Meet Shellie Watkins Ritzman | Cut Flower Farmer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shellie Watkins Ritzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shellie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Aside from providing the freshest, seasonal, locally grown flowers, I believe the most important factor behind our success is our personal connection with each customer. Whether it is our bouquet subscribers and pick-up partner businesses, or events here on our farm, it’s important to be kind, accessible and consistent with communication.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In 2019, approaching our 60’s, we began cut flower farming, which in itself is very physically demanding. Weather is always a challenge so we had to learn to manage our time around those challenges by adjusting tasks and processes to prevent burn out. Once we had the growing part figured out, we had to decide on how we would market and sell the thousands of flowers blooming on the property. We settled on bouquet subscriptions, DIY buckets, private and scheduled on-the-farm events. In season five, we have settled into a groove with on-the-farm events becoming over 55% of our business. We have created very relaxing and art-filled spaces for our community to come and enjoy the flowers and support our dream!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are very fortunate to live in a small town in the middle of three great cities within a 15 minute drive. So I’d start with a stroll though the small Kernersville downtown area with shopping at Jane Made and Found because its eclectic and filled with home goods, art and a great event space. Then a visit to see the enormous “chest of drawers” in High Point since it’s the furniture capital of the world and lunch at Stock and Grain for the best beef brisket and biscuits in the state. Next I’d take them to Winston-Salem for a stop in Louie and Honey Cafe for their famous Amish cinnamon rolls and lattes, and Remedy Apothecary, a delight to the senses with their full inventory of dried botanicals. Finally, a trip to Greensboro’s O’Henry Hotel for Afternoon Tea and a late dinner at Print Works Bistro.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be impossible to single out any particular person to thank for our success, however the community of cut flower growers on Instagram played a huge role. During our first season, and continuing even today, I can reach out to other growers with questions and without exception I receive guidance and inspiration. Florist mentors like Sami Price in High Point, NC gave me confidence that my product quality met the standards of a seasoned floral designer. Overall, our industry is one of collaboration over competition.

Website: mygardenblooms.net

Instagram: @mygardenblooms