We recently had the chance to connect with Katie Horisk and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I learn from studying famous artists and art movements—not to copy them, but to understand their choices, techniques, and ideas, and then apply those lessons to my own work in the form of flowers & floristry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a florist who approaches flowers as a painter would a canvas. I paint the vases, leaves, and flowers, and I’m deeply inspired by art history and famous paintings. My recent work explores the question: what would a famous painting look like as a flower arrangement?
I started my company when I had my son, Finley, and becoming a mother strongly shaped my purpose & why. The importance of having him grow up in a creative environment was initial goal and of course goals shift overtime. It has shifted into showing him that you can turn your passions into profits, and educating him on all things art.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had always been creative- but never really entertained it seriously or ever thought it could become a business. Years ago one of my mentors (who had seen my work ethic first hand) said you should open up a flower shop. He helped me get off the ground financially and guided me through the whole process. I am now the sole owner of Finley’s Flowers but he still gives me advice weekly and asks how the business is going. His belief in me is what triggered the whole journey and I am forever grateful for that.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Anxiety has probably been the fear that held me back the most—especially because it’s not something people usually expect from me. Learning to manage it through therapy, building my business, and leaning on a few close, trusted friends has helped me grow past it rather than let it define me. The business has allowed me to slowly push my own boundaries and mainly has just really helped build my confidence which in turn minimizes a lot of self-doubt and anxious feelings.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think intelligence can become limiting when it turns into certainty. The smartest people I know never assume they’ve arrived—they stay curious and open. Growth comes from questioning, not from believing you already have the answers. I heard this quote a long time ago that still sticks with me- “Once you think you’re ripe, you begin to grow rotten.”
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
No not tap dancing- but I am definitely busting a move in the studio when I am in the midst of a creating a flower arrangement and when I love where the piece is going. Good headphones are a must, the playlist needs to be over-the-top, and the space to get down are key ingredients. I probably dance at least 3 times a week while i’m working- maybe even more now that Finley is into breakdancing (he’s 4 and goes buckwild with his moves!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finleysflowers.com
- Instagram: @finleys_flowers
- Facebook: Finley’s Flowers
Image Credits
photo # 7 on pedestal: Mike Kelly
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
