Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Schrantz.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in floral design with my first job at a Hyvee floral shop in Olathe when I was 16. I grew up with one grandmother that is a retired florist and one grandmother who had very large gardens. I spent a lot of my time with my grandmothers growing up. Floral design was always interesting to me. I tried my hand at a few other career paths in customer service and banking and nothing felt like the floral design made me feel. Nothing else ever stuck. Floral design just comes naturally for me. I took on a summer internship in 2012 with a floral shop called Dutch Flowers in the Kansas City River Market. That internship I would say was my turning point into realizing that my passion is floral design, I learned a ton while I accompanied the lead designer to many high-end venues around the Kansas City area to assist her. After I graduated from that program, I went on to work in banking and I designed florals for friends and family. I ended my career in banking in 2017 to stay at home with my son. I took on weddings here and there, but being a stay-at-home mom took the forefront.
Fast forward to last summer, I had a good friend reach out to me who wanted me to make her a sola wood floral bouquet. I honestly had never heard of those flowers before but was intrigued and agreed to create her bridal bouquet. I ordered the flowers and made them for her. I shipped all the way to Utah from Kansas City.
I quickly realized my fresh floral skillset me up perfectly to create anything I could create with fresh flowers with wood. Only the wood flowers never die! The waste is so minimal. I reuse or find a use for everything. I no longer needed refrigerators, I no longer had to carry huge tubs or buckets of water. Before I was at the mercy of my fresh flowers life span and my Bride’s time frames. But with so many wedding dates shifting nowadays, it is nice to be able to provide flowers that will stay perfectly intact, exactly like the day they received them from me, even months in advance.
I realized I could be a mom, work from home to do what makes me happy, and find a balance for my family. My son and husband will always be my number one focus. Floral design is my passion.
So I created Forever After Floral. Unique floral designs that last forever!
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?
Getting me and my mental health to the point where I was ready for this adventure was my biggest struggle. I have overcome depression and PTSD over the last 2 years due to family trauma that started at the age of 7. I was always in my own way and didn’t believe I deserved to be happy or to do what I love. I honestly let several people along the way treat me as less than or unworthy as a person. I was probably the hardest on myself when I didn’t feel like I did my very best. It is still hard to accept that I’m making and creating pieces of art that people love. I had a hard time putting my art out there on the line to be judged when I felt like all I ever got was constant judgment.
I’m now proud of myself. I clap for me even on the smallest wins. Even when no one is around I clap for myself. I found self-love through mindfulness, yoga, a healthier diet, and floral design. When I discovered sola wood flowers they breathed a new life into me.
I find that my journey has been inspirational to many young women around me. I’m very candid about my struggles because how can I grow if I’m ashamed of who I am?
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make custom wood floral arrangements of all kinds! My arrangements are made with the highest quality sola wood flowers, dried, preserved, and silk products. Forever After Floral is available for weddings, special occasions, holidays, sympathy arrangements, and everyday gifts and decor. We offer local delivery and pick up. We also have booth space #1987 located inside of Vintage Traders Antique Mall, 207 w Dennis Ave. Olathe. Kansas 66061 Hours- S-M: 12pm- 5pm T-S: 10am- 6pm. We keep our floral booth stocked with plenty of arrangements, gifts, and home decor options.
I think I’m most proud of myself for taking steps to follow my dreams and to trust that I am enough. My customer service background has absolutely helped me serve my clients better. I do what I promise and say I’m going to do. I communicate and I am honest. Trust between myself and my clients is super important. I know florals are one of the biggest focuses of a wedding day, so I want to give my brides exactly what they envision. I really strive to be easy to talk to and make it simple to do business with. When others are happy, I am happy!
What does success mean to you?
I grew up with my stepfather who is a small business owner, and my husband has owned his small business for 7 years now. They equal success to me. I see the pride, joy, grit, the tenacity, the long hours, the almost no days off, the literal sweat and tears they pour into their construction companies. They do that all for their families. Are they insanely rich? Absolutely not! But they determine their own destiny and call the shots over what they do. They are able to provide for their families while staying true to their values and morals. Not to take away from anyone else who works their butts off, but what I see is the American dream. It doesn’t come easy, but it’s worth it in so many ways.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.ForeverAfterFloral.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterFloral/
Image Credits
Ashley Noel Photography
