We’re looking forward to introducing you to Abby Daigle. Check out our conversation below.
Abby, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I learned, or I should say re-learned, to shoot film this summer and it’s been exciting to take on a hobby – I love photography!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As the owner and CEO of two of Austin’s most celebrated wedding brands — Stems Floral Design and Barr Mansion — I’ve built my career on bringing extraordinary visions to life. Stems, my luxury floral production and design studio, has been crafting unforgettable experiences since 2004. In 2024, I took the helm of Barr Mansion, a storied family-run venue established in 1980 and cherished for its elegance and history. Together, these two brands embody decades of artistry, innovation, and a deep commitment to creating moments that last a lifetime — cementing their place at the heart of Austin’s luxury wedding market.
My vision for both brands is simple yet uncompromising: to deliver a true white-glove experience, making the wedding planning journey as fun, exciting, and memorable as the celebration itself.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It was the middle of the night in 2010 when the phone rang — the kind of call you never forget. Lightning had struck Barr Mansion, and our beloved Artisan Ballroom was engulfed in flames. By the time I arrived, it was gone. In that instant, my commitment to top-tier service transformed into something far deeper. We had to rebuild from nothing, all while ensuring every one of our couples felt cared for and reassured during what was already one of the most emotional times of their lives. It was a trial by fire — literally — that tested every ounce of resilience, creativity, and grit I had. The gloves came off, and we did whatever it took. In the end, we didn’t just rebuild a ballroom. We built a stronger business, a stronger team, and a stronger sense of purpose.
That moment taught me that true service isn’t just about delivering beauty — it’s about showing up, standing strong, and leading with heart when everything else falls apart.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Stay the course. The challenges will shape you, the right people will find you, and in the end, it’s all worth it — so enjoy the ride.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely the real me — what you see is what you get. I’m an introverted extrovert who loves my family, finds endless inspiration in flowers, feels most alive in nature, and can’t resist cuddling my dogs. That’s exactly what you’ll see on my social media. But there’s more between the lines — the quiet moments, the behind-the-scenes hard work, the resilience it takes to keep creating beauty day after day, and the incredible team that stands beside me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do — even after ignoring my parents’ advice to pursue a career outside the family business. I simply couldn’t walk away from the wedding industry; I love it in every form. I was born into it, quite literally, having lived in the mansion on the Barr Mansion property with my family until my teens. From as early as I can remember, I’ve had a deep longing to create beautiful events and host unforgettable gatherings. Now, I get to pour my whole heart into that passion every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stemfloral.com and www.barrmansion.com
- Instagram: stemsofatx and barrmansion
- Facebook: stemsofatx and barrmansion
Image Credits
Tay Danay took all of them except the one of the glass ballroom, that one was Eryn Chandler.
