Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Heaton .
Hi Jill, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the world of flowers wasn’t planned. It was passion that found me. Years ago, I helped with a family wedding. That family wedding was mine, and I remember being captivated by the way balloons added to the space. So, in 1989 I opened up a business in Minnesota and began my journey of a balloon designer. In 1991 I was asked by a client now with a second location back in my home state of Connecticut to add flowers. I quickly signed up for classes and quickly got hired part time for two different brick and mortar florist to learn the trade. All doing this while raising two small children. In 1999 for Insurance, I also began back in corporate America. That one experience turned into late nights, early mornings, and a relentless desire to master the art of floral design.
What began as a creative outlet for several years then quickly became a full-fledged career alongside my corporate job. I built my business from the ground up, often designing from my kitchen table, slowly growing a loyal client base and learning what true luxury service really meant. It was attention to detail, consistency, and heart. in 2019 I left corporate America for good and focused solely on Jill Heaton Event Decor, I have transitioned to Jill Heaton Floral Design and Event Decor in 2024.
Today, our team creates floral experiences for weddings, galas, mitzvahs, and social events all over Florida and beyond. We specialize in lush installs, statement trees, and custom floral moments that are both breathtaking and deeply personal.
It’s been a long, winding road filled with blooms, breakdowns, breakthrough and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! but every bump in the road taught me something valuable.
Like many creative entrepreneurs, I started with passion. I have the business experience however, I made mistakes, undercharged, overpromised, and worked myself into burnout trying to prove I belonged in this space. There were seasons where I questioned everything, and sometimes still do. Especially when facing rising flower costs, unreliable vendors, ghosting clients or the emotional weight of leading a team while juggling a hundred moving parts behind the scenes.
One of the biggest challenges was learning to say “no.” In the early days, I said yes to everything and everyone, afraid to lose an opportunity. But I quickly realized after 36 years it is okay to say NO. Not every client is the right fit, and not every job is worth the stress it causes.
And then, there was so many global changes between the day I began and today. No more phonebooks, no more phones attached to wall or sitting on your countertop to ring and take orders. Where your clients called never knowing what your looked like to make an appointment and then actually walk in sit down and write that retainer check.
Then comes along social media, my Foe! Pinterest, IG and the rest of made me want to quit every single day. But what that has done to us has made every challenge personal, financial, emotional and has shaped how I do business now: Much stronger boundaries, clearer vision, and deep respect for the value we bring to every event.
The road wasn’t smooth, but the growth has been real. And that’s what makes the journey worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design unforgettable floral experiences for weddings and events that go far beyond “pretty flowers.” I specialize in custom florals. Every design is a reflection of my client’s vision, refined through my lens of elegance, emotion, and artistry.
I’m known for being very hands on work both in studio and on site, deeply detailed, transparent, honest and to the point. I don’t have time for shenanigans while working. I am always 100% committed to the success of each event. We pride ourselves in never double-booking weddings. We feel that every client deserves our full attention and creative energy. I’ve been called a floral encyclopedia by my peers or flowering friends and freelances with 36 years of knowledge
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built. Clients hand over one of the most important days of their lives to me, and I don’t take that lightly.
What sets me apart is the way I combine artistry with intention, logistics with beauty, and experience with heart. I study my clients, their venues, and the way they want their guests to feel. That’s where the magic comes from.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
We do use AI and Canva to design ideas, so clients have a visual. I usually will go back to my old floral books if necessary. We no longer listen to podcasts or read blogs, because it is mostly based on opinions which is emotional and not facts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jillheatonfloraldesign.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jillheatonfloraldesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jillheatonfloraldesign
- Other: www.pinterest.com/jillheatonfloraldesign
Image Credits
Mattlock and Kelly Snaps by Gabriela Alexis Pratt Photography Rut Photography Orlando Wedding Photography
