Meet Stevie Flowers

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stevie Flowers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stevie , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience stems from my upbringing. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges that required me to become self-reliant at a very young age. I didn’t have the kind of support or resources that might make life easier, so I had to learn how to adapt and figure things out on my own. It wasn’t easy, but those experiences taught me how to persevere, problem-solve, and keep moving forward no matter what. It also gave me a deep sense of strength and determination because I knew that if I wanted to create a better life, I had to pave my own path. While those early years were tough, they shaped me into the resilient person I am today, and I’m truly grateful for the lessons they taught me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve been a tattoo artist for 17 years, and it’s been an incredible journey. Tattooing is such an exciting and challenging art form—there’s nothing quite like the rush of creating something permanent on someone’s skin. I feel truly honored that people trust me to bring their visions to life. I own my own art studio, Rose of the West, where I specialize in tattooing and embrace a wide range of styles. Staying versatile keeps my work fresh and allows me to connect with each client’s unique story.

Beyond tattooing, I’m also a painter. I love experimenting with different mediums and exploring a variety of styles in my work. Painting allows me to tap into different creative energies and continue evolving as an artist.

I also recently launched a new business, Petal Preserve, with my business partner, Huxley. This is a women-owned business that focuses on preserving flowers through pressing or epoxy resin to create timeless keepsakes. We work on everything from memorial arrangements to wedding bouquets, offering custom pieces that capture life’s most meaningful moments. I’m so excited for this new venture and the opportunity to bring more beauty and sentimentality into people’s lives.

In addition, I’ve started an Etsy shop where I design and sell apparel and other products. Whether it’s tattooing, painting, floral preservation, or creating new designs, everything I do is rooted in creativity. I’m constantly inspired by the world around me, and I feel so lucky to live a life where I get to turn my ideas into art that resonates with others.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue growing my businesses and exploring new creative paths. Each piece I create, no matter the medium, reflects my passion for art and my commitment to helping people celebrate their stories.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been resilience, self-awareness, and authenticity. First and foremost, never giving up on yourself is critical. There will be moments when it feels impossible to keep going, but pushing through those hard times is what shapes you. Resilience comes from trusting yourself and knowing that even if the road gets tough, you have what it takes to succeed.

Second, learning to take constructive criticism has been invaluable. It’s important to listen and grow from feedback, but it’s just as crucial to recognize when criticism comes from a place of jealousy or negativity. Knowing when to set boundaries and cut toxic people out of your life is key to staying focused and protecting your energy. Surround yourself with those who genuinely want to see you thrive.

Finally, authenticity has been one of the biggest drivers of my success. Staying true to who I am and tuning out the noise of judgment or negativity has allowed me to build a life and career I’m proud of. As an introvert, I don’t believe in spreading myself too thin or being fake just to fit in. Instead, I focus on expressing myself fully and allowing my art to speak for me. Being vulnerable enough to share your creative world can feel scary, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace opportunities to learn and grow. Be open to guidance from those who want to teach you, but always stay true to yourself. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels hard, and never lose sight of your passion and your goals. Art—and life—require vulnerability, but the more you trust yourself, the farther you’ll go.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, the first thing I do is take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect on what I’m grateful for. Focusing on gratitude helps shift my perspective and brings me back to a grounded, calmer state of mind. I also try to envision the things that make me happy and bring me peace. For me, spending time in nature is one of the best ways to reset—it’s such a powerful reminder of how beautiful and expansive life is beyond the stresses we face.

I also have two amazing cats, Hank and Oliver, who bring so much unconditional love into my life. They help me stay present and remind me that there’s so much more to life than worrying about bills or everyday challenges.

Meditation is another big part of my routine when I’m overwhelmed. I have a meditation altar both at home and in my art studio, and I use those spaces to connect with the universe. Taking even just a few moments to meditate, center myself, and ask for guidance from my spirit guides and angels makes a huge difference.

Lastly, reaching out to friends and loved ones can be incredibly grounding. Talking to people who care about you reminds you that you’re not alone and that you have a strong support system. My advice to others is to find what makes you feel grounded—whether it’s nature, pets, meditation, or connecting with loved ones—and make it a part of your self-care routine. Overwhelming moments are temporary, and leaning on what brings you peace can help you move through them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbysjflowers.etsy.com
• Instagram: @steviejeanflowers @petalpreserveco
• Other: In Etsy shop and website are coming soon for Petal Preserve Co