Meet Amber Larsen | Florist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Larsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My LOVE for succulents! Oh man, did I love those spiky, soft, colorful plants. I had no experience starting a business nor was I old enough. But never the less the fire to start a business all by myself when I was 20 was in me. I had no experience and no idea what I was doing, but I enjoyed creating hand make bouquets and being able to ship them right to the brides front door. There was a wide open market for the growing popularity of succulents, and succulent bouquets. Which there was maybe but a few on the market for purchase, so I took the opportunity and ran with it. Thus far, it has brought me the most joy to hear the brides praise and joy meant when they receive my arrangements. Which has been my biggest blessing so far.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
God is good, ALL the time. I’ve had hardships and trials. But what small business, or any business, doesn’t? I love designing these lush and large succulent bouquets. I’d say the brides I work with are more creative than I am! They throw out the most random amazing style ideas and I couldn’t get more excited for the challenge. Life is full of obstacles and trials, but God is so good and my faith lies with him. I am excited that God has allowed me this time to create joy in someone’s life and to be a small part of someone’s special wedding day. Also, excited to continue this work for years to come and create more beautiful and unique succulent arrangements for this succulent loving community. Love to you all!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! I recently had my friend come visit me and my home for the weekend. Here in Valley Center, life moves a little bit slower but happier. Young people may say it’s a “boring” town. But I say it’s all on your perspective. If you’re looking for “fun” movies theaters, bar hopping, and lots of activities to do and see, you might be in the wrong town. But here to me is home, and home is where my heart is. So my friend came to visit, and my first stop was to a local Mexican food truck. It’s new and it’s amazing. Then we headed straight to the horse boarding ranch about 5 minutes away that I also help out at when I have time. This is my second home away from home, so naturally I had to show her around. Baby horses, pregnant mares, stallions and old rodeo horses that have retired there at this peaceful ranch. Horses are a big part of my life and upbringing, and a day doesn’t go by with my cowboy boots on. Then we decided to drive up to Julian because it just had a fresh powder of snow fall and if you haven’t gone there and live in San Diego county you’re missing out! BEST pies ever. Go and get yourself one, you won’t regret it. Also, if you don’t know this about me, I am a turquoise jewelry fan. So any vintage, Navajo store, I am there in a heart beat. One store in Julian, has pies, beer, live music, fire pits and a Navajo store. Best vintage jewelry spot I’ve found with amazing prices and I’m addicted to say the least. Needless to say, her and I had the best time together. Valley Center may be a quiet country town that gets passed by, but the authenticity and the view is bigger than ever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could start out by saying, that starting a business at 20 and working with plants was all my own doing. It also wasn’t part of my “plan”. But little did I know, God had His hands in the whole process and knew exactly the plans for me. I thought I was building a business, I was getting new orders and I was gaining followers on Instagram. But Jesus was and is the one to give the glory to. With Him by my side I wouldn’t have anything and my purpose would be myself. But my purpose is in Him and Him alone! What a joy it is to have the King of Kings behind me and saying yes to my business and glorifying Him through it! I’m able to create bouquets and share a sweet Bible verse on social media for my followers to see. Because we all need a little bit of a Jesus in our lives, am I right? Amen!

Website: Thedustyjewel.com

Instagram: @the.dusty.jewel

Facebook: The Dusty Jewel

Image Credits
Michael Easterling