Story & Lesson Highlights with Mary Wilson of Charleston SC

We recently had the chance to connect with Mary Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Since selling the venue, I’ve found a new kind of joy in life. Running the venue was wonderful, but it filled up most of my days. Now, I finally have time for things I’ve wanted to do for years—like working in my flower garden, spending more time with family, friends, and my pets, and just enjoying the simple moments at home.

I also get to spend more time in my floral shop, trying out new ideas and creating designs just for the fun of it—or with a client in mind. One of my favorite parts now is going with couples to tour different venues. Each place has its own charm, and it’s exciting to walk through with them, talk about possibilities, and see their excitement grow as they picture their wedding day there.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been in love with weddings for 19 years. My journey started in North Charleston, where I partnered with a venue and fell in love with the magic of catering, planning, and design. A few years later, I took a leap and built my dream venue by remodeling a charming 1940s home. For 10 years, I had the joy of hosting couples and creating unforgettable moments there.

When it came time to sell the venue, my amazing team and I knew our story wasn’t ending—it was just changing. We wanted to pour all of our passion into what we love most: creating wedding dreams. Now, we get the thrill of traveling to beautiful venues throughout the area, handling planning, floral design, and coordination. Every wedding is a new adventure, and for us, there’s nothing more rewarding than bringing a couple’s vision to life.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would be my mother. She had me later in life—at 49—and she was such a strong woman. She always believed in me, spent time with me, and encouraged me to follow my path. She taught me that every person deserves to be treated with the same respect, no matter their wealth or race, and that your word and your reputation are treasures you only get once. Even in her very last days, she never stopped encouraging me. Even in her last days, she still encouraged me. Her words still remain with me today.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s not one thing. It’s a few but it all wraps up to believing in you!
I’d tell my younger self: The world isn’t as big or scary as you think. Slow down—life is going to happen no matter what, and some things are just out of your control. Be happy with what you have, but always keep pushing to be your best. Remember, there will always be someone who loves you dearly. Never let anyone make you doubt yourself—believe in you! Don’t let anyone steal your dreams, and never forget, it’s never too late to go after them.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of me the real me? Yes, very much so. I truly enjoy meeting people, hearing their stories, and helping bring their dreams to life. I’m detail-oriented by nature—I like to double-check and make sure everything is just as it should be. While I enjoy having fun and keeping things lighthearted, I also take my work seriously. When there’s a job to be done, my team and I are committed to giving it our very best.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Absolutely! I’ve always loved planning weddings, but floral design is what truly makes me feel like I’m “tap dancing to work.” There’s something magical about taking a vision and bringing it to life with flowers—the colors, textures, and creativity just make me light up inside. It never feels like work because it’s where my passion really shines. But the very best part is seeing my couples walk into the room for the first time, watching their faces light up, and knowing that every detail is exactly what they dreamed of. Those smiles are my greatest reward, and that’s when I’m reminded that I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Bill Thornley Photography

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.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than