Studio Eight Design was born out of a deep love of the land and flowers - honoring creation, cultivating it, encapsulating the elements. Tributing my grandmother - the queen of tablescapes. My grandfather - the man with a backyard full of plants. My great grandparent’s garden. The greenhouse in the backyard of Jacob’s grandparents.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been wandering off to create. Fairy gardens, forts, tea parties, flower crowns and arrangements. Though, I’m not sure I would call them arrangements today. Artwork, nonetheless.
Figuring out how to configure my gifts and weaknesses to create has proved a challenge over the years. I left college with the dearest of friends and an accounting degree that I knew would cause me a bit of an identity crisis. A year in corporate America sent me right back to my home state of Mississippi with a lot of questions, a lot of scars, and a lot of longing to wake up and do something that matters.
Flower farming was my next journey. I could feel the sunshine and breeze opening my heart and revealing to me the possibilities of what my life could become. I began to understand what I could offer the land, what my hands could create, and the power I held inside of me to teach others. For four years, I helped build a team of college girls—planting, weeding, harvesting, designing, crying, laughing, hiding in the sunflowers, hauling around armfuls of flowers. Those years will always be some of my fondest.
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2024 I decided to go for it - open a floral studio that specializes in designs that are inspired by the seasons and the natural landscape. My goal with every client from the start has been to create unique visions that reflect their story and the stories of their lineage.
My dog, Milo, has journeyed with me through it all. He chased the birds on the farm and now sits underneath the table at my studio napping. Jacob joined our story during the farming days and is truly the reason I felt the courage to pursue Studio Eight - always telling me to take it one task at a time. Milo and Jacob are a part of the foundation of this dream. My family and friends have been cheerleaders through it all.
Seems like I could talk forever about flowers - what they mean to me and how they’ve changed my life. I cherish this gift that I call Studio Eight.
If you’re looking to write the flower story of your most special day or just looking for some flower magic at your next dinner party - let’s connect. The best is ahead!
With gratitude -
Maddie Dyess