Meet Kelsey Sarra Rae, founder of Among The Wldflwrs (@amongthewldflwrs). At Among The Wldflwrs their goal is to create intentional, garden-inspired designs that embody a light, airy romance, exuding a sense of effortless elegance. Always maintaining an attentive focus on seasonality, texture, movement & a rich palette of colour. Ultimately, they aim to create an intimate, and poetic experience you’ll remember forever.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
I was lucky enough to grow up spending a lot of time in nature. From an early age I remember gardening with my parents in the backyard, or spending the day in the mountains, exploring and learning about different plants and animals. I think that's truly what started it all for me. I would always feel so connected while being immersed in nature, like I was able to be so completely myself. As I grew older I think I subconsciously always chased that feeling. I worked at local plant shops and greenhouses, and eventually learnt that being a florist was even a thing - I was instantly mesmerized! Being able to create really intentional, beautiful designs with something that grew from nature - I just thought it was the coolest thing ever (and it is!!). A couple of years after studying floral design and working in different flower shops, I decided I wanted to do it for myself, and jumped right in. I'm so grateful for my courage to take that chance on myself. I feel endlessly inspired by this work, others in industry, my couples who trust me to bring their visions to life, and ultimately the plants and flowers who started it all for me.
How has your creativity evolved over the years?
My creativity has evolved in so many ways over the years. I think as I get older and get to know myself on a deeper level, my work naturally reflects that. I think I used to care a lot more about what everybody else thought and if it was "right" or "good enough" in their eyes. I've learnt to trust and validate myself a lot more, and to believe in my own inner knowing of when something feels good to me. I also truly believe that change and growth never really stops - I love taking different courses, or learning from others! There's so much to learn from so many different people around the world who each have a completely unique perspective and way of doing something!
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Oh my gosh, sooo many challenges! Most of my challenges come down to believing in myself and feeling worthy. I've struggled with not feeling "good enough" my entire life and not having the confidence to show up as my truly authentic self. I've found doing personal development work to be so pivotal in gaining confidence in myself and knowing that I not only can have, but actually deserve to have the life I want. I also think pushing myself to do things that feel uncomfortable has been so crucial! Nothing is ever as scary as your mind wants you to believe (even if it's hard in the moment).
What practices or routines help you maintain self-love daily?
I love this question! Self love for me looks like taking the time to enjoy all of the little moments of pleasure in life such as enjoying my favourite cup of tea in the morning, adorning myself with really intentional pieces from brands that I admire, spending time in nature, gardening, cultivating conscious relationships, baking, or winding down with a bath in the evening. Taking these small moments to do something that's nourishing for my soul and that lights me up, allows me to show up as a better version of myself in all areas of my life.
Can you share a specific affirmation that has been particularly powerful for you and why?
I deserve this & my needs matter. I love the idea of innate worthiness. That I don't have to prove myself, or meet someone's external standards, but that I am inherently deserving, worthy, and valuable regardless of my social status, appearance or achievements. I love that reminder, as it gives me the permission to take up space, accept good things in life, and to know that it's okay to put myself first when I need to.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with self-love in their creative journey?
Struggling with self love on a creative journey is so much more common than you might think! Self doubt & self criticism can make it so hard to stay connected to our creative journey, and our true selves, but it's actually a completely normal part of the process that everybody feels. It isn't a sign that you're failing, or that you're not worthy - it's actually a sign of growth, to feel uncomfortable. I think the key is to push through this, and separate your worth from your work. You're already worthy, just by being committed to the work, even if it doesn't turn out how you thought it might. Creativity is such a journey. Try to let go of perfectionism, and allow yourself to make mistakes, experiment and be messy in your process. This is how you'll ultimately find your own unique direction. Practice self compassion, and at the end of the day stay curious and playful! Always seek out to learn as much as you can about what lights you up.
Kelsey wears the I AM SUPPORTED Shirt in Oatmeal, I AM SEEN Coat & I AM ENOUGH Pants in Coastal Blue and the I AM ENOUGH Pants in Sage.
Photography by Jo Concetta (@jodellaterra).
Visit www.amongthewldflwrs.com to explore all of Kelsey's beautiful offerings.