I have been wanting to write this post for a very long time.
This “one on one” post is dedicated to the lovely …
Shannon Castillo
and her sweet and charming shop in Kingston, Washington …
I actually met Shannon years ago
when our son’s were playing football at Strawberry Hill Park here on Bainbridge Island
and then again when our son’s were playing baseball in little league.
As I watched my son grow up …
I also watched this amazing woman grow into the beautiful,
compassionate, and hardworking woman that she is today!
I have complete respect for women who go after there dreams …
and ultimately find them – and Shannon is one of them.
Shannon’s dream can be found in the beautiful relationship
she has with her husband and her children …
and also in this beautiful business that she and her mother have put their hearts and souls into.
. . . . .
So … when I opened my monthly pop up shop at my studio a few months back …
I knew I wanted her to do the flowers for my opening!
I can not begin to tell you how happy I was with them
as they were truly spectacular!
They were perfection really – just what I was looking for …
a large yet simple flower arrangement for the center of the studio
with only white flowers …
I truly could not have been happier!!
and recently I stopped by her shop and bought a bunch of these lovelies below for the studio …
(you can see what I did with them in a previous post – here)
What is so wonderful about Thistle Floral and Home
is that this little shop can not only create a gorgeous arrangement for special events …
they also have gorgeous floral stems and wonderful seasonal plants!
From the minute you walk in you feel you are in a special place …
a floral shop that is not only beautiful – but very special in so many ways
It is businesses like these, by women like Shannon that are what I want
to celebrate here on these “one on one” interviews!
So … here is a little more about Shannon and her lovely shop …
in her own words!
. . . . .
Where do you find your passion for Floral Design? …
My passion comes from seeing the joy that flowers bring. On the happiest of
occasions, saddest of occasions or just because. Flowers make people smile. Flowers
let you know that someone is thinking about you. What can be more fulfilling than
letting someone know they are loved? I get to do that everyday. ❤
Who has influenced you most in you business and why?
Easiest question ever! My Mom. She has more talent and confidence in what she
does than anyone I know. She has the ability to transform the ordinary into the
extraordinary. The floral industry has been my Mom’s life since she was a young
adult. It is not an easy business and she has persevered with her great work ethic,
dedication and talent. I can only hope I can be half as great as she is…..
photo by - BB Image House
Can you tell us more about the name Thistle Floral & Home …
I saw thistles while I was driving through the Palouse in Eastern Washington. It was
my first trip to visit my daughter, Cera, in college. It was the one thing that kept
me from tearing up on the way home, leaving my little girl at school. The hills were
covered in dry thistle and golden finches were swooping and playing while they ate.
I realized that thistle is strong and beautiful. It has the ability to survive and thrive
in such a rough environment, just like my daughter going off to college.
What is your Favorite Floral Style? …
There are so many floral styles out there but my “go to” favorite to be an English
style. It is not a structured arrangement; it is more of a free form style. I always
picture it as the way flowers would be if we just let them be themselves. An
arrangement that is a little wild with flowers blooming at their peak. A garden rose
at its peak is stunning. Just classic.
What else do you carry at Thistle Floral and Home? …
We carry a fun variety of vintage, repurposed and unique wares. Stemming from
our own eclectic style of “home” featuring furniture & accessories that we love.
Finding new ways to use “old” things creatively thinking outside the box. I enjoy
having a storefront that can support other artisans in the area with their goods too.
We have soap, jewelry, art and greeting cards made here at home in Kitsap county.
Outside of work – what is your Favorite Family Activity? …
Funny you should ask this…. knowing how Liz & I met. We are a baseball family,
much to my daughters chagrin. Now baseball seasons have passed us by as my son
has gone on to college and is not playing anymore. After years of youth baseball, my
husband has just realized that garages sales can be loads of fun! So, that may be our
new adventure together!
What is your all time Favorite Flower?
My favorite all time flower is the Tuberose. It really isn’t a very pretty flower but the
scent is out of this world! I love to take one small stem and set it on my nightstand.
My entire bedroom smells heavenly. The interesting thing about a Tuberose is that
it is a night blooming plant. I would love to take an evening stroll through a garden
filled with them some day!
And finally – what is your Favorite Color and how does it make me feel? …
I can never waiver from my one true favorite color, green. I love green for all of its
different shades; from a wet forest in deep evergreen to the kelly green of clover, to
a sea of green. So many shades to choose from. Green makes me feel adventurous….
that there is so much to see in the world. It can also ground me and relax my mind.
Just sitting in my yard watching my chickens in the green grass makes me happy.
I have loved watching Shannon follow her dreams …
and I have also loved getting to know her a little bit more in the process of this interview!
So – if you are ever in the Kingston area it is definitely worth a visit …
or if you have a celebration happening soon – I would highly recommend her!
Thank you Shannon for sharing your vision and dreams with us!
I will stop in very soon …
as I am sure your shop will be filled to the brim this Holiday Season!
Peace, Love and Happiness to you and your family – enjoy the journey!
xoxo – liz
. . . . .
Thistle Floral and Home
25960 Central Avenue Northeast, Kingston, WA
360.638.2849
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 11am-4pm
http://www.thistlefloralandhome.com
. . . . .
all photos by Liz Le Dorze – unless otherwise noted and linked above with the image.
(Permission to use the photos were given by Shannon Castillo)
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