Meet Hayley Sawyer

We were lucky to catch up with Hayley Sawyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hayley, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Inspiration for my flower art comes in all forms. I’m a visual creature so I’m constantly noting different color patterns, shapes, movement, and texture everywhere I go. I love to create outside the conventional art standards by using abnormal things with my flower designs like wasps’ nests or snake skin, and to challenge the normal composition with asymmetrical weight. Doing so allows me to keep trying new things and to keep pulling inspiration from the world around me. I’m grateful that my flower art also comes in all sorts of varieties so if I’m ever feeling burnt out by making flower frames, I can pivot and create flower cards or bookmarks or whatever feels right at the moment.

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

I am a queen of all trades when it comes to flowers. First and foremost, I have been preserving flowers for nearly 18 years, with the last 8 of those years being a small business mainly focusing on bridal bouquet preservation. I can press or dry nearly every flower having learned a lot over nearly two decades. I also create my own pressed and dried flower art, I can do wedding/event floral design, I can plant/grow/harvest cut flowers, and have hosted numerous corporate and public workshops.

I’m excited for 2026 because I will be hosting multiple flower workshops at Mr. Tombstone’s Coffee Emporium throughout the year. I plan to teach different flower projects and show off some fun stuff with everyone, so be sure to follow me for more information!

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?

It’s been a journey to get here! I learned many lessons through different jobs and careers I had, and many lessons were also learned the hard way by trial and error. The ultimate thing to remember is that the journey never ends; we’re constantly learning and adapting, so staying open to new things and being vulnerable has led me to success in ways that I never expected.

Three of the biggest factors that helped me get where I am today are below:
– Communication. Always communicate, openly and honestly. It will help set expectations and build trust.
– Balance. Make sure to take care of yourself personally. It’s easy to burn out when you’re one person business or artist, so it’s important to take breaks when you need them. Time is your most precious resource.
– Be nice. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts that leave the biggest impression with people, and word of mouth means everything as a small local business.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate and share some flower magic! I thrive on meeting new people and creating unique flower designs, so I’m truly open for any and all projects. If any of the below ideas sound interesting or bring a new idea to your mind, then please email me to talk more!

– Room & ceiling installations for businesses or homes
– Photographers who need flowers for photo shoots (floral installations, bouquets, flower crowns, boutonnieres, center pieces, flower arches, etc.)
– Local Marietta/Metro-ATL businesses who want flower arrangements or centerpieces (can be refreshed monthly, quarterly, or for special occasions). Vases can be made fresh or dried, but dried flowers last much longer and require no maintenance.
– Spiritual folks who need anything for flower wands, sanctuaries, alters, sage sticks, etc.

Email me at: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bearflowerspreserved
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/bearflowerspreserved

Image Credits

Applehead Photography