Welcome Summer - a seasonal tribute

A season of brightness, energy and motion, Summer is here.

When all living things bask in the sunshine, a time to feel truly alive.

Bees buzzing about, flowers abundant, sun-kissed skin, longer days, later sorbet sunsets.

It is in the heart of summertime where we celebrate the brighter daylight.

The renewed sense of time and making fun memories with friends. All of nature is awake.

Summer, we welcome you. Let's smile and dance and feel it all.

We honor you and celebrate your beauty, light and unique gifts.

What are your favorite ways to spend summer? Any seasonal hobbies, favorite things, or nostalgic memories come to mind? Share yours in the comments, we’d love to hear!

Connection Through Florals

Flowers truly bring people together. They are a natural magnet that connects us as humans in the most wonderful and thoughtful ways.

I absolutely love getting a peek into my clients’ worlds through flowers.

It is through an intimate bond of florals that I am allowed a glimpse into their lives, able to hear their stories, and learn more about who they are…

Bride.
Groom.
Expectant mother.
Graduating senior.

Grieving family.
Lover.
Friend.

One of the best parts of flower design, I dare say THE best part of being a florist, is the clients that I have. Stunning people, beautiful stories. We are all connected... their circles of the universe and mine… bridged by way of flowers.

It’s an honor to play a part of clients’ stories, to be a part of each of their lives and memories that last a lifetime.

Some clients even receive flowers from me once, and then become a client/friend for life. I’ve even seen wedding clients grow families as the years pass by. I’ve walked through relationship milestones with young couples who grow older together. 

It’s all about connection… the beauty of relationships and companionship… in this vast universe that is sometimes made smaller and tied together in a beautiful way... through flowers.

Spring Tribute

With open arms, Spring, we welcome you.
The hibernating of winter is behind us, it is now time to awaken, to be reborn.

It is a new season, with fresh blossoms.
Ideas are bountiful, and there is expansive space for growth.

With an invigorating energy in the air, we become excited for Spring’s gifts.
There is hope and anticipation for the possibilities to come.

All of nature has been lying dormant. We are rested.
We are rejuvenated, and we are ready to take on a renewed energy that comes with the changing season.

Birds chirping, bright colors appearing, blooms expanding.
The time has arrived for nature to become more alive — and that includes us!

Spring is here. How will YOU blossom?

Alignment, Clarity, and Flow

As someone who hustled hard for years and years and, let’s be honest, for TOO many years — I am officially declaring that I am OVER the word “hustle.”

Hustle culture can be a dangerous, slippery slope that too many creatives, young professionals, and entrepreneurs — and, let’s be honest, really ANYONE can — become a sufferer of.

Myself included.

This “hustle culture” is devoted to work, work, work, and more work.

I want more. I want to LIVE, to enjoy, to experience, to feel the highs and lows, and find a balance within it all.

It really comes down to a couple questions for me that I’ve pondered over the passing years, asking myself these questions as I sought to step back from hustling so hard.

• What do I want my daily life to look and feel like?

• How do I define success?

• What am I manifesting?

After many pauses, deep breaths and embracing stillness… it’s become about alignment for me. Aligning myself to my hopes and dreams, yes, and also aligning myself to my everyday, too. Flowing seamlessly in and out of the magnificent and the mundane. Seeing both as a way of life that I am personally manifesting for myself.

It all begins with clarity. Without clarity, there is questioning and confusion, resulting in the universe not knowing what to present to you.

Instead of confusion, I seek clarity.

Clarity in knowing what I want my life to look like.
Clarity in knowing where I’m headed and what I desire.
Clarity in fulfilling the ideas in my head, the desires of my heart.

Because, at the end of the day, I want clarity. I want alignment. I want my life to FLOW.

And, this is what I wish for you, too.

There’s no need to dread Monday on Sunday evenings.
There is space to take captive every single day and see beauty in each one, because each day (including a dreaded Monday!) is a gift.

