It has been such a whirlwind of a few months. I started Ida Blooms in 2017, from Jake and my’s one bedroom apartment in Nob Hill. In 2019, I opened the studio (Narrowest Shop SF) and increased my wedding work by 5x. Then, just days after my last wedding of the year (lookin atchyu Kelsey and Kostya), I found out I was pregnant.
That was Thanksgiving weekend & what followed was an emotional rollercoaster. The first trimester was wrought with anxiety, surprise, fear, and change. There was so much I didn’t know about being pregnant: for example, the risks associated with the first trimester, the fact that deli meat can carry fatal lysteria, and hot showers are bad for the baby, etc, etc, etc. While I didn’t experience any major physical symptoms or nausea, the emotional transition into pregnancy did not come easy.
Fortunately, much of my first trimester fell during the winter, Ida Blooms’ natural slow season. Without any weddings or big events on the horizon, I was able to sleep when I needed & adjust my business plans for the year to accommodate our growing babe. Unfortunately, part of that adjustment meant cancelling six pre-pregnancy-booked weddings that fell near my due date. I kid you not: that decision was one of the hardest parts of my pregnancy. Lucky for me, every single one of my couples chose to celebrate with me, rather than express frustration or ill will.
During my second trimester, Covid 19 hit. Off the bat, three of my spring weddings were cancelled and/or rescheduled. More followed. The loss of income and hands-on time with flowers has been an unexpected, and very tall hurdle to jump.
Now, we’re facing a completely unknown future, in so many ways. But, I’m over half way through this pregnancy (6 months, today!!!!), and Jake and I are very excited to meet our son this August.
I know a floral design blog might not feel like the place to document such personal news, but I have always considered Ida Blooms an extension of myself… so here we are. That being said, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to read other mothers’ pregnancy experiences these past few months. Since I have the unique view of both entrepreneur and mother(-to-be), I’m planning to share a bit of my own journey here, on this blog. I’ll continue with other, more flower related posts too, but wanted to give ya a heads up.
Thank you for sharing this special time with us.
Annie, Jake, & Little Henry Heath
