Today we’d like to introduce you to Jami O’Rourke
Hi Jami, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My artistic journey began as a child, influenced by my grandmother, who is a talented artist. We spent countless hours painting together, which sparked my passion for creativity. In 2019, I discovered pour painting and would put resin on top as a durable, shiny topcoat. I started selling these on Etsy and was always looking for the next medium to try.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I had more time to experiment with resin. I started trying out different molds and types of resin, just seeing where my creativity took me. Then in 2022, my friend got married and I wanted to try my hand at preserving wedding flowers, so that was my gift to her.
Simultaneously, I started showcasing my figurines and keychains at local markets to share my creations with a broader audience. By 2023, I secured a spot at Triple Z Threads on South Congress, marking a significant milestone in my journey as an artist. Throughout this time, I was practicing the delicate art of flower preservation, initially on a small scale.
In June 2023, I received my first customer for flower preservation, a moment that fueled my passion and accelerated my growth. Since then, I’ve seen exponential progress in my flower preservation business, continually refining my techniques and expanding my clientele.
Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to blend artistry with craftsmanship, creating meaningful pieces that resonate with others and bring joy into their lives. I am so thankful for the clients who have trusted me with their special flowers and given me grace as I am always researching and learning how to better my craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running your own business comes with a lot of struggles. As I’m trying to grow Forever Fleur to a point where I have a reliable income, I still have a 9-5 job. Balancing the two doesn’t leave me with much free time, but this is my passion and my creative outlet. Art is subjective, so as an artist you need to come to terms with the fact that you won’t please everyone. Art is also handmade by a human, so there will be small imperfections, but that is what makes each piece unique and beautiful, and a heck of a lot more special than something made by a machine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in preserving special occasion flowers in resin. Most often, these are wedding flowers, but I also work with memorial flowers, graduation bouquets, birthday blooms, or those “just because” flowers from someone special. Flowers are nature’s artwork, and I’m passionate about preserving that beauty and those memories for you to enjoy for a lifetime.
It’s a meticulous craft, and not many folks in Austin focus on this, which makes me really proud to collaborate with local florists. Together, we offer this unique service to as many clients as possible. Austin and the hill country are popular wedding spots, so it’s the perfect place for me to be based.
While I handle a lot of local orders, I also ship across the U.S. for those outside of Austin. What I’m most proud of is my dedication to building Forever Fleur into a thriving business. There’s not a single day where I’m not hustling for my business—whether it’s creating marketing materials, connecting on social media, collaborating with florists and wedding planners, researching new techniques, or getting hands-on in my studio.
I’m driven by a passion to make each preserved bouquet or arrangement something truly special, capturing not just the flowers but the emotions and memories they represent.
How do you define success?
To me, success is all about doing what you love and feel passionate about. It’s about finding happiness and fulfillment in what you do every day. If what you’re doing also brings joy to others and allows you to connect with people, that’s even better. While financial success is a nice bonus, it’s not the primary measure for me. What matters most is feeling genuinely happy and fulfilled in my work, knowing that I’m making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/foreverfleurdesigns
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forever.fleur.designs
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile?id=100089097767974
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/forever-fleur-cedar-park-tx-2083270
Image Credits
Stephanie Quirk Photography, Jami Hadley Photography