There’s no need to grind 9-to-5 every day, hustling harder and harder until you are unhappy and burn out.
There is opportunity for a better way! There is more to you — you are capable of so much better, of so much more.

There’s no need to wish your life away waiting for Fridays when you can finally punch the clock for the weekend.
There is a place for you, instead, to align with your purpose, your true calling and not feel like you’re only living for the weekend.

So yes, I am officially over HUSTLE, and instead, I am aligning and seeking clarity and flowing. Flowing deeply and beautifully, in and out of the treasures — big and small — that this life has to offer.

And I invite you to do the same! ✨

Happy Birthday, Jen! 🏹🖤💐

It’s that time of the year! We’re celebrating Jen’s birthday, the Owner and Chief Creative of Huntress Florals!

Whether you’re new around here or are a faithful Huntress follower, here are some of Jen’s favorite things, what she’s thankful for, and more. Get to know her, and then be sure to wish her a very happy birthday!

Favorite music?

“I love so many different genres!” From music that my Grandma would listen to, classic rock that holds the nostalgia of when my parents would host parties, old school hip hop and more!

“I play music in the house all the time!”

More recently, it’s calm, happy, chill vibes. Sometimes mellow, yoga-inspired music.

Favorite drink?

“Tequila. Always.” I usually make a quick margarita, sometimes a spicy one, but tequila is always involved!

I had to give up coffee last year, so now a chai tea latte is my occasional cozy morning treat.

What makes you unique?

“My Pisces ways of being!” Especially my intuitive nature, I pick up on signs and energy that many tend to overlook.

Where are you drawing inspiration from lately?

“Going inward!” Yoga, meditation, and getting inspiration from quiet and stillness. Spending time in nature, going on neighborhood walks and hikes. Seeking out the beauty in everyday moments. These pauses keep me grounded and creatively inspired.

What are you thankful for?

“Oh my gosh, so many things!” To narrow it down to one right now -  having a mindful gratitude practice.

What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?

“Hopefully seeing my family and traveling again!” Getting back to some sense of new normalcy in business, I especially miss flowering weddings and events, and seeing SMILES!

Valentine's Day Fast Facts

Valentine’s Day — some love it, some hate it, some are utterly indifferent to it. Regardless of your stance, here are six facts that you might not know about the history of the February 14th holiday.

Learn something new, tell someone you love them and are grateful for them, and have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

1- February 14th hasn’t always been about cutie couples…

Some historians believe that Valentine's Day began in Rome by being a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia. This “festival” included animal sacrifices and the whipping of women to signify their fertility. What the actual heck??!?

2- Pope Gelasius to the rescue…

In the 1300s, Roman Pope Geasius officially declared February 14th as “Valentine's Day” and started associated the day with love (not whipping and bleeding...thank you very much!), because it was believed that birds start mating season each year on the 14th of February.

3- Time to get romantic…

The very first valentine was sent in the 1400s, a poem from a French medieval duke named Charles, written to his wife. Although he was imprisoned in the Tower of London while he penned the poem, he brought the romance… One of the lines in his letter read:
"I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine." So sweet! And so 15-century, too 😉

4- Let’s jump ahead a few (hundred) years…

Individuals began exchanging handwritten cards to both romantic partners and friends during the 17th century. BUT it wasn’t until the 1840s until the first Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the USA. The “mother of the american valentine,” also known as Esther A. Howland, is known as the one who commercialized Valentine's day cards in America. I miss being exchanging them as a kid with classmates 💌

5- These days…

Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is a widely-celebrated holiday, with nearly 55 % of Americans celebrating on February 14th each year. And, get this, nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of people popping the question on the same day! ♥️

6- Depending on who you are and where you’re at…

Valentine’s Day is celebrated very differently in various parts of the world. Lots of Latin American countries call the holiday, “el día de los enamorados” (day of lovers) or “día del amor y la amistad” (day of love and friendship). How wonderful is that!

In Japan, it’s more widespread for women to give chocolates and gifts on February 14th, and exactly a month later, on March 14th, men “repay” the favor and celebrate women with gift-giving and more.

