Meet Arrie Broussard

We were lucky to catch up with Arrie Broussard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Arrie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I left my profession to persure my passion. I was an Elementary School teacher, drowning in the day-to-day and constantly searching for a creative outlet. When I decided to leave that part of my life behind, I allowed myself the space to narrow my focus.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

MY STORY:
Petal Press Decor is unique home decor using fresh OR dried flowers from special occasions & more; pressed and designed into the perfect piece for you! All Petal Press pieces are created by hand in Lafayette, Louisiana by designer & owner Arrie Broussard. Petal Press was established in 2017 and we’ve been designing for customers all throughout the U.S. ever since.

It all started when I decided to quit my profession to pursue my passion. While trying to make my way through the world of teaching, I quickly realized that I wasn’t able to use my creativity as I hoped I would. As that part of my life came to a close, my brain was constantly thinking of ways to still positively impact people while using my creativity.

After taking bridal pictures with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, I was constantly thinking about what I could possibly do to preserve them forever. I couldn’t bear the thought of throwing them away; and while hanging them upside down on a wall is beautiful, I felt the need to take it a few steps further. One day while in conversation with my dad, I suddenly remembered pressing flowers as a child with my mom. I decided to take the concept of flower-pressing and add my own twist… and then, Petal Press was born.

This entire concept has been made possible with the love and support of family and friends; as well as a tremendous amount of help from my dad and the amazing shop that he has in his backyard. He always makes sure that I am fully stocked with cut & sanded wood for each Petal Press that I create.

Each new piece is created thoughtfully and crafted by hand, and I pride myself on each design being as unique as our customers! Whether flowers are fresh or years old, I’ll be sure to create a beautiful keepsake for you to cherish. Petal Press offers a wide variety of collections; including small keepsakes and jewelry.

MOST EXCITING:
Not only do I get to create, but I love the fact that I’m preserving the memories and sentiments that are attched to the flowers.

ANYTHING NEW?
We hope to dive more into large custom pieces (ex: 40″ x 60″)

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?

Individuality- I find it extremely important in today’s world to set yourself apart from the norm.

An eye for design- I’m not only hired for WHAT I do, but HOW I do it.

Persistence- Owning a small business can come with many uncertain times. Learning to adjust and trust your established relationships/customers is key.

Advice to those staritng out:
Allow your initial idea to evolve and grow as you learn what customers are wanting.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I am feeling overwhelmed with work, it’s typically due to feeling disconnected from what I’m creating. Authors get “writer’s block”… I get my own creative version of that. Designing, using your artistic brain, and trying to stay within the parameters of what the customer wants can all become very exhausting.

I find it helpful to put custom work aside at times, and focus solely on creating something that I want. It could be something personal, something brand new, something I might even hate once it’s finished… but the act of freely creating without the pressure of perfection is liberating.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Shelbie Louviere Photography
https://shelbielouviere.com/

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