Karis Vandel-Holm

Today I want to talk about people because when it comes to being inspired I truly believe that surrounding yourself with good people can spark inspiration in countless ways. 

Human beings are one of the most complex and interesting living organisms on the planet. It took me a long while to figure that out, being the natural introvert I am. Emotionally, verbally, physically, through art, storytelling, music, and every which way, humans are expressing themselves and showing just how complex they are endless. While by no means is it always good or right, it is fascinating. 

Inspiration and people are intimately linked. I want you to think harder about that, and to think about who you draw inspiration from. More importantly, WHAT part of them is calling to you? Why are you so interested, why does it stick in your brain and make you come back to them again and again? 

For me, I gravitate towards the way that people smell and dress. Funny to write out in words, but it’s true. Memories are often formed by more than one sense, and for me, I will often associate a person's smell to the memory of them. On the other hand, and maybe more obviously, I am inspired by the way that people will dress. I have always been a lover of fashion, as I think it can be the truest reflection of what someone is like on the inside. Special earrings, rings, a favorite jacket, well-worn shoes, they all show the hidden parts of a person to the world.

Yet to look deeper than that, I am drawn to people who are opposite of me. People who, when I am a pessimist, they bring a sunny point of view. When I am scatterbrained and unsure, they are steady and bring me right back to the important stuff. When I am unapologetically forging ahead, they are slowing me down and helping keep me accountable. Through all this kindness and help, I am actively being inspired to be a better human being, a more balanced human being. When I can be balanced in my emotions and actions, I can reach my full potential in my artwork. 

Being a florist is hard. It is not just playing with flowers and beautiful days, and it can take the energy out of any person. When I can be working and creating alongside my friends, around people I trust and that can hold me up when I’m having a rough day, that is when I get filled up. They inspire me, they know who they are, and I am so grateful for every one of them as they have helped inspire me through every phase of my life over the past few years. 

Surround yourself with people who inspire you. That goes beyond flowers and work and into heart stuff. Maybe it’s something you already know, but maybe take a second to thank those inspiring people. Today, let them know how much they have sparked in you. 

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Karis Vandel-Holm of Flowers_by_Karis started her journey into flowers in 2018, when she pivoted degrees and started pursuing horticulture. After working on a flower farm for two years while simultaneously learning floral design from wedding florist Sugarberry Blooms and AIFD courses at the University of Missouri, she made the shift to designing full-time in 2021. Excited to start a new path in one of her favorite places, Karis moved to Southern California with her husband Mitchell to begin working for Siren Floral Co and managing the new retail addition, Siren Floral Shop, located in Oceanside.

Karis believes that nature and flowers are food for the soul, and that there is nothing better than watching a flower bloom, flourish, and then slowly fade away. She can be found with her camera in hand and always ready to capture the magic that flowers bring to the world. Flowers make her happiest when they are merging nature and true art, sculpture in botanical form. It is her dream to grow her own ingredients and cut right from her backyard.”