Mayzie Tucker puts a string of ribbon on a dried flower bouquet for her business Scarlet Sage and Co. at her residence in West Branch on Wednesday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
WEST BRANCH — Mayzie Tucker said her new business venture was inspired by her recent wedding.
“I was looking into ways to preserve my own florals from my wedding day,” she recalled. “I’m crafty and, with things like floral preservation, I like to learn new skills and teach myself.
“So I decided to do some research and I actually pressed my own bouquet. I thought it was beautiful and everyone else I showed it to did, too.”
“I had a lot of people reach out to me after that and say they were getting married and wanted me to do the same with their bouquet,” Tucker added. “So it kind of just transpired, especially since I’m at an age where a lot of my friends are getting married.”
Tucker decided to turn her talents into a floral preservation business — Scarlet Sage and Co. And so far, business is blossoming, pun intended.
“I offer custom designs of anything from a lay-flat floral press to a shadow box design,” Tucker said.
She works mostly with wedding florals, but also can preserve flowers from funerals to Valentine’s Day.
Scarlet Sage and Co.
Owner: Mayzie Tucker
Phone: (563) 940-7334
Website: scarletsageandco.com
Tucker has been working on this hobby-turned-business for about 10 months but officially started her business just two months ago. She said it was a natural fit as she grew up surrounded by flowers.
“My mom has always loved florals,” she said. “I’ve been working with her and her flower gardens since I was just a little munchkin.”
Her new business venture has been rewarding thus far, Tucker said.
“It’s become a creative outlet. I went to school for entrepreneurship and I always knew I wanted to own my own business,” she said.
Tucker said she can get lost for hours working on a design.
To create her final product, Tucker said she goes through an extensive consultation process.
“When someone reaches out, I get some background from them such as if their flowers are already dry, as there are different options if the flowers are fresh or dried. And then I have them fill out a client vision form so I can get an idea of what they are hoping for the finished product,” she explained.
“They can also leave any of that up to me. It’s an honor when they put their trust in me.”
Tucker also has her clients decide on framing and whether the final design will lay flat or be kept in its original shape and be put in a shadowbox.
After the creative decisions have been made and a price is quoted and accepted, Tucker gets to work. She sends lots of communication and photos throughout the process of working on each piece.
Tucker said she’s had people who were married two years ago reach out with flowers for her to work with.
So far, Tucker has worked with clients mostly around Eastern Iowa, but she has had a few out-of-state clients, too. Those projects come with more logistics, especially in regard to shipping.
Tucker is starting to branch out by displaying her own creations at local pop-up events and maker markets.
“I am offering pieces that people could purchase to display in their home — not necessarily their own flowers but flowers I’m working on from my own collection,” she said.
“But just pressing takes about four to six weeks, so I’m working on building my stock.”
What went from a project at her kitchen table has now taking over a large portion of Tucker’s basement.
“This has really taken off in the last couple of months,” she said. “And it’s just wonderful to find something that makes me and the people around me smile so much.”
Do you know a business that should be considered for a “My Biz” feature? Tell us by emailing michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.
Scarlet Sage and Co. Owner Mayzie Tucker puts together a dried wedding bouquet at her residence in West Branch, Iowa on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Tucker says she often is given creative freedom when she designs her bouquets. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
A framed wedding bouquet sits in Mayzie Tucker’s workspace that she plans on sending out to a client of hers at her residence in West Branch, Iowa on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Scarlet Sage and Co. Owner Mayzie Tucker puts together a dried wedding bouquet at her residence in West Branch, Iowa on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Tucker says she often is given creative freedom when she designs her bouquets. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
