May 8, 2017

Meet Denise Hanson of Preserve Your Florals in Zebulon

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Hanson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Denise. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story started in 1999 when I decided to create income when my daughter was little. I took my very first design class and was hooked! What started out as a way to create spending money and have a little me time turned into a lucrative business. Creativity has always been something that I am passionate about and how awesome it is to be able to walk into a job you truly love! It has never felt like work! Almost 20 years later, I still love what I do! As far back as I can remember, working with my hands was something I truly enjoyed. I rarely remember buying a Christmas gift for my family, it was always something hand made. Flowers are just a way I can continue that passion! Brides from all over Georgia bring me their sentimental pieces that were a treasured part of their Wedding. Using their original flowers along with momentous, I am able to create a one of a kind heirloom keepsake piece that will be a treasure to them for a lifetime! What more could I ask for! I am thankful to be a part of such a special day!

We are a family owned operation with two designers I consider friends! Both bringing many years of design to what we offer our clients. We offer services not only for Weddings, but also for Memorials and any other event in life where memories are important!

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road! Like any other small business, it has its ups and downs! The crash of the economy a few years back was a definite struggle, but thankfully I had it in me to hang on and ride the wave a little longer! It was tough but I have always been blessed and doors eventually do open! My biggest challenge has always been not being able to get out enough and meet other professionals in my field. I hope to have the opportunity to do that more over the coming years! The florists in and around my area are awesome and I would love to be able to meet them and let them know what we can offer their clients.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Preserve Your Florals story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is a Freeze Dry Company offering services to anyone who would like to preserve memories behind glass. We use flowers from any event along with memories the client provides to create a one of a kind piece of art. It is museum quality art and we do consider it to be heirloom quality. With over 400 designs to choose from, there is something for everyone!

We can create not only something that can be hung on a wall or placed on a table, but also wearable art. We use an ancient artisan method passed down by Nuns from the early 1800’s to turn flowers into jewelry. It is called flower petal jewelry. The method we use is somewhat different. We have modernized the process a bit and are able to get color from the freeze dry process to turn the beads into something truly gorgeous! We also offer pressed flowers behind luminescent walls of wax to create an heirloom candle lamp.

I am most proud of the reputation we have created. I want to keep the personal touch with my clients and never lose that hometown feel! My business is running on referrals and we pride our self on creating rapport with our clients. My clients know they can message me any time of the day or night and I will personally respond! They are trusting me with precious memories and I think I owe them that respect!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Freeze Drying unfortunately has been a dying art for some time 🙁 For that reason I have to really get out there and educate people as to what we can do. I think most people are unaware that something so precious can be saved and passed down generation to generation; Over the next few years, however, with the Pinterest craze I do see that changing! I see many creations that was once considered lost coming into vogue. All it takes is a creative spirit to turn something into a work of art!

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