Meet Allison Keevan Flores

We recently connected with Allison Keevan Flores and have shared our conversation below.

Allison Keevan, 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.

When I started my business, I was chasing my passions rather than following the familiar path I knew.

I was passionate about flowers.
I was passionate about how they could shape a person’s experience.
I was passionate about how they could transform an environment simply by being there.

What I didn’t have, however, was formal training in floral design. I hadn’t grown up working in a flower shop, nor had I studied for a floral degree. Instead, I taught myself—pouring over online resources, foraging flowers from my yard, experimenting with supermarket blooms, and occasionally splurging at a stem bar to explore unique varieties.

What I *did* have was a foundation in design. With a master’s degree in interior design and nearly a decade of experience in the high-end residential market of Naples, Florida, I had refined my creative eye and developed a deep understanding of composition, proportion, and harmony.

Still, it didn’t always feel like enough—especially when others projected their doubts onto me. They questioned my decision to leave a “secure” career for something uncertain. They worried about how I would compete in a saturated market. They couldn’t understand how I could walk away from it all—for flowers.

Those voices amplified the imposter syndrome already whispering in my mind. My own inner dialogue became the harshest critic of all:
“Why would anyone pay for your arrangements?”
“Who do you think you are?”
“Why would someone hire you for their wedding over a *real* florist?”

Over time, I came to understand that those thoughts weren’t truth—they were fear. Fear disguised as logic. A defense mechanism designed to protect me by keeping me safe, comfortable, and ultimately, stagnant. Because if I didn’t take the leap, I couldn’t fail. And if I couldn’t fail, I couldn’t prove the doubters right.

When I finally asked myself *why* I was so afraid of failing, I discovered that it wasn’t failure itself that frightened me—it was what people would think *if* I failed.
“I knew that was a bad idea.”
“She had no experience; of course she didn’t succeed.”
“Imagine where she could be in her design career if she had stayed the course.”

That realization was pivotal. I understood that I couldn’t control other people’s opinions—only my own actions, choices, and narrative. Living my life to meet other people’s expectations was not only exhausting, it was limiting. People will always have opinions. Someone will always disapprove. So why not follow what makes my heart sing?

Overcoming imposter syndrome didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a gradual, intentional process—and even now, I occasionally have to quiet those old doubts. But each time I do, I’m reminded that confidence is built through action, not permission. And that the only validation that truly matters is my own.

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?

I’m Allison, founder and creative director of Flora & Fauna, a luxury floral studio where every arrangement tells a story. I came to floristry from interior design, but flowers quickly became my true passion—their ability to transform a space and create lasting moments felt irresistible.

At Flora & Fauna, we craft experiences, not just arrangements. From weddings to curated installations in homes and businesses, every design is intentional, personal, and alive. I’m hands-on in every step, ensuring each creation reflects a story, a feeling, or a moment in time.

Right now, I’m focused on growing the studio while staying true to our artisanal, immersive approach, and sharing what I’ve learned through workshops and masterclasses. For me, this work isn’t just about blooms—it’s about building a community around creativity, beauty, and the joy of thoughtful design.

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?

Looking back, there are three qualities that I would say were most impactful in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to craft.

Resilience was essential. Starting something new, especially in an industry where I had no formal experience, meant facing doubts—from others and from myself. There were moments of fear and uncertainty, but resilience allowed me to keep moving forward, to take risks even when the outcome was unknown.

Curiosity fueled my growth. I didn’t have a floral degree, but I approached learning as a lifelong process—studying, experimenting, and observing everything I could about flowers, design, and the way people experience beauty. Curiosity helped me adapt, innovate, and find my own voice.

Finally, a commitment to craft set the foundation for everything I built. Every arrangement, every installation, every client experience was an opportunity to refine my skills, pay attention to detail, and deliver excellence. That focus on quality earned trust and respect, even without traditional credentials.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple but powerful: embrace failure as a lesson, stay curious and open, and always honor the work you do. Skills and knowledge can be developed, but mindset and dedication are what carry you through the most challenging moments—and ultimately help you create a path that’s uniquely your own.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who sees flowers as more than decoration—someone who understands their power to transform a space, tell a story, and evoke emotion. They value beauty, artistry, and intention, and they respect the care and creativity that goes into every arrangement. More than anything, they are excited to collaborate, to trust the process, and to create something memorable and meaningful. These are the clients who make my work feel truly alive—they see the magic in what we create together.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Anna Sorhegui
Kenna Schott
Sydney Lasala
Trenholm Photo