Throughout her career, Janelle Thomson has transformed her role into something beyond floral design. She is an artist, a flower fairy godmother, and a creative guru. Her expertise includes extracting ideas and translating them into tangible design elements that shape the vision of each project. That’s why at Lavenders, her floral business, the team works with intention and lives with intention, putting a lot of thought into every detail, no matter how big or small.
Janelle Thomson - The Face and Hands Behind Lavender's Floral Design
Working in a creative field is both deeply personal and incredibly rewarding for Janelle. Even after more than a decade of designing with flowers, the work continues to inspire and excite her. At the same time, it can be physically and mentally demanding—after all, the team does more than just play with flowers.
She shares:
"Lavenders is where my artistic nature runs free and utilizes flowers as a medium to transform environments, express my client’s vision, and make an unforgettable occasion for all. Being trusted to tell your story with flowers is what motivates me every single day. Every thought, plan, and detail is done with intention. There are no shortcuts when it comes to our creative process. We believe in 'whole-ass’ing' everything we do by customizing each element to your specific vision. We do not take shortcuts, we are not afraid to get our hands dirty and we certainly do not shy away from a creative challenge."
Alongside designing for events, she shares everything he has learned along the way to educate and empower creatives and entrepreneurs to realize their full potential. She strives to create long-lasting bonds that are built on trust and a common wish for things that are wildly unique and magical. Nothing makes her happier than working hand-in-hand with fellow creatives. Alongside her community, Janelle is humbled to make the world a little more beautiful, each floral arrangement at a time.
A True Floral Wizard
Routinely generating unique ideas while managing clients’ expectations requires focus and dedication. Finding balance in her work has proven more challenging than any installation or bouquet she has ever created. Despite years of practice, Janelle still experiences moments of self-doubt and second-guesses her skills. On top of the balancing act, the work shifts with the seasons, not just in flowers. Florists, like Janelle, are magicians because they navigate the complexities of business with grace while making it look effortless, beautifying everything they touch.
To be an event florist, she knows, requires wearing many hats: floral designer, planner extraordinaire, business accountant, human resources expert, salesperson, client manager, marketing guru, self-motivator, creative genius, and more. Floristry demands a wide range of skills that often leave one running on empty. Janelle can recall countless days spent without stopping to eat or even use the bathroom, pushing herself beyond expectations.
With that level of intensity comes a natural letdown, and these moments prepare her for the next step forward. Recovery and balance are essential to sustain the daily grind. During these times, Janelle taps into a deep well of creativity, finding inspiration in the mundane. Time off allows her to notice an iris growing along the sidewalk or the unusual pattern of clouds overhead. She used to think stepping away from the studio was selfish—that she should always be working or risk falling behind—but she has learned the opposite is true. Taking time to rest restores her sense of curiosity and wonder, fueling her craft and allowing her creativity to flourish anew.
All in all, she wants to help you build your floral dreams. She says:
"Just as the seasons change, so do you. Take advice from the daffodils, peonies, and rain pods. Take comfort that there is a season to shine and one to restore."
Setting up floral installations and designs
Make sure to visit Janelle Thomson's Instagram to get inspired by her work.
Photos by: @lavendersflowers.