And so…

Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, here at Huntress Florals, we wish you a fun, safe, and enjoyable Valentine’s Day! May your February 14th be full of lots of love, friendship, gratitude, simple pleasures, and of course beautiful flowers, too! 💐 XOXO

Five Year Reflections | Happy Anniversary, Huntress!

In case you missed it, Huntress Florals celebrated its FIVE YEAR anniversary this past weekend, on December 11, 2020.

WOW! How has it ALREADY been five years?? And yet, it’s ONLY been five years?!

I’ve been working in the events industry for about 20 years now, and have had an open floral business for seven of those. There have been many highs and lows throughout the journey, but one thing remains the same — Huntress is all about you and me, us.

Huntress would be nothing without ME and my heart behind it. It was my decision to follow a dream, to reconnect with my true self, that has made Huntress what it is today. I’m thankful for so many amazing people who have walked beside me along the way.

And, Huntress would be nothing without YOU. Your constant support, encouragement, and love for what I do keeps me inspired and moving forward, especially during challenging times.

I am so very grateful…
Grateful to be a part of your story.
Grateful that you are a part of mine, part of OURS — the story of Huntress.

Looking back, I see how much I have opened my heart, found courage, and fought for myself — my true, authentic self and a life with meaning. And here I am. Here WE are.

As I reflect on Huntress over the years, here are just SOME of the fond memories that come to mind —

• The start of it all, with a friend and business partner that I connected with in floral design school. The business began so effortlessly and came together naturally in those early days.

• Learning the trade from a long list of incredible teachers and mentors over the years. They really helped shape and then expand my knowledge of floral design, business, and the industry as a whole.

• I am thankful for the friendships that have been built through various Huntress partners… buyers, wholesale vendors, other florists, event planners, DMC partners, photographers, makeup artists, networking groups, industry colleagues, and so many more! Florals have been the common thread between me and so many other amazing creatives, and I am thankful to flowers for connecting us in wonderful ways.

• The honor of working with amazing wedding clients. Being part of their love story on their wedding day, and then slaying for them as time moves forward too, is incredible. Watching both their love and families grow over the years is a unique experience that I cherish!

• The amazing retail customers that have become true friends over the years. The loyalty of our clients-turned-friends is humbling and encouraging, especially as Huntress continues. And, the way that these friends refer their own friends and families to me, has expanded my network in the most heartfelt ways.

• My corporate clients. Afterall, it’s my background and a joy to bring event visions to life year after year. I enjoy focusing on the creative aspect these days and the freedom we’re given to infuse our style and elevate their experience as one to remember.

• Acknowledging that I’ve been able to continually innovate and make forward progress with Huntress. Over the years, we’ve evolved, shifted, and grown, providing more expanded offerings (like Flower Therapy), giving back through flowers (#cgfloralfinds and Hospice of the South Coast), making connections (@strangerswithflowers), aligning in our purpose more fully, and so much more.

Flowers are a tremendous gift! …and they’re such natural and insightful teachers, too.
Everyday flowers remind me of beauty, grace, strength, resilience, and life. These are our guiding principles and those I come back to when I need to be reminded of my being and the heart of Huntress.

Over the years, I have tried, and stumbled, and tried again. I’ve learned that it’s all about resilience and strength, coupled with beauty and grace, to make up this messy and awe-inspiring thing I get to call life.

To celebrate this life and the five years of Huntress with us, we’re offering an Anniversary arrangement! This unique arrangement will be available to you in one of our square wooden vases, as the traditional five year anniversary gift is wood!

For the remainder of December and throughout January, help us celebrate all that Huntress is, by requesting our anniversary arrangement in a wooden vase, during our biweekly offerings. Purchase on our website for $55 or email us to customize for more.

THANK YOU for being part of the Huntress story!
I’m honored that you are here.

~ Jen
Owner and Chief Creative, Huntress Florals

PS — enjoy a blast from the past! Have fun flipping through some Huntress photos that have been snapped over the past five years…

A few of our Favorite Gratitude Quotes 🍂

Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite quotes on thankfulness to keep the momentum of a grateful spirit forging ahead, into the weekend.

