Connect
To Top

Meet Trailblazer Kelly Mendenhall

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Mendenhall.

Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I own a Grand Junction-based wedding-focused floral design studio. I design weddings on the western slope including Telluride, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Moab and Vail since 2009.

In 2007, I graduated from Colorado State University with a master’s in Career Counseling. While in college, I worked at Anthropologie and got to see first hand how the creative team designs, installs and creates their new stores when they came and opened the store in Lonetree CO. It was so fascinating to me. After graduation, I worked with college and high school students and tapped into my educational and career counseling background. But after starting a family in 2009, I quickly realized that I did not want to put my kids in childcare and started to seek out other options for myself. I always dabbled in flowers for friends and family and decided to take it more seriously. I began attending workshops and eventually trained under many high-end florists nationally including Sinclair and Moore, Sarah Winward, Nicole Land, and Holly Chapple.

From there, my business grew. I have 1 part-time employee and some great freelancers that help out on big installs. I love balancing my floral work with her husband and three boys. And I really strive to embrace nature by using local farms and growers to embrace all of Colorado’s beauties with grace and intention. 3 A leaf is fine art floristry from beginning to end.

More recently, Kelly is using her counseling background to coach other florists and creatives in their craft by offering one on ones, coaching sessions and workshops.

Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been setbacks but, it’s been a really fun journey, getting paid for doing what I love. The setbacks are usually minor and just amp me up to do better the next go. I have really had to learn the business side of flowers as I go. I’m so artistic that financial and computer work things are the things that tend to slow me down. I also have had physical setbacks! Being a florist for weddings is not for the weak. Both my shoulders are a mess! And it is long hot days in the summers. I’m constantly ordering, processing, prepping, transporting, etc. And then working some long days setting up early and tearing down after midnight.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m known for creating floral designs for weddings. I specialize in the higher end, mountain and desert “glamping” weddings mostly. Although, I really love small elopements. My style is lush and romantic. I really pride myself in using my local (WestCo) farmers for a product first and then branching out to the wholesalers. I’ve lived in Colorado since I was born so after 37 years, I know the culture and environment of Colorado well. Our team is not afraid of skiing to the wedding site, riding a snowcat or gondola, using 4wd or rocking hiking boots for our adventure brides.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Honestly, I feel like this moment in time is so amazing for female leadership – there aren’t many barriers as there used to be. In my industry specifically, it is really female dominated. it is really cool to work with other professionals in the wedding industry who are moms, and wives and boss ladies.

Pricing:

  • Large Bridal Bouquets usually begin around $300 for most professional florists

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Kaylan Robinson, Heather Nan, Laura Goldenberger, Cat Mayer, Katie Parra, Ashley Taylor

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in