Today we’d like to introduce you to Amberlee Gandy.
Hi Amberlee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a love for creating and storytelling, and flowers ended up being the perfect blend of both. I started in floral design during college at the University of Missouri, where I worked for Tiger Garden and helped with weddings and special events. That’s where I learned how flowers could tell a story — whether it was a bride’s personality, a family’s memory, or a season in bloom.
After college, I worked in the wedding and event industry for a few years before deciding to take the leap and start my own business. What began as a few wedding projects quickly grew into Floral Stories, a full-service floral studio built around the idea that every couple deserves florals that feel personal and meaningful.
My business name comes from exactly that — the belief that flowers can capture life’s most important moments and turn them into stories you’ll never forget. Over time, it’s evolved into something even bigger than I imagined: family-driven, heart-led, and community-rooted. My parents, best friends, and even my shop dog Maybelle all play a part in bringing those stories to life.
Today, I get to design weddings all across Missouri (and sometimes beyond!) while still staying connected to my roots here in Northwest Missouri. Every arrangement, every bouquet, every detail — it’s a reflection of the people and places that have shaped me along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not always! Like most small business journeys, it’s been full of learning curves and late nights. Running Floral Stories has definitely come with its share of challenges — especially while balancing other jobs and responsibilities. I’ve had to grow my client base, build systems, and figure out what it really means to run a business, often all at once.
One of the hardest parts has been learning to wear all the hats — designer, bookkeeper, marketer, delivery driver — and still find time to create with heart. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that people don’t always see, and it’s easy to put pressure on yourself to do it all perfectly.
But each season has taught me something valuable — how to trust my instincts, lean on my support system, and build a business that feels like me. It hasn’t been a straight path, but every bump along the way has shaped Floral Stories into what it is today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the owner and lead designer behind Floral Stories, a floral studio based in Northwest Missouri that specializes in weddings and events. I focus on creating designs that feel intentional, personal, and full of heart — arrangements that don’t just look pretty, but actually tell a story.
Every couple I work with has a story that deserves to be reflected in their flowers — whether that’s through color, texture, or the way the designs move together. My favorite part is translating their personality and emotion into florals that feel like them.
I’m most proud of how Floral Stories has grown into something bigger than just flowers — it’s about connection, creativity, and care. Each wedding is such a privilege to be part of, and I never take for granted the trust people place in me to bring their vision to life.
What sets me apart is the heart behind every detail. I care deeply about how the experience feels from start to finish — the communication, the care, the presentation, and the meaning behind every bloom. It’s not just about making something beautiful for one day, but creating florals that carry a memory you’ll hold onto long after the flowers fade.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Floral Stories truly wouldn’t be what it is without my family. They’ve been there for every late-night setup, flower haul, and wedding weekend — always ready to jump in wherever they’re needed.
I’ve also been lucky to cross paths with so many incredible mentors and creative partners who’ve helped me grow — from my time at Mizzou’s Tiger Garden to fellow designers and vendors who’ve encouraged collaboration over competition.
And of course, my clients deserve so much credit too. The trust they give me to tell their stories through flowers is what keeps me inspired every single day. I’ve been so blessed with couples who believe in my work and allow me to design with full creative freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.floral-stories.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floralstoriesbyamberlee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floralstoriesbyamberlee
