Daily Inspiration: Meet Brittney Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Martinez

Hi Brittney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For years I worked as a hairstylist at an incredible boutique style salon in downtown Holland called Salon Cheveux. When COVID hit in 2020, salons shut down and I was looking for a creative outlet and a way to re-connect with people and our community. So, I began designing florals as a hobby and when the holidays came around, I offered bouquets for purchase. Those first holiday sales brought so much joy and were incredibly successful. It inspired me to begin looking at this hobby as a more serious business venture. In the summer of 2021, I designed my first wedding and fell in love with the work. It was then that realized that I wanted to go all in on flowers and build a business of my own. Fast forward to today, and I’m designing wedding and event florals right out of my home studio where I feel the most inspired surrounded by the love of my family. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to help create a little magic on one of the most important days of a couple’s life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In addition to being a florist I am also a mom, daughter, wife, and friend. It has been a big challenge to balance owning a business while also being a stay at home mom. It entails working late nights and really early mornings so I can work around their sleep schedules and be present with them during the day. Although it makes running a business out of my home a little tricky at times, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

This past summer, in July of 2024 my mom passed away. The week after she died, I had my largest event of the season. The floral community rallied behind me and made the event happen effortlessly. To be with people in their most joyful moments while I was in despair was incredibly challenging. The flowers gave me hope this summer. I had to continue on to make these events beautiful. The quiet moments I spent designing were peaceful. My mom was so proud of me and so proud of this business. Every event I design honors her. When I share my art with the world, I share the love she had for me, the confidence she instilled in me and the work ethic she taught me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a wedding and event florist here in West Michigan best known for my garden style arrangements and keen eye for romantic design.

First and foremost, I care about people. I am proud of the relationships I have built with my couples and their families as well as the community here in Holland. I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to go the extra mile to make things perfect for my clients as well as my genuine excitement and love for them and their wedding day.

I am also incredibly proud of the work Blue Jay Floral Studio has done to raise money for members of the community through seasonal bouquet sales. We’ve done these sales from the studio as well as held pop up shops with local businesses to raise money for individuals with breast cancer.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Early on in my business I joined the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. Through my local chamber I have made important and meaningful connections and attended networking events. All it takes is one connection to truly change the trajectory of your business. I have also never been afraid to reach out to those I admire within the industry and ask them if they’re looking for any help. This has led to amazing friendships, and I’ve also gained mentorship in this way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluejayfloralstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluejayfloralstudio/