Daily Inspiration: Meet Melissa Polini

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Polini.

Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I’m a florist, born and raised in Orange County. When I was a kid, and the teachers asked what I wanted to be, I always would respond – a dancer! (did you think I’d say a florist?). Nope, I’d eventually find my way to being a florist, but at first it was always to be a dancer. I grew up taking dance classes my whole childhood, from funky jazz classes to dancing pointe with blisters all over my feet. It was hard work but so much fun, too, and it is where my creativity sparked. I love performing, to be able to tell a story on stage and bring entertainment to people is a true joy. And I found it quite therapeutic when I was younger to have this form of expression for my emotions. I gained a community through dance and was lucky to have a great support system. I’m thankful for my family, who sat through countless dance performances. Then, after every performance, I’d receive beautiful flowers from my loved ones. And a part of me started to notice through the years how much I deeply love flowers. How they are a part of every step of our lives – flowers for a good job or a thank you, for a congrats, for a holiday, for celebrating love, or for expressing condolences. Flowers were always there, and I was drawn to them. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always love being a dancer and performer, and I’m glad I’ve gotten to experience jobs being on stage and bringing entertainment to audiences. But I knew I needed to look more into creating with flowers and listen to what was calling me. I found ways to start learning about the craft and eventually discovered an ad on Facebook for a florist, took the chance to reach out, and worked at a flower shop. Eventually, I made the leap to start on my own, and blending together my two passions came my company’s name, Dancing with Sunflowers. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
An obstacle lately is finding myself. In life and in my art. Being in my late 20s is very humbling; I feel like I know everything and nothing all at the same time. That’s how I feel as a florist as well. I thought I had a lot of knowledge about the industry, yet lately, I feel like I’m learning something new every day. And I always want to keep learning and growing, but it can feel overwhelming when you start to doubt yourself and see on social media how so many artists are doing what you’re doing differently or “better.” But that’s self-doubt creeping in, and I believe every artist has their own special thing to bring to the table. Sometimes, I just need to remind myself of that as well. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love quirky and fun vases. I am always trying to find out-of-the-box containers for a vase. I usually try to thrift and find second-hand vases, this helps them be unique, but also helps environmentally by cutting back on waste and giving these vases a new life. With my floral designs, I’m still continuously searching for my own personal style, but honestly, that’s really exciting to me. Because I’m constantly exploring within my creativity. With my company still being on the newer side, I am eager to try new things and work with my clients. I’m not stuck to one style; I’m enjoying the freedom to create and try ideas. 

Any big plans?
With my love for dance and theater, I want to make sure I support entertainment in my community. I hope to partner with local theaters and dance studios, selling them flowers during events or performances and having proceeds go back to them. I hope to give back to other organizations as well such as OC Pride. Flowers are for everyone, and I want them to spread joy and support to those around me. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancingwithsunflowers?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
The Shukans