paper blossoms by michal
a happy accident
Michal’s wedding in 2015 led her to uncover a unique talent. Now it’s her full-time job.
Photo credit: Fenix Photography
fresh flower alternative
Floral allergies among Michal’s family and wedding party in 2015 meant fresh flowers were out of the question for her big day. Eager to find a solution, Michal was confident with her crafty background and creative inclination that she could make lifelike flowers from paper and cardstock.
Through trial and error and a little research, Michal single-handedly created 1,000+ flowers to decorate her dream wedding. At the end of the night, her guests opted to take the flowers as favors over the custom keychains she had ordered as a keepsake. Her wedding was over, but the feeling that she had discovered her niche remained.
The above features custom floral arrangements by Michal. Photographer credits L to R: Raechel Marie Photography, Mackenzie Maeder Photo + Video, Munro Photos, Rebecca L Photography
Utilizing her local connections in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she’s lived most of her life, Michal’s business started entirely by word of mouth, her growing wedding vendor network, and Facebook. Her first year she shipped mostly local; now she offers worldwide fulfillment and has designed paper blossoms for over 125 weddings. All flowers are hypoallergenic, completely custom and meant to last a lifetime.
“What was it like to quit your job as a dog groomer and pursue this full-time?”
“Terrifying,” laughed Michal. “Absolutely terrifying. Thankfully my husband was all for it and very supportive, but it was difficult to get up that confidence and say I believe in this enough to stake my livelihood on it.” Michal just celebrated the 5th anniversary of her business, and now she can’t imagine doing anything else.
not getting married? cool, me neither
The coronavirus pandemic threw Michal’s business model for a loop. With weddings postponed, cancelled or more couples opting for elopements, Michal has adapted and taken this time to pursue more artistic endeavors.
staying busy
Michal’s etsy shop has exploded with popularity this year, as she stocks up on premade items inspired by books and poetry.
Her book ornaments and centerpieces are thriving this holiday season, making thoughtful gifts or simple ways to elevate your home for book lovers and decor enthusiasts alike.
making jo march proud
A book collector and avid reader, Michal buys and thrifts second-hand books that are unreadable or slightly damaged. “I used to want to be an author. Jo March was my heroine. I loved that she was always carrying a manuscript around trying to get published.” Now she’s turning Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, and other classics by Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling and Edgar Allan Poe, into ornaments and centerpieces.
“I hate to see them (books) tossed out, I’d like to see it turned into something people really like and have for the rest of their lives.”
10% off book ornaments now through 12/19/20 with code NOVEL10.
what’s next for michal?
Eco-friendly Initiatives
With all the paper used in these one-of-a-kind creations, Michal is making a conscious effort to plant more trees than she’s using.
She’s making routine donations to National Forestry Association and One Tree Planted, the latter allows you to track your donations and choose where your tree is planted.
She’s also developing biodegradable packaging, recycled shipping labels and all scraps from her creations are always recycled.
Tattoos
“I got my first tattoo the day I turned 18,” said Michal. Her right arm is dedicated to her love for Harry Potter, featuring spells and quotes from the books. Her dog is named “Dobby” after the beloved house elf.
Her legs are currently a blank canvas she’s excited to cover.
Tik Tok
“I love making my flowers, I hate selling them,” admits Michal. Not because she doesn’t love her customers, but she’s an introvert by nature. This year she’s challenging herself to increase her presence on social media and interact more with her followers. She’s looking forward to building more personal relationships through her business.
Oh, and her 14-year-old son convinced her to start a Tik Tok account.
Larger Projects
Michal has been working on an upcoming local art festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan for over 2.5 years. Details to come on future special projects and large displays of work.
Follow @paperblossomsbymichal and @novel.brands for more news, updates and giveaways
Photo credit: Fenix Photography