Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Wigfall.
Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into floral design began during one of the hardest moments of my life, arranging my father’s services in August 2019. His funeral was held in New Orleans, and while planning the details, my family and I stepped into a small flower shop on Prytania Street in uptown New Orleans.
Their floral shop was a beautiful mess! There were leaves and stems everywhere, buckets of blooms tucked into every corner, and one designer working alongside her husband who was moving with quiet purpose. Somehow, amid all that chaos, I felt at home and I sat tucked off in a cove smelling and watching her snip florals for another event she had that evening.
I also watched as she gently guided my sister, who was indecisive..trying to make every decision perfect, toward a classic green and white standing spray. The result was stunning with layers of fresh white florals and lush greenery that framed the stage in complete harmony.
Something about that day stayed with me. I didn’t know it then, but that experience planted a seed. I realized that creating something meaningful, something beautiful that brings comfort could also be rewarding in more ways than one. The art was inspiring, the emotion was pure, and yes, the profit wasn’t bad either. The florist bill was $700 for two standing sprays!
That’s how it all began for me: in a little New Orleans flower shop, surrounded by stems, beauty, and the quiet sense that I had found something I was meant to do. It was just me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all, but I wouldn’t trade the road for anything. Starting something new while working full-time and juggling family life came with plenty of late nights, budget stretches, and moments of doubt. There were seasons when I questioned whether my creativity could coexist with what responsibilities I was holding.
For a while I partnered with a wire service and though there were many blessings, the fees made it somewhat hard to see a real profit. I’ve since launched my own website with my own marketing.
Floral design isn’t always glamorous; it’s early mornings at the flower market, long hours on your feet, and arrangements that sometimes don’t make it before delivery deadline. But with every challenge I have learned patience, resourcefulness, and how to find calm in the chaos.
I’ve also learned that support doesn’t always come from where you expect it. You have to be your own motivator, your own reminder that what you’re building matters. The road has had its bumps, but it’s made me stronger, sharper, and more intentional with every creation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the owner and lead designer behind Flist Florals, an Atlanta based boutique floral design studio that creates custom arrangements for life’s most meaningful moments, from sympathy and celebration pieces to private events and personal gifts.
My style leans toward timeless, garden-inspired designs with a natural flow, elegant but never overly traditional. We can’t stand leather leaf and baby’s breath, lol.
What I’m most proud of is the emotional connection behind every piece. My clients often tell me that my florals feel alive — that they bring warmth and personality to a space without needing to say much. I know that comes from the skill God has blessed me with and the way I design: intuitively, letting the florals be free, bending naturally into whatever texture or movement they choose. It mirrors how I wish to live — in an environment that allows me to bloom and bend freely in my own beauty.
I’m also proud of how far I’ve come as a small, self-taught designer. I’ve worked hard to build something that’s both personal and professional, an Atlanta based business that reflects care, quality, and authenticity. Every arrangement leaves my hands with intention and a touch of New Orleans pizzazz.
What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends, I help set them. Our signature Flist Bowl designs are lush, compact arrangements packed with florals that seem to last forever. I want my work to comfort, inspire, honor, and remind people that beauty still exists in generosity. You won’t regret making the extra effort for your loved one.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Absolutely. First don’t let perfection rob you of progress. Practice makes you better & better. A good pair of shears is like a good man! You want them sharp and easy to hold lol. You don’t need the fanciest cooler, the biggest workspace, or a hundred stems to start creating beauty. Start with what you have and keep refining your eye. The skill develops over time, not overnight.
Stay true to your aesthetic and your style & standards.The right clients will find you and appreciate the heart behind your work. They’ll also support you over & over & over again!
And lastly, give yourself grace. You’ll have days when the flowers don’t cooperate, the deliveries run late, or you question if you’re cut out for this. But remember: every great florist started with clippers in one hand and self-doubt in the other. Keep creating and share your designs.
Pricing:
- 100.00 standard arrangements
- 150.00 + deluxe arrangements
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flistflorals.com
- Instagram: @flistflorals
- Facebook: Flist Florals
Image Credits
None
