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Sarah May was 19, bouncing from major to major at Dutchess Community College, the winter she took a seasonal job at a florist in Chester, NY. As it happened, the longtime owner of Chester Greenery & Gifts was about to retire. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I was like, maybe this is it,” said Hambrick.
“I came home one day, told my parents I was going to buy the flower shop,” said Sarah, who grew up in Washingtonville, the oldest of five siblings. “Didn’t ask, kind of told them.” Her areas of study had included pharmaceuticals, phys. Ed, and veterinary – nothing, she laughs, remotely to do with flowers. Her mom and dad were surprised, she said, but “100 percent supportive.”
Denied a loan, she used $5,000 in savings to buy the business on Main Street. It came with a shed, cooler and all the supplies to run the business for three years, thanks to the previous owner’s habit of buying in bulk. She opened her door, under the name Chester Hometown Florist.
Sarah May closed her shop after the pandemic laid waste to businesses like hers. Flowers, as she put it, “are only essential if you’re planning a wedding,” and brides were cancelling. She landed a job as head floral designer at Mohonk Mountain House. It was an ideal gig in a lot of ways – including meeting the Smileys, the family that owns the historic hotel, who impressed upon her that every business starts small. But as for being away from her daughter all day every day, “I wasn’t a big fan,” she said.
She decided to go freelance, renaming her operation Sarah May Floral Design. She would focus on floral arranging for weddings and events, a sector that’s exploding right now as the bottleneck of deferred festivities comes unstuck. Working out of her farmhouse in Blooming Grove allows her not only to be with Virginia, but also to eliminate the bulk of her overhead.
Sarah always enjoyed buying flowers, browsing cooler upon cooler at wholesalers like Alders, in Campbell Hall, NY, which might get them from California or even Europe. But growing some of her own made sense for a lot of reasons, from environmental to financial.
Today, Sarah May Floral Design is thriving as it blossoms into more than ever imagined
Sarah's journey began with a dream to bring nature's beauty to life in unique and imaginative ways. Her artistic vision and dedication to her craft have transformed her passion into a thriving business that captures the essence of love, celebration, and everyday beauty. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Sarah's creations transcend the ordinary and stand as true works of art.
What sets Sarah apart is her ability to infuse her arrangements with a sense of emotion and purpose. Every bouquet, centerpiece, and floral decor piece tells a story, whether it's a tale of romance, friendship, or simply a celebration of life's fleeting moments. Sarah's knack for understanding her clients' desires and translating them into awe-inspiring arrangements makes her a sought-after artist in the world of floristry.
Behind each exquisite arrangement lies a meticulous process that reflects Sarah's dedication to perfection. From the initial consultation where she listens intently to her clients' visions, to the design phase where she brings those dreams to life with her expert touch, Sarah's journey is a testament to her commitment to crafting the extraordinary out of the ordinary.
Sarah's love for her craft is evident in the vibrant colors and captivating combinations that grace her arrangements. Whether it's a soft and romantic palette or a bold burst of hues, her floral creations are a testament to her ability to evoke emotions through colors, just as an artist does with a canvas.
Beyond the stunning arrangements, it's Sarah's genuine connection with her clients that truly sets her apart. Her ability to understand the stories, emotions, and dreams behind each request allows her to create personalized pieces that resonate deeply with those who receive them. Every bouquet becomes an extension of her client's sentiments, a visual representation of their feelings and intentions. Making the bride’s vision become reality has always been Sarah's favorite part of her job. “It’s really nice to make the bride’s best friend,” she said. “When you’re a bride, walking down, you’re just squeezing this thing with a death grip – it’s your best friend for the day.”
In a world where flowers symbolize love, joy, and the beauty of life, Sarah May Floral Designs stands as a testament to the power of artistry and imagination. Sarah's journey from a dreamer to a sought-after floral artist is a story of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creating beauty in every petal. Her ability to infuse emotions into her arrangements, coupled with her warm connection to her clients, makes Sarah a true artisan of the heart.
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