Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabatha Terpstra.
Hi Tabatha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In the summer of 2021, I started popping up at neighborhood farmer’s markets under the name Fauna & Fig. It all started selling plants and flowers that I had grown in the yard, including baby fig trees! It was incredibly humble beginnings and I didn’t have a clear idea of where I wanted the business to end up at that time. All I knew is that I wanted to work with plants and flowers and I wanted to be interacting with folks again after a year and a half cooped up indoors.
I was searching for the spark that ignites at the intersection of doing what you love, being your own boss and getting paid what you’re worth. There wasn’t a job that existed for me like that, so I just made my own!
Now, I work with flowers full-time. Sometimes, I’m creating floral designs for a wedding, other times I’m teaching wreath making at a local brewery (Hey Wild Heaven!) and you can still find me at a pop-up market now and then!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Fauna & Fig has recently expanded and become a two-woman team! My business partner, Kate Pauda, is a classically trained florist and has been a dear friend to me for many years. Her eye for balance and movement in floral design is unmatched. We have a great push and pull with one another that gets us to move past our comfort zones and try new things.
Along with being flower nerds, we are both huge plant nerds! Our signature style highlights our knowledge of seasonal wild plants, understanding of cut flowers and the clean lines of classic floral design. Flowers and plants are our entire life. We garden at home, attend floral shows, and we’re always on the lookout for what’s new, what’s coming back into style. Lately, we’ve been swooning over all of the bouncy and airy bouquet trends!
I want the Voyage readers to know we’re booking out summer and fall events! Fauna & Fig can deck out your event with flowers, offer non-denominational officiant services, and we will always make you laugh along the way.
Our business is proudly women-owned & LGBTQ+ owned. We believe that chosen family is a real family. We strive to be a safe harbor for all kinds of couples as they prepare for the happiest day of their lives.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, of course! The flower industry has taken a serious hit due to Covid-19 and all of its fallout. From week to week, market availability changes, prices can shoot up or down, the wholesale florist may or may not have the products you came in for. It pushed me even harder to work with foraged plants and grow more of my own flowers. Luckily, thinking on my feet is one of the things I love about this job!
Pricing:
- Bouquet & Boutonniere starting at $180
- 2 Bouquets starting at $300
- 2 Boutonnieres starting at $60
- Small Weddings starting at $1,500
- Arrangements starting at $40
Contact Info:
- Email: Tabatha@faunaandfig.com
- Website: www.faunaandfig.com
- Instagram: @fauna.and.fig
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FaunaAndFig
Image Credits
Jess Crete
