Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Reiss
Katelyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was introduced to floristry in college, where I took a floral design class. Initially it sounded fun and low stress, but after just a few classes I was hooked. I felt a creative pull when I touched flowers that I had never experienced with other forms of art!
I got a job working in the student operated flower shop and as a teaching assistant for the floral design classes on campus. I was truly smitten. Shortly after that, I designed my first bridal bouquet- and spoiler alert- it was for my own wedding! I knew from that day forward my only passion was floral design. I changed my major to agriculture with emphasis areas in plant science, agricultural education and agribusiness management with the plan to start my own wedding flower business, Katelyn Reiss Wedding Floristry.
Now, I’ve designed over 50 weddings, won Best Wedding Florist in Kansas City 23’ and 24’, and have been published by Southern Bride, Kansas City Magazine and Bold Journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There wouldn’t be satisfaction in building a bad-ass mother owned business if there wasn’t some difficulty along the way.
Being a wedding vendor specifically, you navigate seasons where you are booked every weekend and then one day, you have no bookings for months. It’s a trend that happens EVERY year but hits the same no matter how many times you experience it! You doubt yourself, your business and contemplate whether it brings the stability your family deserves. Then, the clouds part and wedding season kicks back into gear!
I’ve learned to navigate that feeling by planning big changes, branding updates and social media content to continue to make moves that motivate my business in the downtimes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am Katelyn Reiss, owner and designer of Katelyn Reiss Wedding Floristry in Kansas City, Missouri! I am a wife and mother to a 3 year-old toddler and 4 month old baby. I love to share the behind-the-scenes of what it looks like to own my own business while also caring for my kids! Whether it’s a trip to pick-up flowers or designing with littles in the background, transparency on who is behind the business is my biggest strength.
I specialize in wedding floristry with an emphasis in garden inspired bespoke designs. I am known for my large luxury bridal bouquets and ceremony flower pillars! I have been awarded Kansas City’s Best Wedding Florist in 2023 and 2024 by Kansas City Magazine and have been published by Southern Bride Magazine!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Being a mom to two small children while owning my own business is my proudest accomplishment. I believe that involving them in my passion is a way to help them build work ethic, maximize the time I spend with them and cultivate a customer base that sees and appreciates my values as a mother owned business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Katelynreissweddingfloristry.com
- Instagram: @katelynreissfloristry
- Facebook: @katelynreissweddingfloristry
- Other: Pinterest: @katelynreissweddingfloristry
