My name is Austin McGarrity and I'm the owner of Electric Daisy Florist. I have 6 years in the floral industry. Growing up, I’ve always had a true passion for art and being creative. Not only am I a florist but I am an artist as well. I enjoy drawing, painting, jewelry making, wreath making, preserving flowers, digital art, doing special fx / beauty make-up and sculpting. I am always learning new mediums in the “art world” and new trades in the floral industry.​ Back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic I had such a bad day at work answering phones I decided to take a look online and see what my options were. I saw there was an opening for a floral designer position at a shop in Bel Air. I thought how perfect that would be for me seeing as I enjoy anything artistic, and I love getting to be creative. My Grandmother always told me to use my gift of being a natural born artist and apply my creative skills to as much as I can. So, I decided to apply to the position. I began reading, researching and learning all I could and I called the flower shop once a day to check on the status of my application, I must have called them over 20 times. Finally, after the longest 2 weeks of my life, I got called in for an interview. I went in and was given a test, the test included a vase, a pile of flowers and a picture of what the arrangement was supposed to look like, and I had to make an arrangement that looked just like the picture. I was nervous but took my time and ended up passing my test!

 

I ended up getting the job and I worked in that flower shop for 3 years. It was like I could see clearly for the first time ever. This wasn't just my job this was my purpose. I soon found my love for sympathy flowers. Some of the most meaningful moments in my work happen during life's hardest times. When people come in searching for sympathy flowers, they are often carrying heavy hearts. Being able to offer support, guide them, talk through flowers, help them choose something to honor their loved one and learn all about their loved ones who have passed on have been the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. Sadly my time at that local flower shop was cut short from being laid off along with a few other employees. ​ I was absolutely heartbroken and completely discouraged. I thought "what now"? I have fallen in love with becoming a Florist. I could not imagine doing anything else.

 

My Grandmother popped into my head, how she would tell me to "use my artistic gift". So, I thought long and hard, I finally decided it was time for me to take a chance and bloom on my own. I opened Electric Daisy Florist right in the heart of my hometown, Bel Air Maryland. I immediately got to work! I started looking for tools, supplies, ribbon, vases, decor and all kinds of things I would need for my flower shop! I would search at yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops and even Facebook marketplace. After losing my job and getting laid off my business was born in a season of uncertainty. But my love and passion for art, flowers and the need to help people through their hardest moments of losing their loved ones made my determination strong.  The wise words of my Dad always pop into my head "failure is not an option".

​

I decided I wanted my little flower shop to stand out and be different from the others in my hometown. I not only wanted to make unique arrangements for people like me who are artistic and eccentric, but I wanted to try to make a difference in my hometown...who could I help out or and who could I make smile? Then it hit me I used to work at a nursing home when I was fresh out of high school. I remembered how lonely some of the residents were and how so many of them longed for a visit from someone. I decided that instead of throwing away any flowers that were about to turn, that we would donate them instead! Sure, it was going to be extra work to create extra bouquets with left over flowers and drop them off around town after work, but I could make it work, and I did! I also decided to start a program called Flowers for Anne (named after my Grandmother) for my sympathy & bridal flower clients where I would pick-up their flowers after their event and create arrangements to hand out at the local nursing homes.  That way we can make a senior citizens day a little bit brighter. ​

 

My clients and the seniors that we donate to are the reason why I absolutely love what I do! I will always go above and beyond to make my clients as happy as possible. If I can make someone's day a little brighter then I know I have done my job right! As I said this profession is not just my job it's my purpose.

❤︎

 

​