Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Haseltine.
Hi Kenneth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my floral career as a designer in a fast-paced, high-volume operation that sold affordable flowers wholesale to the public – what I often called a “flower factory.” It was there that I learned to design quickly, work efficiently, and thrive under pressure.
At just 20 years old, I opened my first flower shop with very little understanding of day-to-day business operations. Through hard work, determination, and plenty of hands-on lessons, I learned how to manage both the creative and business sides of the floral industry.
At 40, I opened a high-end flower shop in Sonoma County, California, where I became known as the “King of High-End Weddings.” I created distinctive floral designs for elegant celebrations, but the demanding schedule eventually took its toll. After nearly three years with barely a day off, I sold the shop and moved to Oregon with plans to retire early.
I soon realized I was too young to retire, so I took a part-time job at a very traditional flower shop. I saw great potential and wanted to bring the business into the 21st century, which led to more than a few disagreements with the owner. I quit several times, but somehow kept returning. After the owner suffered a stroke, I received a call with an offer I could not refuse.
And so, after 44 years in both retail and wholesale floristry, I am now the owner of my third flower shop. My career has been shaped by creativity, resilience, hard work, and a willingness to evolve – along with a lifelong love of flowers and the people who enjoy them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“I’d say it hasn’t been without its challenges. Being a florist can sometimes be exhausting, with long hours, back-breaking work, and difficult customers – but it’s what I love to do.”
“I might get some hate from other florists for saying this, but I don’t consider myself an ‘artist.’ I’m a craftsman, and my medium is flowers. Sure, it takes a good eye to be a truly great floral designer, but to me, it’s a craft – one that takes skill, discipline, and years of practice.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“My work has changed dramatically over the years. I started in the ’80s, when a more stylized look was popular, but these days my approach is much more natural. I believe a good flower arrangement should be easy on the eye, not something that challenges the viewer. I aim for an effortless look – something that feels as though it could have grown that way.”
“I think it’s important never to believe you’ve mastered this craft, because the moment you do is the moment you stop learning.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Olson’s_Fine_ Flowers
