Check Out Dawn Adams’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Adams.

Hi Dawn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We started in the flower farming industry in 2000, specializing in growing old English roses, sweet peas, and other heirloom varieties. We moved into floral design as The Nature of Things in 2011 in historic Downtown Riverside. My daughter, Mandy, joined the business during COVID in 2020 as a full partner. We service unique weddings and events throughout Southern California and focus on intimate gatherings…

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We ended the flower farming business in 2005 when my father unexpectedly passed away at only 57. Farming is very challenging and we never really turned a profit. I started the floral design business, 6 years later out of my home and on a shoestring. After 1 year, we moved into a storefront in the historic district in Downtown Riverside near The Mission Inn Hotel. Of course, 2020 was deeply challenging, as most weddings and events were postponed or canceled. We opened a second studio last year in San Clemente in Downtown. The floral design business is one that is often romanticized and most people don’t realize how challenging it is and how much physical work is involved.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We have always been most known for our wild and romantic style where we use unusual and interesting botanical materials mixed with high-end flowers like garden roses, peonies, ranunculus, sweetpeas, anemones, etc. I think what sets us apart from others is our ability to interpret our client’s vision while maintaining our artistic edge. We are also growing flowers again and that’s something most local florists don’t do. Also, we are involved with our local floral design industry friends and are in favor of mutual support within that community. That was definitely not something that was popular when I worked for other florists between my farming career and opening the floral design business between 2005 and 2011. Floral designers today are much more supportive of each other than in years past. It’s something I advocated for many years and am thrilled that the younger generation is bringing that mutual support to the forefront. We believe there is enough work for everyone and that definitely fuels creativity over all.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
There are so many resources out there today, it is truly incredible. We constantly strive to continue our floral design, business management, and general creative skills. It’s wonderful to see the nationwide and even worldwide community that has evolved due to the internet/Instagram. These resources are out there for everyone. Anyone who has worked alongside us and has wanted to venture out on their own has our full support. So, looking for someone in your area that is supportive of your personal goals is crucial. That’s MUCH easier to find these days, as opposed to when I started out. I’m so happy that young designers today can enjoy that support.

Pricing:

• Average bridal bouquet $250 to $350
• Average centerpiece $150 to $250
• Average ceremony arch/altar decor $1500 to $4500
• Average Wedding Floral $5,000 to $10,000
• Average Event Floral $3000 to $6000

Contact Info:

• Website: natureofthings.net
• Instagram: thenatureofthings

Image Credits
Mariela Campbell Photography Lauriana Fortuna Photography Jenn and Pawel Photography