6 THINGS WITH ALYSON VITT
6 Things with Alyson Vitt Founder of Flower and Forage
Based in Oakland, Alyson is a mother of two and the founder of Flower and Forage. She creates floral arrangements that are full of character and you can count on her for adding her spin on things with foraged wonders in her designs. After working in hospitality she realized her true passion was in creation and her designs speak volumes. She has a home studio where she creates out of this world bouquets and with Valentine's Day right around the corner don't forget to order a special bouquet for a friend, a loved one or just for yourself. From wreaths to weddings, keep an eye out for Alyson's whimsical designs.
1. What started it all for you?
I have worked in restaurants my whole life. As a long time hospitality worker, I have always been interested in the wedding business. When I was working at Boot & Shoe Service I was so inspired by the woman who did the weekly flowers. I asked Haia of Canopy Floral if I could join her at the San Francisco Flower Market one day and really it's just history after that. I fell in love with all the things that are grown here in California. I started working for other florists so I could learn. I did that for about 5 years until I took the leap to do my own thing. It started with weekly accounts, then wreath orders around the holidays, and then weddings. This past year my small business almost doubled it's normal amount of yearly weddings. I still work freelance a good amount and plan to keep doing that. While it's hard to run a business and do freelance I think freelance teaches me so much to apply to my own business.
2. What drives your creative spark?
All the weird things. Textures, plants, and flowers that grow on the side of the road. Locally grown heirloom flowers. Keep it weird and wild!
3. Most treasured home decor item?
That's hard. Probably my big Gus Gutty painting of Rudy Ray Moore. I love art and anything vintage or passed down from my family. I also really treasure the silverware that my grandmother gave to me.
4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?
I guess I can most distinctly remember when Melanie, of Hawthorn Floral told me "you can do this business, just put yourself out there and it will work, I know it". Also good advice I have been given is to "don't be afraid to say no", but I haven't quite let that one sink in yet. Yikes.
5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?
This is always changing but this week it would be gin and tonics. Usually a cocktail of some sort.
6. What are your favorite 6 accounts that you follow for inspiration?
@hart_floral
@sarahsaundersstudio
@thy.lanstudio
@passionflowersue
@jennchezdesign
@eothen_
SHOPÂ ALYSON'S 6 HOME PICKS
"I fell in love with all the things that are grown here in California. I started working for other florists so I could learn. I did that for about 5 years until I took the leap to do my own thing." -Alyson Vitt
