Rumble: How did you get into the floral industry originally? 

Kristi: By accident! I was going to school for law enforcement to be a state trooper and working for a wholesale company when a local florist in Candler needed someone to help out. That’s where I realized my true passion for floral design, so it was God who knew where I really needed to be. I love what I do and have been in the industry for almost 30 years now. While I own Balsam Mountain Floral, a lot of people know me as the owner of Stargazers Designs in Asheville.

Rumble: When did you open Balsam Mountain Floral and why did you pick Canton as the location? 

Kristi: We opened Balsam Mountain Foral on May 1, 2022. I saw a need, and a lot of Haywood county residents were asking me to open a location. Stargazers Design opened in 1995. 

Rumble: What do you enjoy about floral design? 

Kristi: I love creating unique designs that brighten someone's day, to take single beautiful flowers and combine them into a work of art. I appreciate the beauty in flowers and want to share that through my designs.

Rumble: What types of events do you create floral designs for? 

Kristi: We create for all events: weddings, births, birthdays, funerals, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, reunions. You name it, we can do it.

Rumble: If you were to give advice to someone who wants to open their own business, what would it be? 

Kristi: Do your research. Know your market and customer base. Most importantly, know your product and the need for it, as well as what you really want to sell and provide for your clients. Owning your own business is hard work. Be prepared to work in order to keep your business growing. It’s important to realize that you have to stay current and grow along with your business.