Community Highlights: Meet Kelly Jean Ross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Jean Ross.

Hi Kelly Jean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born to two self-employed artist parents in Nashville, TN, visual art has always been my passion and trajectory. Painting, sculpting, and drawing have always been my north stars. I graduated college in 2014 with a degree in art education but had been curious for a while about the art of floral design. Through a friend of a friend, I reached out to a local florist to chat about what went into it all. She invited me over to what I thought was a cup of coffee, but ended up being a hands-on session as she showed me how to make corsages and centerpieces for a wedding she had that weekend. I ended up working for her for a while, learning tips and tricks and really seeing what all it takes to run your own business.

During that time, I also freelanced for a neighborhood flower shop during their Valentine’s and Mother’s Day holidays–they ended up hiring me to be on their wedding design team. A couple of years later, a local farm reached out to see if I wanted to start their floral design program, which included creating bouquets out of their organically grown flowers for their farm store, as well as designing full-scale weddings and events in their on-site venue. After two years there I felt the urge to broaden my horizons and tap into who I really was as an artist/designer. I wanted to deepen my design style.

In February of 2019, I moved to LA and was immediately immersed in the industry. During the following three years, I would assist a couple of woman-owned businesses and as well as freelance for a lot of talented folks in Southern California, all the while also creating for myself and practicing my craft. I learned a lot of invaluable lessons those years and am so beyond grateful for the floral community here in LA. Doors kept opening and in July of 2022, I fully launched out on my own and began solely working for myself.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel lucky I realized a dream and I’ve worked hard for it to come true. I feel lucky to have been working in this field for the past decade. I feel lucky to have had the right doors open for me at the right times in my life and lucky to have had the courage to say yes to them. The road has been smooth in the way of I’ve felt deeply connected to what I am doing and passionate about my art. It’s been smooth because I’ve surrounded myself with other artists who encourage and support me and work tirelessly at their craft. But of course, there are struggles. What job is fun and breezy every single day? I am so thankful to have been instilled with a dedicated work ethic at a young age. I am so thankful to those who have showed me how to take it all in stride–my manager at the farm, who became a close friend, my sweet mother, my partner who is also an artist, other florist peers who do the grunt work and not just the pretty stuff. Work is work and it’s all really tough, but if your heart is right and you’re willing to do the work, doors will open for ya.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I run a floral design business out of my private studio in Los Feliz. Anytime you need flowers, I’m you’re gal!

My design services include:
+ daily deliveries
+ full-scale weddings
+ elopements
+ intimate parties
+ set design

I’d describe my design style as: art-forward, garden-chic, whimsical with an edge, intentional.

Creating an arrangement or bouquet is the same as a painting or sculpture–palette, line, shape, and energy is everything.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I believe it’s key to jump right in, feet first, to whatever field you’re wanting to be in. Experience is the best teacher. A cold email or Instagram message to someone who inspires you could open a lot of surprising doors. If you are kind, have an open spirit, willing to work really hard, and are able to gracefully accept constructive criticism, I think you’ll do well in any new venture. Putting yourself in spaces you feel aligned with is helpful. Kindness goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: kellyjeanross.com
• Instagram: @kellyjross