I’m incredibly inspired by business owners and career changers who dare to build their dream — from the ground up — and make it happen.

Fran Parrish, farmer-florist extraordinaire and owner of Heirloom Soul Florals, is one of those people. Her career change from architecture to farmer-florist is an inspiration! 

Fran left her job in architecture to grow a flourishing flower farm in Western NY. It all started by recognizing and challenging her uncomfortable feelings in her architecture job, getting curious about allllll the possibilities, and taking the first step. That first step was a part-time job at a local florist AND placing an ad on Craigslist to barter her skills for a plot of land to grow flowers.

Her advice to those ready for a career change includes the following: 

• Loving more than one thing is okay, and it’s good! Start by honing in on one most exciting thing — go full force into that one thing and then use your other interests to diversify and expand your career portfolio. 
• Always be learning. Exploring and continuing to spark inspiration is essential to cultivate your growth.
• STOP worrying about what other people think. Most people care more about themselves, politics, and celebrities than you! Release the worry and lean into your unique career story. 

Fran’s career change story was an inspiration to me as I took a leap of faith from corporate HR to career coaching. It was an honor to talk with her about her story and have the opportunity to share it with you!

You might be wondering what a career coach and a flower farmer have in common?! Besides our love of flowers, we both took a leap of faith in our careers, followed our hearts and the rest is history. 

HERE is the link to watch + listen to our #careertalk.

Who has been an inspiration to you in your career?