Dear family and friends,

As I turn 30 and reflect on everything in my life, it really hits home for me. For the longest time, in my 20s, I have dwelled on and compared myself to others as I struggled to find a career that was perfect for me. It was hard not to compare myself to others who have “figured it out” or who could follow through with school. When COVID hit, I left school and never looked back. It was not for me, and oftentimes I would beat myself up for it.

The truth is, I was not made like others. School and following the traditional path were never for me, no matter how much I tried to force it. I have always been attracted to entrepreneurship and knew I was creative and wanted to help people, but society does not encourage that.

In 2021 I found my love for dance again. I took classes and felt alive again. I practiced and learned as much as I could, and eventually I began teaching in 2022. I have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a dance teacher. Along the way I even started a natural lip oil brand, Honey K. I had planned on taking both of them all the way but God had other plans for me.

I love dancing and I love teaching, and I was so passionate about my brand, but there was still an unsettling feeling lingering and it took a toll on my mental health again. For a year I struggled trying to find my way in life and in my career decisions. I began to doubt myself and think maybe I should just go back to school. But I thought to myself, “Go to school and do a job that makes you unhappy? What kind of a life is that? I would rather go through life without a degree but be able to say wow, I got to try all these things that I never would have thought I would be able to.” That is a risk I am willing to take. If it is between my happiness and life purpose vs a degree and a traditional job I will not be happy in, I will take the risk and happiness any day. Joshua 1:9

I went back to brainstorming and thinking of what other possibilities there are for me. Photography, YouTuber, artist, florals, harpist, along with many others came to mind. Feeling confused once more I prayed, something I have not done in a while, and in that moment felt guilt for doing so. But still I did it. I asked for a sign and God gave me the most comical sign He could have, a sign that I could not ignore, a sign where I had nothing to lose.

The next day after receiving that sign I began my research and that very weekend I bought 100 dollars worth of flowers at Trader Joe’s and arranged them together with just intention and my own creativity. I created an Instagram that very week to document my journey and on the same day I received a bridal bouquet order. I was terrified but I knew that I had to do it and I would do all my research to make sure I delivered quality work.

This bridal bouquet led to three more weddings being booked and baby showers and birthdays all being booked within three months. I was overwhelmed and scared but I knew somewhere in my heart I could do it even with no experience. Each one I received such positive feedback and compliments such as “You have a natural eye for it.” I was grateful to receive these but I knew I needed to educate myself on floristry if I wanted to take this seriously.

And so I enrolled in a highly regarded workshop by Korean florist, Aulling Atelier in Los Angeles. With not much budget or money for it, I knew I had to do it. I have taken away so much in this workshop and in another taught by Korean florist Beige Bud’s workshop. I was able to apply these techniques to my own practices and work and it made me feel so happy to see improvement in my skill set.

All my life I had never actually taken a liking to flowers; I associated them with death and “sorry” flowers. Taking part in floristry and learning all the beautiful varieties and their unique characteristics has completely changed me. As someone who tends to overthink and always be in my head, flowers remind me to be present in my own life and to appreciate every fleeting moment with my family, my friends, and my relationships with others. I am grateful to have rewritten the narrative I once had about flowers. Now I can’t help but love them more and more as I learn.

I would love nothing more than to continue honing in on my floristry education with workshops, mentorships, and online courses. For my 30th birthday, I would love your help in being able to do so. Anything is appreciated and I will be sharing my learning journey on my Instagram @dearfleurs_ with you all.

How Your Support Helps:

This money will mainly go toward floral workshops and training. Every bit truly helps:

$25 helps purchase a bucket of fresh flowers for me to practice arranging

$50 covers floral supplies for one floral project

$100 funds the enrollment fee for a single online floral design module

$250 covers travel to LA for one in-person workshop day

$500 sponsors a portion of an advanced floral installation course

$2,000+ makes it possible for me to enroll in a full multi-day masterclass and build my professional portfolio

Thank you so much for considering celebrating my 30th birthday by investing in my dreams. With your support, I can keep creating beauty and spreading joy through flowers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your support in each and every way. Thank you.

With love and gratitude,

Kellan