Today we’d like to introduce you to Matty Lockhart.
Hi Matty, 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?
Floral design found me, and like a stray cat, I let it in and never let it go. Our story begins when I needed a job while attending Lake Superior State University for Marketing. I began as a delivery driver and quickly thereafter learned everything I could about flowers. It sparked my creativity in a new way that I loved. Floral design’s ephemeral nature means allows you to create something unique each time, and there’s always room for more because their beauty is fleeting.
After working for a retail florist for 10 years, I decided to start my own home floral studio in 2019 with my partner, Dave. Our mission from the beginning was to minimize waste, reuse materials, and always source locally grown flowers when possible. In my time at a retail florist I had learned to design florals for weddings, funerals and everything in between, but saw flaws in the impact on the environmental impacts of using floral foam and exclusively imported flowers.
May of 2019 was our business debut with a sold out Mother’s Day pop up shop. Almost 7 years later, we’ve designed dozens of weddings, sourced thousands of dollars of locally grown flowers, had numerous pop ups, flower bars, workshops, designed hundreds of floral subscription bouquets and arrangements, and collaborated with several small businesses in the Sault to bring unique offerings to our area. To this day, we’re proud to say we never used floral foam in any of these designs. Implementing sustainable floristry techniques will never go out of style and we’re happy to continue to offer this option for the people of Eastern Upper Peninsula.
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?
Our first year was not at all what we expected, with the Covid-19 pandemic beginning 10 months after we launched our business. We had unintentionally positioned well for pandemic-times with online sales, no contact delivery, and mainly virtual communication since we’re a home studio without a bricks-and-mortar storefront. It felt like validation that we were doing the right thing, and we continued to book weddings, subscriptions, and design florals for all types of events and one-off occasions.
One of our struggles is providing a luxury product in a remote, rural area where large events are lacking. We make up for it with subscriptions, more smaller events, collaborations, and freelance floral services. We’re always looking for creative ways to share florals with folks in our area.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Since one of Bloom Co.’s pillars of business is sustainability, I’ve tried many mediums to use leftover flowers. I save stems to dry and create everlasting floral arrangements and wreaths and crush dry petals to make a unique kind of framed art (think sand art).
Creating fresh floral installations is an art form its own. I’ve collaborated with musicians (shout out to Tyler Dettloff & The Go Rounds) to design exciting floralscapes for live shows. I’ve also created floral photo booths for local events. I’m always proud to have florals in public spaces.
Two years ago, I began digitally illustrating my own photos of flowers. Now, we offer custom illustrations for wedding bouquets as an add-on keepsake for the couple, as well as create greeting cards, stickers, and prints in our online store. I secretly enjoy designing greeting cards and stickers as much as floral design!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being in a rural area, I have drawn a lot of inspiration from other florists and flower farmers online, largely on social media. I met many florists throughout Michigan by connecting online, and eventually offering freelance floral design services. Freelancing is an excellent way to utilize your skill and meet like-minded people in your industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloomcosault.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bloomcosault
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/bloomcosault
