We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cali Golden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cali below.
Cali, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I remind myself that we are all the same. Whether we started from the bottom or had a little help. We are all one in the same and have the same amount of potential as the other. Every dream starts from somewhere. There have been massively successful companies built from nothing. They were and are the same human being as me. We all have a right to this life and all the ideas that pass through us.
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 own a floral design company, specializing in floral decor for weddings and events. I love what I do because its always different. Every client is different, visions are always evolving and trends change. The flowers, oh the best part. It is such an amazing thing to be able to work with nature in the way that you do as a Florist. I love every stem and how each is quirky and different and how you can base a whole design off of one stem that inspired you. I love being able to make someting beautiful and share it with others. Flowers are so important, whether for a big day or just another day. They make a world of a difference.
In the short time Calista Florals has been operating, my brand has been evolving and getting its footing. I lean towards natural and organic style, sultry, sexy and earthy. Sustainability has always been a pillar in my business as well. It would almost be very counteractive and ironic to not support the eco system as much as I can in my line of work.
I have learned that I love to create a very curated, highly designed look. Calista Florals will be leaning towards more intimate affairs with striking and impactful floral designs. I am also welcoming more editorial work in my future, looking to expand to a studio space of my own and offering deliverable arrangements.
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?
Ambition, the willingness to learn, and knowing I am worthy.
I started into the flower world in a small town local flower shop. I came in with no knowledge of flower design, wasn’t aware of even half of the flower types, the care, the dirty work etc. However, I was willing to learn. I would put in extra hours when I could, I would take flowers home to practice designing. I bought books, asked a million questions and so on. I had no shame in asking and “being annoying” or “persistent”. I knew it was something i loved and wanted to pursue further. I also got to see the behind the scenes of how a flower shop runs and a small business and I knew that that was possible for me.
Practice, practice and document.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration has become so important to me, I seek it out practically. I love working with like minded individuals and bouncing ideas off each other and leveling up ideas and being able to talk through creative processes with other creatives. I also just love supporting one another in this world.
I am looking for anybody who wants to do anything outside of the box, striking or impactful, on trend or not. Portfolio building things etc. I would love to collaborate with brands and retail spaces as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tr.ee/gY8JOYpvT1
- Instagram: instagram/calistaflorals
Image Credits
Sade Schmitz Shoot The Schmitz
