One of Accent Decor’s core values is infusing passion into everything we do. As advocates for continuous education in our industry, we are excited to partner with Lys Lytle of Flowering Minds Education. Lys’ passion for floral design and dedication to empowering others in the field shines through every aspect of her work. Her unique and engaging social media content, combined with her artistic vision and sharp business acumen, helps floral designers unlock their creative potential while achieving financial independence through the art of floral design. Join us as Lys shares her background and expert design tips while working with our best-selling Soprano Archway.
Can you tell us about your personal journey and what led you to floral design?
My journey began in the arts. As a child, I was deeply into painting and drawing, particularly portraits, and I’ve always had a strong appreciation for color. I pursued a degree in painting and videography in college, with dreams of becoming a cinematographer. However, concerns from my family about the stability of that career path led me to switch to graphic design, where I earned a Bachelor of Science.
Despite this, I quickly realized during an internship that graphic design wasn’t for me—I couldn’t stand sitting at a computer all day working on designs I wasn’t passionate about. Instead, I thought about going back for my Master’s in painting and picked up a part-time job at a local flower shop in Chicago to support myself. I was hired and did everything from washing buckets to running deliveries.
As I learned the craft, I discovered a real passion for floral design and decided to forgo my plans to return to school. After hitting a pay ceiling at that shop, I moved on to other roles in retail floristry, eventually working my way up to store manager and gaining valuable experience along the way. Tired of the harsh Chicago winters, I relocated to Austin where I took a lead designer position at a hospitality company. That role gave me crucial insight into the business side of floral design, from client consultations to large-scale event management.
All this experience led me to start my own business, Color Theory Design Co., where I booked weddings and large events. My husband and I later moved to Portland and continued to grow the business, focusing on organic growth strategies and SEO. When the pandemic hit and we had to close our shop. That’s when I started Flowering Minds. Over four years later, here we are!
What is your earliest memory of flowers?
I wasn’t much of a flower person until I walked into that first flower shop in 2008 in search of a part-time job. Growing up, my household didn’t value flowers; we were more about maintaining a rock-filled xeriscape yard than nurturing blooms. Stepping into the world of floristry was eye-opening. I was immediately drawn to the possibilities that flowers offered—textures, colors, forms—it was like discovering a new art medium. This was a pivotal moment for me, so much so that I was willing to abandon my plans for a Master’s. Working with flowers felt just as satisfying as painting, and it allowed me to express myself artistically in a way I had never anticipated.
When did it become clear to you that working with flowers could be a long-term profession?
It took me nearly a decade of working with flowers before I truly saw it as a lifelong career. During those first ten years, I never made more than $15 an hour. This probably explains why I couldn’t see the bigger picture—I wasn’t aware of the full range of industry opportunities.
It wasn’t until I became a lead designer at a hospitality corporation with its own floral department that things clicked. Suddenly, I was interacting with clients daily, conducting consultations, creating quotes, and watching massive events unfold. I started to realize how this profession could support my long-term goals as I matured, started a family, and even into retirement. It was a real turning point for me, realizing I could make a meaningful, long-term career out of my passion for floral design.
What is the origin story behind Flowering Minds?
Flowering Minds came from a need to adapt when we closed our shop in 2020. It quickly grew into something I’m genuinely passionate about. The concept had always been floating around in my mind. Having worked extensively in the floral industry, I saw firsthand the struggles many florists faced. I developed a business model that sidestepped many of these challenges.
I was a bit hesitant to put myself out there at first—I’m naturally more reserved, and the idea of stepping into a larger spotlight was daunting. But I saw the opportunity to make a difference. So, I dove in headfirst.
Today, Flowering Minds has served nearly 5,000 florists, helping them grow their businesses in ways that offer creative and financial freedom. I’m constantly on the lookout for new problems to solve, aiming to provide real, actionable solutions that make a difference in florists’ lives.
Who is Flowering Minds for?
