Conversations with the Inspiring Amber Mustain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Mustain.

Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My floral career started out as a fun, part-time job as a delivery driver for our local florist. Everyone wanted to work for Mayer Flower shop! It was a mother/daughter owned shop that had been in town almost 75 years. When I went to college, I worked part-time at a couple of flower shops and my senior year, I managed a store. I have a marketing degree, but when my husband and I moved to Colorado Springs in 2004, I decided that working in a corporate setting wasn’t for me. I was hired at a high-end flower shop and was fortunate to work with some amazing designers. They taught me so many things, and I’m forever grateful for their guidance.

In 2008, I opened a retail shop in Falcon. It was the hardest four years of my life. I was 28 years old with dreams of having a mother/daughter flower shop in a small town with my daughter, who was three at the time. Unfortunately, the economy crashed, and I eventually had to close my doors. It was painful, but I learned so many valuable lessons that have helped me build the business I have today. After closing my doors, I decided to focus strictly on wedding and special events. I have a home studio and have loved creating unique floral designs for such special occasions.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. I don’t think any business succeeds without struggles. I was young when I opened my retail shop, and on paper, it looked financially sustainable. Unfortunately, with the economy crashing six months into my first business, things didn’t end up the way I had hoped. However, I learned so much. I learned to run my finances better, I had a better understanding of what worked and what didn’t in marketing and sometimes you have to shift your business model to succeed. I would encourage anyone wanting to start a business to be open-minded when it comes to the expectation of what you think your business should look like. It’s going to ebb and flow throughout the years, and you have to be able to move with it. Build a business that reflects your goals and priorities in life. It looks different for everyone. Don’t be afraid to fail. In failure comes wisdom and growth!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Amber Mustain Floral Design and Stylings story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a floral designer that specializes in weddings, personal and corporate events, as well as a floral educator that loves to teach people the basics of design. My designs are organic and natural with lots of movement and texture. I love using unique botanicals and foliage that you don’t see every day. I also love to play with color. Blending colors to create gorgeous palettes is one of favorite design elements. I’m very proud to have been in business for 11 years. It has looked different throughout the years, but I pride myself in excellent customer service, superior product and design, and building genuine relationships with others in the wedding industry. I believe my heart for people and their stories, plus my design style and use of unique flowers and greenery, sets me apart from others.

What were you like growing up?
My parents were always my biggest fans. They had high expectations when it came to hard work, honesty, and character. I was involved in sports, music, academics, and 4-H. I was taught to give my best in everything I did-do it with excellence, work hard, show appreciation to those who helped me along the way, and when I fail, don’t ever give up. I believe this has helped me in my business because people know they can trust me. I’m going to do what I say and give them superior products and services. If something doesn’t meet their expectations, I’m going to attempt to make it right. The way I was raised has also given me the grit to just keep going. Running a business can be exhausting-it’s a marathon, and even when it’s hard, you have to dig deep and give it all you have!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.ambermustain.com
• Phone: 719-469-4267
• Email: hello@ambermustain.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambermustain_floraldesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambermustainfloraldesign/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ambermustain/

Image Credit:
Katherine Ridgely Photography, Allison Easterling Photography, Ali and Garrett, Cassidy Brooke Photography, Rene Tate Photography, Tamara Gruner Photography

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