Life & Work with Kelsey Brons of Loveland, CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Brons

Hi Kelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts as a little girl growing up outside of town with plenty of space to roam and pick wildflowers. I would make small “weed” bouquets almost daily and bring them to my neighbor. As long as I can remember I held a fascination for flowers, plants, and growing things. My mom has always had a huge garden and flower gardens that I endlessly pick from — to this day! More recently, my story continues to 2017. My husband and I traveled a lot during the summers for his seasonal jobs with the Forest Service. I usually found random jobs that sounded interesting. This year, I really wanted to try my hand at a floral shop. I called around in Boise — the first two calls were a bust. They weren’t interested in I didn’t have schooling or any experience. My third call was my saving grace. They asked if I had any art experience; I replied that I have always painted and seem to always have my hand in something of the arts, ceramics, sewing, etc. I spoke to the co-owner and manager one other time for an hour — we were on the same page the entire conversation. They said to stop in the shop as soon as we moved to town. First day in the shop, I met Will; owner, designer, mastermind behind the studio. He asked me to do a trial arrangement as my job interview and the flowers just flowed into the pot. Day three at the studio and I’m working my first wedding with them. 15 hour days and I am in heaven. The work was hard — but so rewarding! Will was the best teacher, mentor, and flower friend I’ve had. He encouraged me daily, called me a “botanical badass,” and always believed in me. And that’s how my summer passed at Flowers at Will in Boise. Fast and wonderful. Never did I think that I could love a job so much. I’m so grateful for that summer and for Will! We moved back to Colorado that same Fall. I missed the flowers, the work, the creative process. I loved being part of couple’s stories and bringing to life the vision they had. I applied at a couple places, but no one was hiring. That moment was when I decided to form “Ardent Rose Floral Design,” because if I couldn’t design for someone else, I would do it for myself. The name “Ardent Rose” is multi-faceted. “Ardent” means passionate, glowing, zealous. When I was praying about the formation of this business, I heard Jesus tell me that as long as I was passionate and faithful, that He would help me do whatever I needed. To be passionate for people, for the creative process, the flowers — that as long as Jesus was in it with me, that I would be able to sustain that passion. To be honest, my passion started large and has definitely been tested a number of times, but He has always renewed that desire to be a floral designer. “Rose” stems from my maiden name “Roseveare.” Family is a big deal to me — and I believe as a wedding florist that it needs to be so important in the start of marriage. It’s everything! My family motto is “Under the rose, I prosper.” It feels so fitting that as long as I’m doing what Jesus has called me to do, at least for the time being, that I will prosper — under that rose, and with the roses in my hand.

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 not always been smooth. Over the last three years, there have been moments that are so high — but last year was definitely my lowest. I seriously considered throwing in the towel, but for some reason, I couldn’t quite do it. It has been a character refining, rebuilding process to own my own business, nonetheless having a creative business that requires me to put my heart and soul into a wedding or project. Ups and downs will continue to come because the road was never promised to be straight and smooth.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in floral design for weddings. I believe that my personal style is whimsical and wild, with a touch of romance. I really love foraging from nature and building upon what we find in the wild. I love unique textures and accents. I don’t really know what I’m know for yet. I guess the best is yet to come! Designing bridal bouquets is one of my favorite pieces. It is so integral in the whole aesthetic of the wedding day. It’s so important to have a bride who adores her flowers. They are the crowning jewel on the beauty of the bride. My other favorite is hair pieces. They are so much fun to design because they are small works of art — each grass, flower, or green is placed so perfectly. I love it when you can stare at a piece, and keep noticing different pops or textures, that you can keep discovering more about that artwork. I think what sets me apart from others is my attention to all the details. The amount of time and work I put into each piece and making it perfect for that person — drawing from my enneagram 9 to perceive what other people want and make that happen.

How do you define success?
Success is when I’m happiest being myself. Success is when I make a bride cry when she sees her flowers. Success is when I can draw out the couple’s vision and breath life into it.

Pricing:

• Elopement Packages start at $400
• Full Service Weddings start at $2,800

Contact Info:

• Address: Loveland, CO
• Email: ardentrosefloraldesign@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.ardentrosefloraldesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardentrosefloral/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ardentrosefloraldesign
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ardentrosefloraldesign

Image Credits
Shallyn Michelle Photography Maggie May Photo Samantha Ruscher Photo Afterlight.crtv