Flowering Minds is tailored for florists who are eager to strike out on their own with a fresh approach. It’s for those who are tired of following outdated business models that continue to fail florists, causing unnecessary creative and financial stress. Our community is comprised of open-minded individuals who believe in building a business that works for them—rather than one they are constantly struggling to sustain.
This platform is perfect for florists who value both the artistry and business aspects of their craft. It’s designed for those ready to take on the challenge of becoming top-notch designers and business owners, who are just as passionate about mastering their design skills as they are about understanding the nuts and bolts of the floral industry. Flowering Minds supports florists who want to excel in both realms, providing the tools they need to thrive creatively and financially.
How does Flowering Minds advise and guide members on hard goods?
Having an extensive collection of hard goods can be a major selling point for your floral business, especially when you skillfully incorporate different vessels into the mood boards you present to prospective clients. Understanding how to style these vessels diversely, rather than repeatedly using the same designs, not only makes your proposals more appealing but also significantly elevates the final designs showcased in your portfolio. This variety helps in initially convincing clients to choose you over competitors.
I recommend that florists provide wholesale decor for events like vases, urns, and budvases without charging a rental fee for each item. This approach positions these vessels as a perk of hiring your services. Utilizing these items across multiple events can quickly cover their costs, eliminating the need for individual rental fees. This strategy enhances customer service, adds value to your arrangements by allowing clients to allocate more of their budget to flowers, and sets your business apart in a competitive market.
Accent Decor is an excellent resource for florists looking to diversify their hard goods inventory. Their wide range of options allows you to easily find unique yet versatile pieces that can adapt to various styles, boosting the aesthetic value of your designs and enhancing the overall client experience.
You created a stunning tutorial featuring our Soprano Archway. What features do you find most appealing or versatile as a designer?
I was so excited to work with the Soprano Archway because it’s a delicate yet strong structure. Unlike bulkier arches, the Soprano Archway doesn’t demand extensive coverage, offering flexibility in design. You can opt for a light, delicate arrangement or something large and lush by adding more chicken wire and bulkier mechanics without feeling compelled to hide the structure while creating a romantic floral archway for weddings.
What amazed me was how the Soprano combines a delicate appearance with incredible strength and stability. This is a standout feature I haven’t seen in other arches, particularly those with a garden-style design, which often feel flimsy and unstable under the weight of flowers or when exposed to elements like wind. The Soprano Archway, while appearing refined and elegant, is remarkably heavy-duty. It supports large floral designs without the bulk, allowing for creations that are more sculptural and visually striking.
Lys Lytle’s Essential Tips for Designing an Eye-Catching Floral Arch
Tip 1: START WITH A VISUAL PLAN: Always begin with a visual reference. Whether it’s a traditional sketch, a digital rendering, or an inspiration photo, a clear visual roadmap is crucial. This approach ensures you know exactly where to place your mechanics, achieve balance, and whether to employ techniques like color blocking. Going into a design blindly, especially under the pressure of an event, can lead to mistakes that you might not have time to correct. A plan is essential for creating a beautifully finished product.
Tip 2: UTILIZE NEGATIVE SPACE: Consider where you are not placing flowers just as much as where you are. Negative space is critical for creating designs that are balanced, sculptural, and aesthetically pleasing. While lush, densely packed florals is one approach, not the only option. Sometimes, removing flowers to preserve negative space can enhance the sculptural quality of your arch, adding to its overall impact.
Tip 3: BE STRATEGIC WITH COLOR PLACEMENT: On a large arch, you have ample space to experiment with color. This allows for more creativity with blending and blockings colors compared to smaller arrangements. Even if a client requests a color palette that isn’t your first choice, you can use the vast area of an arch to create something striking and harmonious. Think intentionally about how you distribute and concentrate colors to achieve the most pleasing visual effect.
Connect with Flowering Minds online or @floweringmindseducation on Instagram.
To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor, arch decor wedding and wholesale event decor including all new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com.
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