Ask for Help: You’d be surprised how many people want to help you on your journey, but most people never ask. We need to normalize leaning into the support and collective resources of our communities. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart strategy to leverage the strengths and experiences of others.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Talia Boone.
Talia Boone is the founder and CEO of Postal Petals®, an innovative floral wellness startup that promotes mindfulness and self-care through DIY flower arranging experiences. With over 15 years of experience in brand strategy, communications, and social impact, Talia has been a driving force in both the sports and entertainment industries as well as the wellness sector. Her commitment to social justice and community wellness has earned her recognition and accolades across various platforms.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Mycareer began over 15 years ago with the NFL working in sports PR and marketing, which allowed me to work on brand strategy, communications, and social impact initiatives. Over time, I became deeply involved in advocacy, supporting causes such as education equity, anti-recidivism, and economic empowerment. The idea for Postal Petals® was born during the early days of the pandemic when I discovered the therapeutic benefits of flower arranging. Unable to find a company that shipped fresh flowers for DIY arrangements, I saw an opportunity to create a business that combines wellness and creativity, leading to the launch of Postal Petals® in 2020.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most interesting stories from my career happened in 2007. After many years in sports and PR, I helped spearhead the media campaign to get my client elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first ballot HOFer in the 2008 class. This cascaded into a whirlwind of press, events, and planning, which saw me organizing nearly 20 events in less than 8 months. While I had planned small events before, I had never planned anything on the scale of a Hall of Fame Induction celebration, and it was epic.
This experience taught me that I was capable of achieving things I had never even imagined. The intensity and scale of the planning required pushed me beyond my comfort zone and showed me the power of determination and hard work. It was during this time that the seeds were planted for me to start my own business and spread my wings. This journey not only honed my skills but also ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the eventual creation of Postal Petals®.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started Postal Petals®, I underestimated the complexity of logistics and supply chain management. Our first Valentine’s Day coincided with a major storm in the middle of the country, impacting a hub through which all of our East Coast shipments had to travel. This was, up to that point, the largest batch of boxes we had moving at a single time, and almost all of them were severely delayed due to the storm. This meant that the flowers would die in transit, and we wouldn’t be eligible to file an insurance claim with the carrier since it was weather-related. Needless to say, we lost a LOT of money that holiday and learned a valuable (or costly) lesson to track the weather conditions before shipping.
This experience taught me the importance of planning ahead and having contingency plans in place. It was a tough lesson, but it underscored the need to be prepared for the unexpected and to always have a backup plan. This mistake ultimately made us stronger and more resilient as a company, ensuring we could better serve our customers in the future.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
Postal Petals® is transforming health and wellness through DIY flower arranging. We partner with domestic flower farms to ship fresh-cut flowers nationwide, promoting wellness through creative exercise and therapeutic practice.
Our virtual and in-person workshops use flowers as a mindfulness tool, while our corporate services enhance wellness programs, gifting solutions, and event activations. By promoting creativity and connection with nature, we aim to revolutionize the floral industry.
With over 40 million Americans affected by depression and anxiety, and a surge in DIY and self-care trends, our mission is to change how people interact with flowers. We also host free monthly wellness events to introduce flower arranging as a tool for mindfulness and self-care, making mental health support accessible and engaging.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
- Incorporate Mindfulness Practices: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation. This can set a positive tone for the day. For me, arranging flowers has been a meditative practice that helps calm my mind, center my thoughts and relieve stress.
- Engage in Creative Activities: Dedicate time to activities that allow for creative expression. Whether it’s painting, writing, or flower arranging, these activities can be incredibly therapeutic. Flower arranging became a creative outlet that significantly improved my emotional health.
- Prioritize Physical Activity: Regular physical exercise is essential for mental well-being. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference. I often hike Runyon Canyon, here in LA. It always gives me an element of joy and discovery to my routine.
- Embrace An Attitude of Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can improve your outlook and increase happiness. I keep a gratitude journal and often include moments of joy experienced in the most simple of things.
- Connect with Nature: Spending time in nature can be incredibly restorative. Whether it’s tending to a garden or simply enjoying a park, connecting with nature can boost your mood and free your mind. This principle is at the heart of Postal Petals®, where we bring nature indoors through our flower arranging experiences.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
With so much focus on hustle and grind culture in our pursuit of generational wealth, we often overlook the importance of rest and self-care. If I could start movement, it would round out the quest for generation wealth by making the ultimate goal: Generational REST. This movement would promote balance, encouraging individuals and communities to prioritize mental and emotional well-being as much as their professional and financial goals. By integrating restful practices into our daily lives, we can foster a healthier, more resilient society.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- The Power of Collaboration: Why do it alone when you can collaborate with others? I operate by the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I’d much rather go on this journey with others than try to go it alone. Collaboration brings diverse perspectives, resources, and support, making the journey more enriching and successful.
- Ask for Help: You’d be surprised how many people want to help you on your journey, but most people never ask. We need to normalize leaning into the support and collective resources of our communities. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart strategy to leverage the strengths and experiences of others.
- The Power of Authentic Storytelling: People connect with genuine stories. Sharing the personal journey behind Postal Petals® has been a powerful tool for building our brand and community. Authentic storytelling creates emotional connections and trust, making your brand more relatable and memorable.
- The Need for Contingency Plans: Unexpected challenges are inevitable. Having backup plans in place can save you from potential crises. Our early issues with flower shipments taught me the value of preparedness. Anticipating possible setbacks and having solutions ready can help you navigate difficulties with confidence.
- The Significance of Self-Care: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to neglect your well-being. Prioritizing self-care not only benefits you personally but also enhances your ability to lead effectively. This principle is now a core part of our company ethos. Taking care of your physical and mental health ensures that you have the energy and clarity to steer your business toward success.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
While I believe strongly in each of these causes, mental health is particularly important to me. My journey with Postal Petals® began as a personal quest for emotional well-being, and I found it through the practice of flower arranging. The profound impact this practice has had on my mental health inspired me to share it with others. I believe that by promoting mental health and providing attainable self-care and mindfulness solutions, we can create a foundation for addressing other critical causes like sustainability and social issues. When people are mentally well, they are more equipped to effectively engage in and support broader societal changes.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Readers can follow our journey and stay updated with our latest initiatives through our social media channels and website. We regularly share content on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and our website offers a wealth of information about our products and services. Follow us on Instagram at @PostalPetals, Facebook at Postal Petals, and LinkedIn at Postal Petals. You can also visit our website at www.postalpetals.com.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
