Meet May Bernhardt | Floral artist, sole female proprietor

We had the good fortune of connecting with May Bernhardt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi May, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry and was always impressed with the flowers that were being delivered to different events in the hotels I worked at and not to mention the lobby centerpieces made every week to welcome guests! This feeling of serenity, beauty and living art really inspired me to pursue it professionally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been fascinated by beautiful things. I love the blending of colors, texture, shape, and fragrance. These elements enrich and enliven my life and are critical to my profession. Like everybody that got to the top of their profession, I had a vision and know how it will take to get me to where I am now. I just never gave up and kept the vision on my mind. The way I survived the hard work and daily commercial frustrations is that I love the living green aspect of my business- the so many different organic scents I am surrounded with everyday and I walk on flower petals everyday!
I’d like the world to know that it brings me great joy to see the thrilled faces of my clients when they receive their arrangements. I take a great deal of pride and personal satisfaction in translating emotions in the medium of flowers

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
High on my list is a little place in Georgetown known as Dumbarton Oaks. The garden creates a sense of serenity in the midst of the nation’s capital.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that influenced me in my life but the first and most important was my mother. She collected priced roses when I was growing up and she showed me how to take care of them. I remember pinching rose-beatles one by one, and pinching the rose buds so that they produce more flowers. This was the first sign of my attention to floral details.

Website: www.mayflowersonline.com

Instagram: @mayflowersfloralstudio

Linkedin: in/company/mayflowers-va/

Twitter: @Mayflowers_Va

Facebook: @mayflowersfloralstudio

Image Credits
Chip McCrea Photography for my head shot.