expanded into creating casket spray and wreaths, which has been a meaningful way to provide families with lasting floral tributes for their loved ones. These flowers will last forever, and become eternal to symbolize their memory.

My inspiration comes from knowing that my arrangements bring lasting beauty to life’s most meaningful moments.

I focus on showcasing my work through social media, vendor events, and word of mouth. I also love working with my clients to design custom pieces that reflect their personal stories.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I would say the three most impactful qualities have been creativity, perseverance, and an ability to connect with people.

1. Creativity: As a wooden florist, creativity is at the heart of everything I do. Designing unique, beautiful arrangements that bring my clients’ visions to life is so rewarding. For those starting out, I’d suggest taking time to experiment, practice, and find your unique style.

2. Perseverance: Building a business has its challenges, and there were times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But staying focused and pushing through those moments has made all the difference. For anyone starting out, I’d say embrace the setbacks- they’re often where you learn the most. Celebrate small victories, and remember that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

3. Connection: One of the most rewarding parts of my work is forming genuine connections with my clients. Listening to their stories and understanding their needs has helped me create pieces that truly resonate. It’s about more that providing a product or service- it’s about creating an experience that people remember and want to share.

Advise for the journey: Start small and stay true to your passion. Take the time to understand your craft, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from mentors or others in your field. Surround yourself with a supportive community and keep your eyes on your “why” – the reason you started in the first place. That will keep you grounded and motivated when the road gets tough.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of my biggest challenges right now is transitioning from primarily in-person sales to selling through e-commerce. While I love the personal interaction of working with clients face-to-face, I’ve realized that creating an online presence is essential for reaching a broader audience and scaling my business.

Starting a website has been both exciting and overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider- designing a site that reflects my brand, showcasing my arrangements through high-quality photos, managing inventory, and most importantly, creating a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for customers.

To overcome this, I’ve been taking things step by step. I worked with a web developer that tailored my website to fit my brand. I’ve also been researching and learning about e-commerce platforms and tools for small businesses, like Shopify and Square, to make the transition smoother.

Expanding to e-commerce is a big leap, but I’m motivated by the opportunity to bring my wooden flowers to people who might not otherwise have heard of them or have access to them. I am relying on building trust and visibility in an online space where people can’t touch or see the flowers in person. It is a still and will be a work in progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.solaeverafter.com
• Instagram: Jonisolaeverafter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solaeverafter