Daily Inspiration: Meet Devan Butler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devan Butler.

Hi Devan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved flowers—the meaning behind them, the way they mark every celebration and season of life. But my journey into floral design wasn’t a straight line.

I started out gardening, simply drawn to the beauty of growing things. At the time, I was working in marketing, which I enjoyed in some ways, but the positions I held didn’t give me the creative outlet I craved. I wanted to create something more tangible—something that connected emotion, nature, and artistry.

That led me to start flower farming. I began selling at local farm markets, growing my own blooms and connecting with people who shared the same love for flowers. Over time, I started booking wedding work—and that’s when it clicked. I realized how much I loved designing, crafting bouquets, and creating arrangements that tell a story.

Since then, I’ve transitioned and rebranded into a wedding and event floral designer. I’ve continued to take classes and study design online to refine my skills and grow as an artist. Every event still feels special to me—each one is a chance to create something meaningful and unforgettable through flowers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been rewarding, but certainly not without its challenges. One of the biggest has been learning how to source flowers locally and create designs that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. I’m passionate about sustainability and designing in a way that honors nature, which means avoiding floral foam and supporting local growers whenever possible.

In Northern Michigan, that’s not always easy—our growing season is short, and availability can change week to week. It’s taught me to be flexible and resourceful, adapting color palettes and mechanics to work with what’s in season. There’s a balance between staying true to my values and meeting the expectations of modern wedding clients who dream of certain blooms year-round.

Still, those challenges have shaped my creative approach. They’ve pushed me to think outside the box, elevate my design techniques, and build stronger relationships with local farmers and wholesalers. In the end, the effort it takes to design sustainably makes each piece feel even more meaningful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding and event floral designer based in Northern Michigan, specializing in creating artful, garden-inspired arrangements that feel organic, romantic, and deeply personal. My work blends fine art design with a focus on sustainability—using seasonal, locally sourced blooms whenever possible and foam-free techniques that honor both the environment and the natural beauty of flowers.

What sets my work apart is my background in marketing and storytelling. I approach each event as a visual narrative—every color palette, texture, and bloom working together to reflect the couple’s personality and setting. I’m most proud of how my business has evolved from a small flower farm into Bramble Floral Design, a studio rooted in artistry, authenticity, and connection.

For me, flowers are more than decoration—they’re emotion made visible. Each design tells a story, and I feel incredibly lucky that my work allows me to help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments in such a beautiful, intentional way.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
looking back, I’ve always been a mix of creative and social. Every report card said something along the lines of “Devan is well liked by her classmates,” which was really just a nice way of saying I talked too much. No matter where the teacher moved me, I’d make a new friend and keep the conversation going.

I was constantly creating things—drawing, crafting, and coming up with little business ideas. I’d make bracelets and pen dolls, then go door-to-door trying to sell them. I always had a lemonade stand in the summer. I think that blend of creativity and entrepreneurship has been with me since childhood—it’s the same energy that led me to build my floral design business today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bramblefloral.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bramblefloraldesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrambleBeeGardens