Today we’d like to introduce you to Afton Johnson
Hi Afton, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I found a floral designing job through – Craigslist. Yep. Good ole’ Craigslist. She asked if I understood color theory at all and I painted/drew, so she asked me to bring in some work. I was going through a black and grey phase, ha, and brought in my work. She could tell I understood the depth and asked me to make something. I used blue and yellow, understanding they are complementary colors and the arrangement sold! I spent 2.5 years working under her before she closed her shop. I went into the tattoo industry as an Operations Manager. I say I earned my street degree—having to set SMART goals, understand how to meet those goals, and learn everyone’s motivations, supply orders, etc. I kept going back to flowers – taking apart Publix flowers and remaking them for the guys. My boyfriend knew where my heart was. He was doing demo work on a building and found a box of keys. He gave it to me and told me to think of the way I wanted my shop to look every time I looked at the key. He told me to put it in a spot I’d see it every day. It still hangs on my rearview mirror and I’m 4.5 years into having my own business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. I was terrified to start my own business. I left the tattoo studio because it was starting to turn me into a negative person and I needed out. So I went to another florist for a little bit to get back in the rhythm of things, then to Michael’s, Home Depot, before being an admin assistant at an HVAC company. All while trying to go to school for my Bachelor’s. I still have two classes left for that, ha. So I was stretched a little thin there for a while. A planner friend was the one that convinced me. I need to fully jump ship and have my business be the only thing supporting me because my clients were seeing my after 6-8hr days already. And that sunk in hard. I worked at the HVAC company for 11 months before putting in my 30-day notice to work fully for myself. And I was terrified all over again. Now I’m about to start my 3rd year as me and having my 2nd year go through Covid – well – that was a learning curve all on its own. But the thing about entrepreneurs, we know how to hustle and make it work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a florist! Like my name, my style is unique. I’ve been asked if I know what my arrangements or bouquets will look like and I have no dang idea ever. I know the colors that go together and go from there. I call myself the tiny, tattooed, traveling florist. I’m only 5’1, I’m covered in tattoos, and I do flowers all over! I’ve done an elopement in NY, flew to North Carolina for a wedding, drove to Georgia for three weddings to my favorite city of Savannah. I was supposed to go to Colorado for an elopement this year butttt… the world fell apart. I’m known for being very much some. My Instagram stories are my daily life. My feed is full of professional work. But the captions are still me! My clients are attracted to me because of my vibe and who I am. I’m honest. I say y’all. I’m not the average wedding vendor. Moms are always a little surprised when they meet me and see my tattoos. But I’m creative! Long hair doesn’t care.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be. Your. Self. Do NOT try to fit in to the round hole you square peg. Your clients will find you based on your personality and if you literally keep it real, you’ll attract your tribe. Also – the worst anyone can say is no, so ask the question! And don’t be afraid to say no to things you don’t want to do/don’t fit your brand! You will burn yourself out being a yes man and that’s no bueno.
Pricing:
- Travel – usually $200-300
- Middle package guideline – $2000
- Top package guideline – $3000
Contact Info:
- Email: fernandcurldesigns@gmail.com
- Website: www.fernandcurldesigns.com
- Instagram: @fernandcurldesigns
- Facebook: @fern.and.curl
Image Credits
Winship Photography, Nick and Lauren Photography, Photography By V, Tara Sproc Photography, Alex Marie Photos, Liz Cowie Photography
