My floral journey began in 2020, a few months after I dropped out of the University of Pittsburgh. I’d always loved academics, but I felt an overwhelming sense that I was on the wrong path. I’d always been artistic - painting, knitting, crafts - and I felt that I would be disappointed in my career if it didn’t incorporate my sense of creativity.

My mom and I have always loved going to Phipps Conservatory and we subscribe to their quarterly newsletter. One day after reading through the most recent issue, my mom suggested that I take one of their upcoming classes: Basics of Floral Design. I ended up adoring the class and it was always the highlight of my week. My education at Phipps gave me knowledge in proper flower care and handling, much of which I utilize in my business today. I started the second course in Phipps’ floral design program on March 12, 2020 and we all know what happened then. I continued taking classes virtually throughout the pandemic and designed with whatever flowers I could find in my backyard.

In April 2021, I landed the spot of Floral Intern at a local wedding floral company. I was over the moon about finally getting to work at a floral studio after a year of waiting. Over the ‘21 wedding season, I had the time of my life learning the in’s and out’s of wedding flowers. Every new flower type, venue, type of arrangement I got to see was exciting to me. The joy I felt doing weddings cemented in my mind that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

In April 2022, I made the difficult decision to leave my role (as then studio assistant) of the company to pursue my own business. I began working to form my LLC shortly after and Emma Harris Floral was born on May 31st, 2022.

Since it was formed, EHF has flowered dozens of shoots and weddings; some highlights include our content day at the historic Rose House Venue in Bloomfield and weddings at our favorite venues such as Hotel Monaco, Bar Marco, and Fox Chapel Golf Club. We’ve also got the opportunity to work on Valentine’s day pop-up shops and baby showers! I am constantly dreaming up ways to improve our services and use every event as a learning experience for design, efficiency, and client experience.

I am so incredibly grateful for my small business and the meaning and joy it brings to my life. Whether I’m working on proposals at a coffee shop, at a wedding set-up downtown, or hauling flowers into the studio at 2am, I never take for granted the opportunity to get to do what I love as my full time job. I appreciate that my clients have chosen to spend their time and money on my work, which makes every event all the more special.

Outside of work, I like to spend my time reading and trying out new coffee shops and restaurants. I’m also a huge nerd and could talk your ear off about Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Taylor Swift (my favorite album is Folklore). I pride myself on my preparation of a good lavender matcha latte and love to spend time with my two dogs, Eli (Australian Shepard) and Lucy (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).