Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Faulk.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up on a farm in South Louisiana, where I stayed close to nature and grew curious about the plants and creatures I came across each day. After studying graphic design in college, I spent more 12 years working full-time in the design world—helping brands tell their stories through visuals and thoughtful design. That experience taught me how powerful good design can be, but I always felt pulled toward something more personal and connected to the natural world.
That pull led me to start my first business, Curious Prints, where I created art prints and home goods using vintage botanical and scientific illustrations. It was a way to combine my love of plants, history, and design into something people could bring into their homes. Over time, that creative exploration opened the door to something even deeper: working with plants not just as images, but as living materials with their own stories and energies.
In time, my curiosity led me into the world of herbalism and natural fragrance. I began studying plant energetics and the art of blending essential oils — fascinated by how scent can shift a mood, mark a ritual, or bring nature into our most intimate spaces. That exploration eventually became Flora Vesta: a line of all-natural home fragrances and botanical goods rooted in the belief that plant magic belongs in everyday life.
Named for the Roman goddesses Flora (of flowers and growth) and Vesta (of hearth and sacred space), Flora Vesta brings together everything I love — design, ritual, and nature — into one offering. It’s not just a product line, but a personal expression of the sacredness I see in the smallest details: a bloom, a flame, a scent carried on air.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting Flora Vesta meant stepping into an entirely new category—natural fragrance and wellness products—where I had no formal background at first. It was exciting, but also incredibly humbling. I had to learn everything from the ground up: formulation, safety, sourcing natural ingredients, navigating the regulations and researching the sustainability of plant products. Unlike design work, where I felt confident and experienced, this new path was filled with trial and error. There were moments of self-doubt, plenty of failed batches, and the pressure of building a brand in a space where I was still finding my footing. But those struggles pushed me to study more deeply, stay curious, and trust that passion and persistence would carry me through.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I love most about working with all-natural fragrance is the connection to real plants. Every essential oil or extract carries the life of the plant it came from—its history, its energy, its healing properties. Unlike synthetic fragrances, which can feel flat or overpowering, natural materials have depth and character. They shift and unfold over time, almost like they’re alive. There’s something magical about blending with real botanicals—you’re not just making something that smells good, you’re working with nature’s own language.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The city is full of creative, driven folks who are passionate about what they do, and it’s inspiring to be surrounded by that kind of energy. There’s a strong sense of community among artists and small business owners—we share ideas, support each other, and celebrate each other’s wins. I also love how nature is such a big part of the city. Whether it’s walking a trail, spotting wildflowers, or just being near the trees, you’re never far from something beautiful. And Barton Springs Pool is my favorite place of all. That cold water is the heart of Austin to me—it’s refreshing, grounding, and full of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floravesta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flora.vesta/
- Other: https://curiousprints.com
Image Credits
Jess Bugg
