Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Catherine Conklin.
Hi Sarah Catherine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I graduated college, I had no idea where to begin with my next chapter. I was in the art school and loved being creative, but didn’t know which direction to step towards. I decided to try making flower arrangements, something my Mom and I had started doing during the pandemic. When flowers are shared with others, or brought into your own home, they give a sense of life and love that is unparalleled. Flowers are shown to uplift mental health and increase energy around you and your home, a key for us during such an isolating time. I realized the power behind these blooms and decided that it was time to share the love with others. I transformed my 1966 F100 pickup truck, who I named Mater, into a flower truck! (Yes he is named after Tow Mater from Disney’s Cars!) And during that process, I met the most amazing people that helped me bring my dream to life. I could not have done it without their help and the love and support of my family and friends. We have such an amazing community in this city!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were definitely some hurdles to jump along the way, and I am still jumping! Being a young, small, female-owned business is hard. Sometimes I have the realization that I have no idea what I’m doing! But I am learning, and that is ok. I have had a hard time finding places to park with walking traffic. I want to be in an area where people can access the truck and hope to support other small businesses in the Atlanta area. But, Atlanta is highly commercially developed with few feasible private parking areas. On top of that, flower prices are at an all-time high, and not all of the flowers I planted survived the winter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started my art career when I was 14 years old and was glued to my camera. I have recently graduated with a degree in Photography and Expanded Media from the University of Georgia! My website is sarahcatherineconklin.com and my work focuses on aerial perspectives from the cockpit of a plane. I got my pilot’s license when I was 17 years old and since then, I have enjoyed studying landscapes and the human impact on the Earth. I have not found a way to combine all of my creative passions together, but love the fact that I get to do many things that I love and enjoy!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope that I get to continue to share my love of flowers and happiness with others in the coming years! I really want to focus on addressing mental health and ways in which people can help others, and themselves. I think the flower industry will continue to thrive, but think that climate change will take a toll on many of the flowers all over the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: materdayflowertruck.com
- Instagram: @materdayflowertruck
