We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lake Summar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lake, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
When the pandemic hit, the nonprofit performing arts organization I worked for was forced to shut its doors almost overnight. Like so many people in the arts, I didn’t just lose a job—I lost a creative community, a sense of stability, and a career I had built with intention. It was disorienting and scary, especially in an industry already known for uncertainty.
After the initial shock, I gave myself permission to experiment instead of immediately trying to replace what I had lost. I started exploring passion projects—creative outlets that had always lived on the sidelines while I focused on full-time work. One of those experiments was learning epoxy resin. At first, it was simply a way to stay creative and process a season of grief and change. I began making small pieces, testing techniques, and sharing my work online without any real expectation of where it might lead.
Over time, friends and strangers alike began asking if I could preserve flowers—wedding bouquets, memorial arrangements, meaningful blooms tied to life’s biggest moments. That’s when something clicked. I realized I could combine technical skill, artistry, and emotional storytelling into a tangible, lasting form. What started as a side project slowly became a calling.
I reinvested everything I learned from my nonprofit background—organization, client care, community impact—into building a business with intention. Today, I’m a full-time resin and floral preservation artist, preserving flowers from weddings, memorials, and milestones across the country. What began as a layoff became an unexpected turning point—one that allowed me to build a career rooted in creativity, resilience, and helping others hold onto what matters most.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the owner and lead artist of Lake Dessie Studio, a floral preservation and resin art studio based in Tennessee. I specialize in preserving meaningful flowers—wedding bouquets, memorial arrangements, and blooms from life’s most important moments—into custom, heirloom-quality resin artwork designed to last for generations.
What feels most special about this work is that it combines art, craftsmanship, and emotion. Flowers are fleeting by nature, yet they’re present during some of the most significant moments of our lives. I use high-quality silica drying methods and UV-resistant epoxy resin to carefully preserve each bloom at its best, honoring both its natural beauty and the story it represents. Every piece is custom-designed, and no two projects are ever the same—each one carries the weight of a memory, a celebration, or a legacy.
My background in the nonprofit world deeply informs how I run my business. Community, care, and storytelling are at the heart of everything I create. Clients trust me during very vulnerable moments—whether they’re celebrating a wedding or memorializing a loved one—and that responsibility is something I take seriously. My goal is always to create something that feels not only beautiful, but meaningful.
Professionally, I’m focused on continuing to grow Lake Dessie Studio in a sustainable, intentional way. Alongside custom preservation work, I’m expanding our offerings to include flower and resin electric guitars, larger coffee tables, and more exciting surprises!
At its core, my brand is about helping people hold onto moments they don’t want to forget. What started as a personal creative outlet has grown into a full-time artistic career rooted in care, craftsmanship, and the belief that beauty—and memory—deserves to last.
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?
A willingness to experiment was essential for me and my business. I didn’t start with a perfect business plan or a clear roadmap. I allowed myself to try things without knowing exactly where they would lead—new materials, new techniques, and new ideas. That openness created momentum. My advice for those early on is to give yourself permission to be a beginner. Start small, test often, and don’t wait until something feels perfect to share it. Progress comes from motion, not certainty.
Second, respect for craft and process made all the difference. Working with resin and flower preservation isn’t fast or forgiving—it requires patience, research, and a deep understanding of materials. I invested time in learning proper drying methods, high-quality materials, and techniques that would hold up long-term. For anyone starting out, I recommend treating your craft seriously from day one. Learn the “why” behind what you’re making, not just the “how.” Quality builds trust, and trust builds longevity.
Finally, intentional relationship-building shaped everything. Whether it was clients trusting me with their wedding flowers, collaborators recommending my work, or community partners supporting my growth, relationships carried this business forward. Early in your journey, focus on people more than numbers. Communicate clearly, follow through consistently, and lead with care. A strong reputation will always outlast a quick win.
If there’s one overarching lesson, it’s that sustainable creative careers aren’t built overnight. They’re built through curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection—and those are skills anyone can develop with time, patience, and intention.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who understands that what they’re entrusting me with is more than just flowers—it’s a memory. They value craftsmanship, patience, and intention, and they’re willing to invest in a piece that’s meant to last a lifetime rather than seeking the fastest or cheapest option.
They tend to be thoughtful and detail-oriented, often deeply sentimental, and they appreciate the story behind handmade work. Many of my clients are celebrating major milestones like weddings, anniversaries, or graduations, or honoring loved ones through memorial preservation. In all cases, they’re people who see art as a way to hold onto meaning.
An ideal client is also someone who communicates openly and trusts the process. Floral preservation takes time—drying, design planning, and careful resin work can’t be rushed—and the best outcomes happen when there’s mutual respect and collaboration. Clients who are excited to be part of that journey, ask questions, and engage in design approvals tend to have the most rewarding experience.
Ultimately, I work best with people who believe that memories deserve care, and who want their flowers transformed into something lasting, personal, and beautifully made. And its an extra bonus if they happen to love color!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lakedessiestudio.com
- Instagram: lakedessie.studio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/LakeDessieStudio
Image Credits
Jess Dani Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
