Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Smith.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My mother was the one who started me on this journey. My brother’s girlfriend and my close personal friend, Madison, were crowned Mizzou’s Homecoming Queen in 2021. Immediately after the crowning, my mom called me, wanting to figure out a way to preserve the special flowers from her day. Not being crafty herself, she asked me if it was something I could do, as crafting is one of my favorite pastimes. That day I ordered my first resin kit off Amazon and was hooked! While the enthusiasm was there, my skills could have improved initially. My first piece was anything but perfect. It took time, trial and error, and mistakes to get to where I felt comfortable preserving weddings, graduation, and memorial flowers. However, after months of perfecting the processes and practicing on the florals with family and friends, I officially launched St. Louis Floral Preservation this summer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part was getting started. I spent countless hours testing different materials, drying solutions, resins, and molds to create the perfect pieces. But it was all worth it when I found the magic combination and refined my skills; so many steps go into preserving the florals and the drying process, as well as learning the temperament of resin.
Please tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others.
St. Louis Floral Preservation is dedicated to turning flowers from life’s special moments into pieces of art that last a lifetime. Instead of enjoying flowers for a few days until they turn brown, wilt, and are thrown away, we freeze flowers in time and create beautiful pieces to display in your home. Some of our most popular pieces are the bookends which offer a functional piece of art, and our 8″ hexagon, ring holders, and ornaments.
The process: As soon as flowers are dropped off to us, we professionally dry them for 3+ weeks to ensure as much color and original shape is kept. We then slowly pour resin layers over weeks to encapsulate the flowers forever! After the drying stage, we design layouts and send them to our clients for approval.
What makes you happy?
There are very few physical things brides can take away from their wedding day. Besides pictures around the house and their wedding rings, there are few opportunities to put their love on display. We allow brides to keep the flowers from the most important day of their life for the rest of the time. When we return our pieces to brides, our favorite part is seeing their faces light up as they remember their special day. I love seeing my wedding flowers on display daily in my home. When I look at them, I remember the fantastic day filled with love and support from friends and family. Knowing that I am giving couples the same opportunity fills me with joy and makes it all worth it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stlfloralpreservation
