Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Schaum.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Floral design is my second career, but my love of nature started much earlier. After 15 years in natural resource management and restoration, I made a big leap into the world of florals. It wasn’t random; it felt like coming full circle. My very first job was at a garden center alongside my mom. She passed down both a love for gardening and the middle name “Rae,” which now lives on in my business name.
In early 2024, I left my stable government role to follow a creative pull I could no longer ignore. I enrolled at Koehler & Dramm’s Institute of Floristry, launched Cedar Rae Floral simultaneously, and eventually earned my Professional Floral Designer (PFD) certification in early 2025. What started as a personal passion has grown into a full-service wedding and event floral studio rooted in intentional design, sustainability, and care.
My background in environmental management shapes how I approach floral work. I think carefully about texture, seasonality, and where each stem comes from and where it goes. I prioritize locally grown blooms whenever possible and design in a way that feels garden-inspired, organic, and just a little wild (or a lot!).
Since launching, I’ve designed weddings, styled editorial shoots, joined the Dakota County Chamber, and steadily built a business I truly love. When I’m not flowering, I teach yoga and spend time with my husband and our golden retriever, Luna, who sometimes models floral collars or crowns with mild enthusiasm.
This journey has been a meaningful blend of nature, creativity, and connection with people during some of life’s most beautiful moments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly – but it’s been incredibly rewarding (and honestly, kind of addicting).
In my previous government career, as my friend Lisa once said, “everyone came to you.” In this new chapter, I’ve had to go out and find my people – to build trust, show up consistently, and grow something meaningful from the ground up.
Learning an entirely new industry, wearing all the hats, and facing imposter syndrome has been very real. But every step has brought growth – and finding my people has truly been the best part.
My biggest struggles? Accounting (eww), keeping up with social media, and realizing just how many buckets would always need washing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cedar Rae Floral?
Cedar Rae Floral is a wedding and event floral studio rooted in thoughtful design, seasonal beauty, and meaningful connection.
I specialize in lush, garden-inspired arrangements that reflect each client’s story and style – whether it’s an intimate wedding, a corporate celebration, or a creative workshop. You won’t find any cookie-cutter packages here. I want your event to be full of “wow” floral moments.
Teaching my own seasonal workshops has become one of my favorite ways to share the joy of floral design with strangers. I love seeing others tap into their own creativity and leave with something they’re proud of.
Whether you’re walking down the aisle, planning a gala, or just giving your grocery store stems a glow-up, Cedar Rae Floral makes flowers feel less intimidating – and way more fun.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Three things have been key to my growth:
Receiving thoughtful feedback from accredited floral mentors and staying open to continuous learning.
Sharing my work with new people, which keeps me inspired and helps me build meaningful connections.
I couldn’t do this without my supportive husband – my biggest cheerleader, unofficial production crew, and resident power tool expert who keeps this wildflower adventure running smoothly and helps me keep all my limbs intact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cedarraefloral.com/gallery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarraefloral/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557239957674
Image Credits
Kristie J Martin Photography
