After working in college at a local flower shop and in different seasonal hospitality and customer service jobs, Grace Nicolaus opened Olive & Grace Floral Design Company in Sioux Falls.
She kicked off the 2018 wedding season working out of her parents’ basement.
“I never will miss hauling flowers up and down those steps,” she said.
Nicolaus bases her business off of working creatively and flexibly with her clients, and providing excellent customer service.
“Not only do I never repeat a flower recipe, but I listen to the wants and needs of my couples to ensure they get what they are wanting most out of their florals,” said Nicolaus.
The florist encourages brides to trust the process.
“Very few brides have ever planned a wedding before, and it’s okay if you don’t know names or varieties of flowers,” she advised.
In addition to working weddings, Nicolaus offers her services for birthday parties, baby showers, funerals, fashion shows, fundraising galas, luncheons, and more.
Read more about the business owner, florist, and creative.
One: What’s your favorite part of the job?
I just adore flowers, honestly. I love how each one is so different. They all have unique shapes, sizes, smells, color variations, little personality quirks, and behaviors. Getting to take pieces that are already beautiful independently and mold them together to create a different type of beauty is one of the coolest feelings of accomplishment I’ve ever experienced.
Two: What’s unique about your business?
While flower shops are a very common thing. I believe I offer a more individualized and personal experience for my wedding clients.
Three: What do you do in your free time?
In my free time these days, I’m either gardening, walking my dog, or reading. My husband and I love to hike and ski, so we capitalize on every opportunity we can to get to the mountains. Although, I do thoroughly enjoy a glass of red wine while binging murder mystery documentaries every now and again.
Four: What are some trends you can see coming up?
English Gardens and Royal Wedding Vibes are definitely trending into 2025, but can we really call that a trend when it’s the classiest of looks.
Five: What advice do you have for upcoming brides?
My best piece of advice related to wedding flowers is to pick the florist that aligns most with your style and leave the rest up to them. Make a list of your top priorities, listen to your gut with the rest, and remember why you are celebrating in the first place.
For more information, visit Oliveandgrace.com+