Which quote resonates most for you? Comment below!

1. “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” (Amy Collette)

We love this quote, because we’ve experienced firsthand how powerful gratitude is. It really does spark happiness in your heart. And that joy? It’s quite contagious when you start within and then expand it out toward others and into the world ✨

2. “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” (Cicero)

So much of life, and so many virtues in this world, stem from gratitude. A thankful heart truly is a great starting point to live a rich, beautiful, full life 🖤

3. “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” (Brene Brown)

This quote by Brene Brown is so simple and profound. Paying attention and practicing gratitude — these two, things can cause loads of contentment. Even the mundane moments of life can be beautiful. Seek the beauty in the every day 💐

4. “Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” (Alphonse Karr)

We saved the best for last! This quote is one of our all-time favorites. Thankfulness and perspective go together. Sometimes all we need is to choose to see the glass as half full, or, in this case, the thorns with the roses. What a glorious way to view life 🌹

Three of My Favorite Fall Fleurs

Autumn is in full swing!

To celebrate the cooler temps and cozier vibes, I rounded up three of my favorite fall fleurs for you to marvel at alongside me. They’re almost as pretty as the candy-colored sunsets San Diego has been giving us lately!

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1. French Marigolds

These tiny beauties seriously give me all the childhood nostalgia and retro feels. They’re extremely hearty and pack tons of character in their tiny blooms. They smell absolutely divine too!

2. Celosia

Funky and bright with lots of texture, celosia are fun flowers to include in fall bouquets. These gorgeous weirdos easily add an unexpected pop into any arrangement. We live for that in our signature HUNTRESS style.

3. Nandina

This type of greenery with their red berries scream autumn vibes, especially when the leaves resemble fall colors. It is whimsical and beautiful, and the berry stems dry well too, so you can easily repurpose them for later designs as well! We love extending the lifecycle of flowers through the seasons when possible.

What are your favorite fall blooms? Leave them in a comment below!🍂

Order Your Thanksgiving Florals Today!

Although we’re celebrating differently this year, Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner and we’d consider it an honor to design a flower arrangement for you! Begin your order now!

We are offering:

• Seasonal wrapped bouquets - perfect gift for your host

• Vased arrangements to add beauty to your tablescape

• Or, simply some #flowertherapy for yourself 😉

All crafted in our signature HUNTRESS style using seasonal blooms handselected at the market! For more custom requests, send us a DM on Instagram, or shoot us an email 💌

Order deadline is Sunday, 11/22, so click here to secure your spot today!

Delivery details:

• Local San Diego only, pickup in North Park

• Pickup Tuesday, 11/24 — Thursday, 11/26

Wishing you a safe and loving holiday. We’re grateful for you, fam! ♥️

Receive our FREE guide on how to keep your flowers happy!

Did you see? We have an exclusive offering available on how to keep your flowers fresh and long-lasting! Be sure to sign up for the FREE download and to be a part of our newly launched emails, too. Click here!

This comprehensive guide will bring you both simple and practical tips and tricks on how to find and keep your florals looking their best.

Who’s ready to slay? 💐

Flower Therapy Offering | November 12 & 13

Our biweekly Flower Therapy is coming to you again, on November 12 and 13!

We can all agree that times are tough. Life is messy and imperfect and wonderful and beautiful — all at the same time. Why don’t you lift your spirits and celebrate the small gifts life offers us with some flower therapy?

A simple way to brighten your day, or add a smile to a loved one’s face. Our beautiful blooms will lighten your home, bring some nature inside, and make you feel a bit more alive.

Wrapped bouquets or vased arrangements available, pricing begins at $40+. Free curbside pickup in North Park. *Service only available locally in San Diego at this time.

Send us a DM us on Instagram or text us at 619.777.6188 and we’ll get you on your way to some #flowertherapy soon! Sending you SO MUCH LOVE ♥