Creative Humans - Emily Howard Considerthewldflwrs
Think of the most beautifully gathered bunch of eucalyptus leaves you have ever seen atop the dinner table, followed by the thought of the most sweet, stylish and effortlessly unique necklace that has been stamped with the outline of the Tennessee state. Then, think of the multi-talented, gracious, finesse filled and faith driven person that created both of these beauties. Her name is Emily Howard, and she is all that. Co-founder, owner and designer of Wldflwr.ink + Consider the Wldflwrs, Emily is a creative, wondrous soul. She is self taught in both jewelry making and flower arranging and works out of the cutest shared studio space at Fort Houston in Nashville, Tennessee - a place where she finds solitude in working with her hands, sipping on locally roasted coffee and collaborating with her equally lovely sidekick, Leah. Meeting Emily was lovely. I was fortunate enough to spend time with her twice in one weekend back in May. The first time, I sat with her at a picnic dinner table, the one draping with her perfectly placed eucalyptus leaves. The second was at her studio, where she sent me home home with that sweet, stylish Tennessee necklace (the one that I haven't taken off since). There's no wonder that I, along with many others, are drawn to this lovely lady and her mulit-talents. Any girl that generously gifts a hand made necklace and who also shares a love for Australian native fauna is a girl to write home about.
I also urge you to check out her online store and upcoming floral workshops. Oh, and her Instagram and Pinterest feeds too. A wondrous soul I tell you. Just wondrous.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a few different projects! Retail expansion, bridesmaids orders and custom floral projects are always my favorite. I am hosting an open house on Thursday at a new venue in Nashville called The Cordelle. We are celebrating brand growth and brands with meaning in a really incredible space!
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
I get inspired all the time. Colors and patterns in nature have inspired me from the beginning. I use simple and minimal patterns, whether they are inspired by nature or in seeing a well designed t-shirt that needs a necklace to match. Sometimes I dream about the beach, most times it's the mountains, but whatever the season or the fashion trend of late, I find solace in minimal designs.
Why a jeweller / florist?
I love flowers and flower patterns. The two are paired together so beautifully. I love to host events for people to learn floral design together and find common ground. It's hard to make an ugly floral arrangement! It's a lot easier to find grace when we let go of our perfectionism, take a step back and realize that the flower was already beautiful before we started adding to it and trying to make it more beautiful. People don't always realize what they have already been given, what they are already equipped with and capable of.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, would you be so kind to share some of your favourite artists?
Well, my boyfriend is a musician in Nashville actually. His band "My Red and Blue" plays colorful and positive music. Whether I am listening to his music or something that he shared with me, I always try to keep it positive. I make a lot of mistakes in one day at the studio, it's just a matter of how I handle the mistake that determines whether I end up posting a picture of it later that night.
Do you have a morning ritual?
I suppose I do have a morning ritual. I am obsessed with black coffee and I find coffee beans wherever I travel, so in the mornings I drink black coffee before I eat breakfast even. I usually read something on my back porch before I eat breakfast or look at my computer. Sometimes I read my bible, sometimes a book and sometimes an inspiring blog post. I strive to get my head on straight right when I wake up or my day will be controlled by my to-do list. I have many stories about God intervening my life's running to-do list.
What's your idea of a perfect Friday night?
I LOVE Fridays!! How did you know?! My perfect Friday night would be in Nashville. I suppose it would be in the fall. After seeing a band I like in Nashville, getting dinner at Burger Up or just eating at home, I would end the night on the porch at Rumors East drinking a glass of wine with my boyfriend Ben. I love their garden and I dream of being in another country every time we go there. It never gets old!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to Australia, Alaska, London, Ireland or Germany! I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel a lot: Europe, The Holy Land, Scotland, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, Nicaragua and Honduras to name a few. I love traveling ANYWHERE, although I don't enjoy packing at all.
Best piece of advice you've ever given or been given?
That is a hard question. I have been given a lot of good advice over the years. I think what is always changing is which one is in the forefront of my mind. My mom used to always tell me a story about how she got her first job as a nurse. She was too young to work as an OR nurse and didn't have enough experience to get the job she applied for. Instead of turning on her heels and walking away to begin wallowing in self-pity, she looked the woman who was hiring straight in the face and said she would work harder than anyone and that she could do it. She was so determined that she got the job. Sometimes when I am faced with doubt I think of this story and I think of the verse that my company name is based on. We are already equipped with all we need whether it's confidence, beauty or intelligence.
What's for dinner?
Honestly, I eat way too much pasta. I absolutely love garlic. I really just find something to eat with my garlic. I eat too much popcorn as well, which I usually shower with garlic salt.
The best part about being a creative?
Curiosity is the best part. Curiosity fuels everything. I meet new people, ask new questions, find new answers, figure out how to do things all because of curiosity. Considerthewldflwrs motto is "discovering wild beauty and encouraging thirsty hearts." I feel like my heart is constantly thirsty for growth.
The worst part?
The worst part.. that is so hard. There is not a lot of comfort financially in being a creative? If we are being honest that is probably the hardest part.
Day or night?
Day - I love sleep way way way too much. I much prefer to be wide awake in the middle of the day.
Old or new?
BOTH. Old sometimes means wise, but new sometimes means fresh. I like both.
City or Country?
City - I like alone time, but I really like people. I love the city of Nashville because it has city and country. I can pick.
Coffee or Tea?
COFFEEEEEEE - My question for you - what coffee beans should I order from Australia?? ; )
What do you enjoy most about living in Nashville? I love Nashville. The style, the culture and the creatives around every corner. This is definitely my city. Thoughts for the future: I hope that I get to go to Australia someday soon.
