We were lucky to catch up with Dusty Wehmeyer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dusty , 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.
At first, I thought I had to earn my place. More experience, more credentials, more proof. I’d walk into rooms feeling like an industry newbie. Like I didn’t belong.
But here’s the truth: imposter syndrome thrives in silence. It loves when you stay quiet, play small, or overthink every little move.
I had to decide: was I going to let the fear of not being “enough” stop me from doing what I knew I was built for? The industry that I have dreamed of being a part of for 10+ years.
So I started showing up as if I belonged, until one day, I realized I wasn’t faking it anymore.
Now, when the voice creeps in saying, “Who do you think you are?” I answer back, “Someone who’s earned every damn bit of this.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Dusty, the founder and brain behind the blooms at Poppy Layne, a floral design studio that brings bold, high-impact wedding florals to life for couples who want way more than a Pinterest copy-and-paste moment.
At Poppy Layne, we specialize in smart luxury, meaning we know how to stretch a floral budget strategically for maximum wow-factor. Whether we’re flowering up an iconic venue like Hotel Emma at the stunning Pearl in San Antonio or creating magic for an intimate backyard party, our approach is all about intentional impact and big main-character energy.
What makes our work special? Honestly, it’s the combo of vibrant design and a stress-free client experience. I’ve worked in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, so I know how to handle unexpected curveballs with grace (and probably zip ties). We don’t just drop off flowers and run, we curate an experience that’s joyful, easy, and unique to every couple.
Right now, we’re expanding in a few fun directions! We launched PL Blooms, our à la carte floral package for couples who need just a few gorgeous statement pieces. This is perfect for elopements, partial DIY’ers, or micro weddings. It’s a simpler option without sacrificing the signature Poppy Layne magic.
We always offer our Full-Service Floral Design for weddings that want the whole shebang: ceremony installs, lush tablescapes, custom color palettes … basically, the works of wedding florals. Whether it’s a floral-frenzy moment at a high-end venue or a garden-inspired setup in your hometown, we love bringing big visions to life.
No matter which route our couples take, the goal stays the same: make it fun, make it meaningful, and make it stunning.
More than anything, I want people to feel empowered, whether that’s a couple finally seeing their dream day come to life, or a creative professional realizing they don’t have to play small to be successful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey the most weren’t flashy… but wow, they were powerful:
1. Resourcefulness.
In the early days, I didn’t have help or endless resources. I was a 1 woman show. I had to figure things out on the fly, whether it was fixing a broken arch 30 minutes before guests arrived or reworking a design mid-week because a flower order flopped. Being resourceful taught me how to stay calm, pivot fast, and still deliver excellence.
Advice: Don’t wait until you “have it all together” to get started. Start where you are. Learn as you go. Google is your best friend. You’ll be amazed at what you can pull off when you have to and how confident you become in the process.
2. Clear communication.
Weddings are emotional, high-stakes, and full of moving parts. Being able to communicate clearly and kindly, with clients, vendors, and my design assistants has saved me more times than I can count. People don’t just remember your flowers, they remember how you made them feel.
Advice: Practice saying what you mean and saying it with care. Overcommunicate when needed. And always remember: your tone is part of your brand.
3. Trusting my design intuition.
There’s a lot of noise in the wedding world, what’s trending, what’s “safe,” what everyone else is doing. But my biggest wins came when I leaned into my design voice and trusted it. The more I owned my style, the more aligned my clients became and the more joy I found in creating.
Advice: Take inspiration, sure, but don’t lose yourself in it. The magic happens when you stop copying and start creating from within. That’s when you stop chasing clients and start attracting the right ones.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client knows that flowers aren’t just a “pretty extra” … they’re a moment. They want florals that feel like them: bold, intentional, and anything but basic. They’re not afraid of color (in fact, they love it), and they’re looking for a wedding that’s stylish, expressive, and full of personality.
They trust the process. They respect the artistry. And they light up when we start talking about statement installs, playful palettes, and creating a “wow” experience for their guests.
Whether they’re having a big party at a luxury venue or keeping it intimate with just their people, what they really want is to feel seen. And that’s where we thrive, turning personal stories and big dreams into unforgettable floral design.
At the end of the day, if they’re saying “I want this to feel fun, meaningful, and unique,” then we’re a perfect match.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heypoppylayne.com
- Instagram: heypoppylayne
- Facebook: Poppy Layne Floral Design
Image Credits
Angelina Loreta Photography
Erin Marcin Photography
Jessica Chole Photography
Moody Bleu Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
