Hello there! If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that my journey with North Wood Blooms began as a passion project at my dining room table. What started as a creative outlet quickly blossomed into a full-time business, serving incredible clients who love the timeless beauty of wood flowers. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of building relationships, sharing stories, and elevating North Wood Blooms into the luxury space. But what you may not know is that this journey led me to something else I’m equally passionate about—helping others build their own dreams.
The Shift from Business Owner to Coach
Running a business brings its own challenges, and I’ve learned so much along the way—many lessons through trial and error. As North Wood Blooms grew, so did the requests for advice from others in the wood flower industry. I began coaching fellow florists, helping them navigate pricing, branding, and growth strategies over on woodflowercoach.com and through private 1:1 consults. It was rewarding to be a part of their success stories and see how my experiences could benefit them. It reminded me of the support I wished I had when I was starting out, and I knew I wanted to play a role in empowering other entrepreneurs.
This led to a natural transition—stepping into the role of a mentor and coach. I
found immense fulfillment in sharing what I’d learned and helping others avoid common pitfalls. I believe that when we lift each other up, we all rise together. My heart-centered approach to business naturally extended to coaching. I wanted to create the same sense of support, community, and empowerment for others that has been so vital to my own journey.
A New Chapter: Becoming an SBDC Consultant
In my coaching journey, I saw how much small business owners, especially like me, in rural areas, needed guidance and support. That’s where my new role with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) came into focus. Having personally benefited from SBDC resources in the early stages of North Wood Blooms, I knew how impactful this work could be. When the opportunity arose to serve as a consultant with the SBDC, I knew it was the right step forward. As a remote business consultant for the Northwoods, I get the benefit of serving my local community in-person while having all of the power, resources and connections to the SBDC and UWSP campus.
Now I get to work with entrepreneurs in-person and virtually across Vilas, Oneida, Lincoln, and Langlade counties helping them create solid business plans, navigate financials, and scale their businesses. I’m bringing the same heart-centered, practical approach that helped me grow North Wood Blooms, but now, I get to do it on a larger scale, supporting a wide variety of business owners. It’s both an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.
Why This Transition Matters
For me, this transition is about more than just career growth. It’s about paying forward the support and knowledge I’ve gained over the years. I’ve been in the shoes of those just starting out, and I understand the unique challenges that small business owners face. Becoming an SBDC consultant allows me to help more entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life—whether they’re looking to open a shop, expand an existing business, or make a pivot like I did.
This new chapter allows me to bridge the gap between being an educator and a business owner. If you know me personally, you know that this new role is a mold of all the things that I love most, which is centered around helping others succeed. I get to combine my real-world experience with the resources and support of the SBDC, making a lasting impact on the community and economy here in Wisconsin. It’s a full-circle moment that I’m incredibly grateful for.
Moving Forward Together
As I continue on this path, my goal remains the same: to inspire and elevate others. Whether through North Wood Blooms, Wood Flower Coach, or my work with the SBDC, my mission is to spread beauty, joy, and success in everything I do. If you’re a fellow business owner (or aspiring one), I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to go it alone. There are resources, people, and programs ready to help you thrive.
I’m excited to continue sharing this journey with you and, most importantly, to help others find their own paths to success.
How this affects You as a Client:
Going forward from October 1, 2024 - North Wood Blooms will be a side-gig once-again and will only fulfill orders that are in-stock from the website. If you have ever wanted an NWB piece, it means that they will be very limited! So please for the rest of 2024, be sure to stay tuned with sales and events. I will be positing about what is happening at NWB online and sending e-mails to my subscribers to keep you in the know of offers as a much more direct approach to offer things like exclusive DIY classes and products until they are gone. I will be shifting my focus in 2025 to my commercial clients going forward so I can focus on the artistry behind the flowers while working on more limited, yet larger scale for luxury wood flowers that elevate your client experience and spaces.
For all of you who have been around since the beginning 7 years ago, or someone just visiting the site for the first time, thank you for being here and for your support. I am in awe of the beauty, joy and kindness that NWB has been able to create, spread and bring into the world with your help. To my Mom, Aunt Vicky, and Becky Stank - also known as Team NWB - THANK YOU. North Wood Blooms would not be here with out you and I am indebted to you for your time, friendship, and flower dying, organizing and fulfilling capabilities. I could not have found the joy in the growth of the business without all three of you by my side.