Meet Emily Gaffney

We recently connected with Emily Gaffney and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

In any line of business where your work is repetitive, it’s easy to grow burnt out. As a full time artist, I have faced seasons where I don’t feel as creative or passionate about my craft and feel the presence of hobby turned business strongly. I counter this by creating floral pieces for myself or my loved ones, investing time in other hobbies like reading, journaling, painting, or finding a new diy project. It keeps me focused on recalling how my business started- as a true passion to create!

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

Growing up, I always enjoyed DIY projects and had many hobbies. I inherited my creative side from my dad, and I always knew I wanted to succeed in a career that allowed me to share my creativity with others. However, I struggled to identify what that career could be. I opened an Etsy shop in 2019 and experimented with various projects that didn’t quite resonate with me.
In 2020, after losing my grandmother, my sister suggested that we press some of her memorial flowers and incorporate them into pieces for my wedding. I had no idea there was an entire world of professional floral preservation. Thanks to social media, I learned more about the art of pressing flowers and established Mayflower Artistry in the winter of 2022. Since then, I have created over 300 pieces and have met so many wonderful people, sharing their stories through pressed flowers and creating genuinely one-of-a-kind art. I’m excited for the future of Mayflower Artistry and always try to set small achievable goals! I have some new products I have been working on for some time now and can’t wait to launch them on my website soon- I frequently post on Instagram with updates to my shop and stay connected with clients both past, present, and future.

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?

The three things that have most impacted this venture have been community, Jesus, and coffee! When in doubt, there is always coffee! Truthfully, I was super intentional about waiting for God to lead me where I was meant to be, as I was in between jobs. It was a true season of practicing patience. Community is also so important. I leaned into the support of my friends, family, and those who know more about running a small business; I honestly had no idea where to begin! I have met some lovely friends through this hobby-turned-business, from florists to photographers and even fellow floral preservationists worldwide! It has helped make this journey all the more special. My advice for those starting off is don’t let fear prevent you from asking for help! Build your community because it’s one YOU get to decide to share this journey with!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

The past couple of years, let alone the past twelve months, have been challenging yet so rewarding at the same time. Being able to find confidence while battling imposter syndrome above everything. On the business side, I don’t enjoy wearing all the pants or strive to be a boss babe because I don’t believe I have the strength to wear them proudly, but what I do have is my art. It is truly an extension of myself that I pour so much into. I’ve slowly been figuring out the business side and trying to find more joy in it. Again, this is where community comes in! The support means everything!

I have also become more of an extrovert, funny enough! I love meeting new people, whether it be clients or newfound friends, through the wedding industry! It is so fun and fills my cup. I would not trade this for the world, and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to share my gift with whoever will allow me to!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Anne Casey Photography

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