Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Cillie.
Hi Lana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Hello, I’m Lana, the founder of The Kept Petal, a mother of two, and a dedicated creative soul. Nature has always been my most insightful teacher, and I’m on a journey to celebrate its essence through my work. My fascination with natural elements has been a lifelong passion. The abundance of colors, patterns, and shapes found in nature continually inspires and humbles me. Initially, I began crafting keepsakes for friends and family using sentimental flowers, and it was then that I discovered my innate gift and passion. This discovery inspired me to keep learning and improving to perfect my process. I spent countless hours researching, taking courses, and practicing endlessly. Through trial and error, I developed a method combining five ways to preserve flowers. Each flower is carefully examined to find the best way to maintain it. Certain flowers require reconstruction, petal by petal, to guarantee professional results. It is truly a labor of love. Operating locally in Charleston and its surrounding areas, The Kept Petal is committed to handling each order with the utmost care. We recognize the symbolic significance of every keepsake entrusted to us. We collaborate closely with our clients to bring their vision to life meaningfully and beautifully.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building The Kept Petal has had its share of ups and downs, as is typical with most small businesses. There have been markets with no sales, followed by others where I sold out before the event ended. Each experience has been invaluable in the growth of my business. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about sales numbers; it’s also about the connections I make along the way. The overwhelming love and support from my friends, family, and the local community keep me going. Their recognition of my art, their orders, and their encouragement to continue and grow are reminders of why I started this journey. To stay aligned with my original mission of preserving the profound symbolism of flowers in a meaningful and beautiful way, I constantly check in with myself. The business is an extension of my journey, making choices that reflect that mission. It’s this sense of purpose that drives me forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The Kept Petal, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach. Collaborating closely with you from the initial consultation, we make sure to understand your vision and your story. The final mock-up is sent for your approval, ensuring that we bring your vision to life in a meaningful and beautiful way. I’ve dedicated countless hours to research and courses to perfect the preservation process. As a former ICU nurse, you can trust my meticulous attention to detail. Our careful preservation techniques, using a combination of five methods tailored to each flower type, guarantee professional results. Choosing a local service allows for a lower environmental impact with local drop-off and pick-up options.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful connections and positively impacting those around me. My family, friends, and local community are at the heart of everything I do. Everyone I interact with, whether a customer or a friend, should feel accepted, appreciated, and valued. Giving back to my community is my priority, which is why I offer classes for children and adults to create their own pressed flower art. These classes provide a creative outlet and foster a deeper connection to nature. Education on the natural world, including identifying flowers and plants, is essential. I believe in promoting responsible and ethical practices, so I gather flowers sparingly for personal art, with permission, and only when the same type is abundant in an area. It’s my duty as a guardian of Mother Earth, and all life depends on local blooms. In addition, customer satisfaction is paramount at The Kept Petal. Ensuring each client’s joy and confidence is a top priority. I am deeply committed to working closely with clients to transform their vision into a cherished keepsake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keptpetal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keptpetal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keptpetal
Image Credits
Rachel Weber Photography
