Meet Taylor Sweat

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Sweat. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Taylor , thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?

From as early as I can remember, I have used my voice proudly. In 2nd grade, I was the first to eagerly raise their hand to be the presenter at the talent show. In 4th grade, theater gave me a stage to scream my emotions loudly onto. In 6th grade, I was eager and ready to debate any topic in history class. Growing up as the loud, opinionated little girl in the room was both empowering and isolating. On one hand, I felt this natural pull to speak my mind and stand firm in what I believed, even when others didn’t agree. I was full of ideas, questions, and an endless drive to make myself heard. But on the other hand, I was constantly told I was ‘too much’- too loud, too assertive, too intimidating. It felt like my personality was a double-edge sword, something I loved about myself but was often asked to tone down.

Being labeled intimidating at such a young age made me question if my strength was a flaw. I remember thinking “Why does being bold and speaking out loud bother people so much?”. At times, it caused me to shrink myself. With age, came confidence. I learned to channel that energy in ways that could connect with others. It took time, but I eventually realized that the very traits that people once tried to diminish were the same ones that set me apart. My voice, my opinions, and my passion have allowed me to be commutative in ways I didn’t realize were possible. Now, as a business owner I lean into those qualities knowing that the girl who was “too much” grew into a strong, independent woman. I have grown to learn how to balance assertiveness with empathy. In conversations with clients and other vendors, I believe it’s about listening actively while confidently articulating your ideas and boundaries. Communication is all about balance.

Now in adulthood and as a female small business owner, I know that being told I am strong-willed doesn’t mean dominating conversations- it means knowing your value and expressing it with clarity and confidence. That to me, is the key to successful communication. It builds the foundations for solid trust, inspiration, and success.

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?

I founded Native Petals in 2020 after making the leap from marine biology to the world of flowers. While the original plan was to get into flower farming, the plan shifted after a client tasked me with designing her wedding bouquet. Once my passion for floral arrangements was sparked, I dove headfirst into starting my own business. True to its name, Native Petals specializes in local, seasonal buds, circling back to my love for flower-farming. I would describe my work as whimsical, wildly creative, and known for having a just-picked-from-the-garden look. Each bouquet represents not only the current season–from dainty spring buds to moody autumnal branches–but also reflects each client’s original vision for their flowerscape. My main focus within my business is curating florals + decor for large-scale events, which mostly entails weddings.

This year I get the keys to my first Brick-and-Mortar studio, and it is a dream come true (and a long time coming). This space will allow me to fully bring my creative vision to life, not just through the events I design, but also by inviting my community into the world of flowers. I am especially excited to begin offering hands-on workshops where people can come together, connect, and create.

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?

This is a fun question, because I truly feel I have a million answers here. To narrow down what I think are the most imperative would have to be these three things:

1) Creativity paired with quick thinking and problem solving- being a floral designer is not just about “playing with flowers” which I hear so often. It’s about turning a vision into a reality, often under constraints. Whether it’s limited budgets, tricky venue rules, or the worst unexpected challenges like bad weather, creativity has to be paired with adaptability.
2) Building relationships- strong relationships with other vendors and designers are the backbone of the event industry. Learning how to listen to clients and building trust with other vendors creates a smooth workflow. We cannot execute our events without a team, and this team is typically made up of fellow designers who are freelancing with you…These relationships are built overtime, but investing in them makes all the difference.
3) Floristry and being technical- understanding the mechanics of floral design. Get back to the basics. Color theory. Processing flowers- it’s vital knowledge. Knowing how to prep flowers for longevity or build a stable installation gives you confidence in your work.

Advice to ‘baby florists’ or someone who has a dream of becoming a floral designer? Stay curious. Never stop learning. Freelance as much as you can. Attend workshops, watch videos, practice practice practice! The industry is always evolving and staying open to new techniques and trends will set you apart. Find your voice and communicate. It’s easy to mimic, but the most memorable designs come from authenticity. Lean into your style. And last but certainly not least, build your network. Reach out to other designers and vendors. The floral community is incredibly supportive, and collaboration is key to learning and growing.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I go to a concert. Seeing live music reminds me why I pursued a creative career in the first place! The rhythm, the connection, and the beauty of the moment inspire me to refocus and recharge. It’s a space where I can simply feel and be, without needing to plan or create. That often helps me return to work with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s therapeutic and a fantastic outlet, allowing me to step outside the structured and detail-oriented world of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nativepetalsfloraldesign.com/
• Instagram: @nativepetalshsv

Image Credits

@amandalynphotography
@faunaandfilm
@valeriecallanphotography