Rooted in Heritage: How Jamaican Roots Guide Olivee Floral
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Image courtesy of Christian Cody
Building Olivee Floral
In today’s BB Podcast episode (No. 134), we’re visiting with Karla Smith-Brown, founder of Olivee Floral.
Karla’s inspiring journey evolved from a career in public relations to becoming a successful floral artist. Her story isn’t just about flowers; it’s about weaving passion, sustainability, and heritage with personal connections to make a powerful impact.
Starting out, Karla offered pop-up events and hand-tied bouquets, gradually building her brand (named after her great grandmother, Medorah Olivee Wright). With a design aesthetic influenced by her Jamaican heritage, she developed a signature wild yet refined style. As Olivee Floral grew, Karla began to view flowers as a medium for art, not just for traditional events. Now, she works with brands like Vogue, Birkenstock, and Nike, often being sought out because of the strong professional relationships she’s built and the unique design aesthetic she’s developed.
Join us as we chat with Karla about:
- the importance of building relationships and networking in the floral industry
- the process of transitioning to floristry from a different career path
- the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices in floristry
- handling the challenges of balancing creative work with administrative responsibilities
- the value of bringing heritage into your design philosophy and aesthetic
Links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Karla:
TODAY’S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
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Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (BB + Bloom Trust Co.) & Natalie Gill (Native Poppy)
BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee
Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee
If you enjoyed this episode, you might enjoy our conversation with Lily Roden. Click here to listen.
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