Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Chkaiban
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with floral design began in high school. During my junior year, I had to fill my schedule with an elective class and chose floral design as that art form. Within a few months, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I loved the idea of utilizing flowers to create art. Shortly after, I got certified as a florist with the state of Texas and took an advanced floral design class in my senior year. I joined a club, fulfilled event orders, and honed my skills. Around this time, I also started working at a local flower shop, which provided invaluable hands-on experience.
A defining moment in my journey came when I excelled at an FFA county show, winning first place in both silk and live flower categories and earning the reserve champion title for the horticulture division. I’ll never forget the words of my floral design teacher when she approached me afterward, saying, “Sophie, do you know what you just did? People work their whole lives to earn a belt buckle like that, and you just did it on your first FFA show.” This recognition fueled my passion and validated my talent for floral design.
Amidst graduation and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the bold decision to leave the flower shop and establish my own business. In 2020, I founded Thirsty Blooms by Sophie in North Dallas, focusing on creating bespoke floral designs that bring elegance and joy to every occasion. Rapidly expanding opportunities led me to relocate to Austin, where my business thrived, catering to weddings, events, and daily orders.
Recently, I relocated Thirsty Blooms to Houston to pursue my passion for professional dance, balancing this new career alongside my flourishing floral design business. With a master’s degree in marketing empowering my entrepreneurial journey, I continue to operate Thirsty Blooms, participating in local farmers’ markets and offering engaging workshops for events and parties, enriching the floral design experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Managing my floral design business, alongside full-time studies, a job, a dream, and other commitments has been both challenging and rewarding. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in shaping my career path within the floral industry. Amidst global lockdowns and economic uncertainty, I took the leap to leave the flower shop and establish Thirsty Blooms by Sophie. Starting a business during such turbulent times tested my resilience and adaptability, but it also fueled my passion for floral design.
Relocating my business from Austin to Houston presented additional hurdles, yet my unwavering determination and love for creating beautiful floral arrangements helped me overcome them. Juggling the demands of running Thirsty Blooms, pursuing my professional dance aspirations, and managing other commitments has been a complex balancing act. Despite these challenges, each experience has enriched my journey in floral design, reinforcing my dedication to crafting unique and meaningful floral creations for every occasion.
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?
At Thirsty Blooms, I specialize in creating bespoke floral designs that blend creativity with elegance. Whether it’s crafting arrangements for weddings, events, or everyday moments, each piece is infused with my love and passion for floral artistry. I take pride in offering personalized experiences and ensuring that every floral creation reflects the unique essence of the occasion it celebrates.
What sets Thirsty Blooms apart is the commitment to innovation and attention to detail. I continuously seek new trends and techniques in floral design to deliver fresh and distinctive arrangements. Additionally, my background and education in marketing allows me to approach floral design not just as a creative endeavor but also as a business, ensuring that Thirsty Blooms not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations.
I am most proud of the journey I’ve taken with Thirsty Blooms, from its humble beginnings in North Dallas during the pandemic to its growth and relocation to Austin and now Houston. The resilience and dedication I’ve poured into building this business, alongside pursuing my passion for dance and academic achievements, have shaped me into the florist and entrepreneur I am today. Thirsty Blooms has been my most enduring relationship, blossoming alongside my personal and professional growth.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can connect with Thirsty Blooms by Sophie through our website for convenient delivery options or follow us on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. We specialize in crafting personalized floral designs that bring creativity and elegance to weddings, events, workshops, and other special occasions.
I also enjoy collaborations with local businesses, photographers, and event planners to create unique floral experiences. Whether you’re looking to elevate your event with stunning arrangements, host intimate workshops or parties, or simply want to purchase our fresh bouquets, dried and silk arrangements, and handmade wellness products available at local farmers’ markets and Pop-Up shops, your support is sincerely appreciated.
Join us in celebrating life’s moments with the exquisite beauty of blooms from Thirsty Blooms. Together, we can curate unforgettable experiences that reflect your distinct style and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thirstybloomsbysophie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirstybloomsbysophie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirstybloomsbysophie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thirstybloomsbysophie
