Ahna left her seven-year career in fashion design to start her own business as a florist specializing in wedding and events. In this interview, she shares the reasons behind her career pivot and an aspect rarely being talked about - managing finances while trying to shift careers.

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Q: Tell us about your current work roles.

I'm a New York City florist with a Brooklyn based design studio. As opposed to a traditional brick-and-mortar flower shop, I run a services based business specializing in wedding and events.

Q: What led you to that career?

I was formerly a designer in fashion. After working in the industry for seven years, I felt a looming sense of unfulfillment. As a passion-driven individual, I felt a disconnect with the creative process of designing clothing for a collection. For a career field that is so inherently full of opportunity to be creative, the process is lost because trends come and go so quickly. The overhead and costs in producing a collection led me to spend most of my twenties working long hours, with a low-wage and often in hostile working environments. I decided I wanted to take ownership of my own creativity and start my own business. Now, instead of fabric, I design with flowers.

Q: What is your educational background?

I attended Parsons School of Design and have a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a major in Fashion Design.

Q: Did you have any life-changing experiences that led you to what you’re doing today?

Yes, this is a really good question! I thought that by working for a corporate company that was mass-market as opposed to working for small young designers, I would have a better work-life balance, salary and working environment. Unfortunately, during my first opportunity as a designer for a corporate company, I found that was not true. I couldn't assimilate because my working experience was different and was let go within my first six months. I then decided this was the time to pursue my own creative ambitions, although I had no idea at the time what they would amount to or would become.

Q: How has your family and upbringing influenced your career choices?

I come from a multiracial family. In general, I feel that my parents had a very hands-off approach in grooming my career choices, but had very high expectations. That statement feels like an oxymoron, but my mother is Asian. She fit the stereotypical mold of wanting her eldest to achieve high academic success, but as an immigrant believes in opportunity. Over time that has allowed me to feel courageous, to be resilient and to pursue my passions relentlessly - even if my passions have changed.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I'm proud of accomplishing my first year of business! Although we are currently struggling with client reschedules and postponements due to the social gathering restrictions related to COVID-19, I still feel proud and hopeful that everything I've built until now will continue to grow. 2020 may not have been the year I projected it to be, but I know 2021 will be a banner year.

Q: What would you say motivates you most to do what you do?

Human connection motivates me the most. I specifically chose to be a wedding florist, as opposed to a brick-and-mortar retail flower shop, because I love the relationships I build with my clients. The sense of fulfillment in helping couples articulate their vision and bringing it to life is something I truly cherish. Their collaboration, trust and gratitude is humbling to me.

On Making a Career Shift

Q: How did you find the courage to leap from one field to another?

Changing fields is not uncommon for many millennials because our generation is extremely passion-driven. Why settle for less? That is the question I kept asking myself that I never had an answer to. I'm a words of affirmation lover, so the encouragement and support from my friends gave me the courage.

Why settle for less? That is the question I kept asking myself that I never had an answer to.

Q: What has been the greatest challenge for you when it comes to switching careers?

Honestly, the challenge was the financial strain. I have a very Type A personality and am typically not a risk-taker. I also live in New York City and student loan debt. In order to change careers, I took a six-month unpaid internship with a local wedding florist who has a successful business. During that transition, I nickel and dimed every expense. I had put my loans in forbearance, canceled all unnecessary monthly subscriptions, lowered my living expenses and tapped into my savings.

Q: What advice do you have for others who want to switch careers?

Learning a new skill takes time, so having patience is important. If you find yourself enjoying a new hobby, there is likely untapped potential for transition.

Learning a new skill takes time, so having patience is important.

Q: What’s next for you, what are you looking forward to?

I hope to be able to incorporate an educational aspect to my business by offering flower workshops. I love the idea of sharing the craft and providing the opportunity to create with flowers you would not typically see.

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Learn more about and connect with Ahna at:

Website: www.dearbayard.com

Instagram: @dearbayard

From Fashioner Design to Florist: Ahna Hughes