10/25/2025
Hi Friends, it's been a while 💛
I know things have been quiet, and I haven’t done a very good job of explaining what’s been happening behind the scenes. The truth is, I needed to step back — to breathe, to grieve, and to find my footing again.
When we moved out of our sweet little shop in June, we had our eyes set on the next chapter & plans for growth. But, as life reminds us, things don’t always unfold the way we see them. The new space didn’t work out (and that’s okay — truly 💛). Life rarely follows a straight path, and if anything I now know it wasn't the time to expand outward, but rather the first signs of a need to look inward.
In July, my family suffered an unimaginable loss. My Uncle West passed away, and everything came to a screeching halt. It’s hard to describe the kind of stillness that follows this kind of heartbreak. My family is very small in headcount compared to most peoples'. And uncle West was a steady and sound pillar in our family foundation. His passing has been a deep, bone-level ache and, in all honesty, I haven’t handled it gracefully.
My uncle was someone I deeply admired — the person I’d go to when I needed clarity. He’d listen quietly, and then ask the simple questions that always landed hardest: “But Karen, are you happy?”
And for a while there, the honest answer was no. I was really overwhelmed, exhausted, and afraid to slow down — afraid that stepping away or changing direction would disappoint people. Or that I'd be some kind of a failure because I didn't prove myself according to some expectations I set on a goal line that I kept moving in order to deem myself worthy of being called "successful." I feel exhausted just typing that nonsense. But, grief has a way of shifting everything into focus.
This week, something began to stir in me again. Working with Davidson College on their "With These Hands" Dedication reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. The creativity. The collaboration. The purpose behind the really, REALLY hard work. This week, I felt that little spark again - the one that’s been buried under burnout and guilt.
I watched my team show up so beautifully, in ways that made me so proud. They made magic happen. And for the first time in a long time, I felt a little proud of myself too. I allowed myself to move that silly imaginary goal line of success a few yards closer to me and let my shoulders release just a little.
And if West could ask me today, “But Karen, are you happy?”
I could say yes.
So, what does that mean for DFC now? We’re moving forward — slowly, intentionally, joyfully. Our focus is on weddings and events, the work that fills my creative cup and reminds me why I started along this journey in the first place. The work that gives me the freedom to scoop my kiddos up for a big hug at the bus stop each afternoon now. And the work that allows me to be a little gentler and kinder to myself.
Oh, and the kind of work that lets our family rescue a new puppy. Yea, we did that. Send help 😵💫🐶🥱
Thank you, truly, for your patience, your kindness, and for still being here. This season of quiet has been one of the hardest of my life, but it’s also been the most clarifying. I’m so grateful to be finding my way back — one flower at a time.
With love,
Karen
