Meet Autumn McGrath-Shook

We recently connected with Autumn McGrath-Shook and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn , thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I talk about this all the time in my flower classes. Something that fascinates me about any creative field is that many people in that field will appear to be doing the same thing at the same time. Sometimes watching the trends in your creative field can feel frustrating as an artist because we all want to be differentt. We wish very much to do something totally unique. Somehow yet we often find we are on the same wavelength as other artists. You have to be brave and continue to enter the dance that we can all enjoy together. Our similar wavelengths are a complimentary vibration and not a dissonant vibration. We will all be gone in such a short time so we must dance together and share this important wavelength we were put here to resonate. . Artists in general are tuned into very different vibrations and frequencies in life and we all experience and ride the same wavelengths at the same time. We were put here to dance together and not to compete. It’s important when you find another artist doing something similar to you; that you remember that we are kindred spirits on the same wavelength and not to feel competitive or unoriginal. Music scenes, fashion, beauty and culinary trends, and periods of art; have all been part of our creative human concersation. The way to keep it exciting for me; and to not feel washed out in a sea of similars; is to try and predict what is coming next, given where we are at now. What do you feel coming next? Tap deeply again into your internal rhythm. You might have a dramatic vibe shift again. That is where it stays fun for me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The things I am most passionate about doing are floral design for weddings, events and funerals., holiday,, retail and corporate display, garden design, and original artwork. Funeral flowers, and being there as a servant for people in grief. are what I am most passionate about and what I consider my most sacred duty. I also teach floral design classes for both people interested in decorating with flowers and professionals. My classes are different because of my humorous anectdotes that come from 25 years of working in flowers. Teaching others about your craft creates more buyers and interest in your field, Do not be afraid to share your knowledge and experience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Drawing boundaries. Work by appointment only, answer email inquiry forms but not the phone, whatever, whatever it takes for you to be in total control of how people can contact you, Everyone in the entire universe will suddenly have hours of endless advice anout your new project or business. This will destroy your entire soul and sap all of your inspiration if you let them keep talking while you are delicately starting your project or business. Cut them all off and get back in your zone. You have to save your creative energy and focus it on your work and becoming excellent, if you give it away to everyone passing by they will drain you very fast. I made this mistake when I opened my floral design biz, I was open during the day for walk in traffic and they nearly destroyed me with all of the advice from walk in strangers. I went to appointment only with a couple of months. 2. Pricing higher. Again, dont give yourself away becsuse people will only come back for more and never reward. If youre not getting the clients you want; then double your prices and stand firm. Your audience will find you. 3. Speak to your audience and not the general public. This may seem obvious but sometimes we forget. Remember to stay focused on your ideal client and vibe and block out all of the static and foot traffic noise.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Collabs are a must for me for so many reasons. It is important that we work together and communicate constantly. I am always open to nearly any creative collaboration with an uplifting or peaceful message. I can be reached at [email protected]

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Jack Banks
Erin Maire
Evelyn Brennan