Meet the Florist
WHAT KIND OF FLORIST AM I?
I am a weddings and events focused florist providing services primarily to Southern VT, Southern NH and the Pioneer Valley of MA. I am open to traveling greater distances for the right opportunities! I thrive with client’s that are drawn to an eclectic, natural and artistically inspired look. I love a unique challenge and working with materials and objects that extend beyond flowers. The personal details are my favorite to make a reality. I’m determined to keep local agriculture alive in my business and I’m committed to sourcing seasonal flowers and greens from farmers and experienced growers whenever possible.
WHY THE NAME LUCIA?
The name ‘Lucia Rising’ is a nod to the positive impact of my reparative ethos of living as much as it is an image that encapsulates the magical optimism contained in a sunrise, and the incredible potential of a seed. In many origins, the name ‘Lucia’ translates to ‘light’. Light Rising as a title to this work is about pursuing meaning, having hope and sharing love. Flowers are my ally in that mission. The most exciting moment for me is when flowers become a vehicle for connection and healing. Whether it be expressing joy or easing sorrow, I am honored to be able to participate in the major emotional moments of other people’s lives in a caring and soft way.
My photographic artwork can be found on my artist’s website here: www.lindsayrichard.com
The first Bridal Bouquet I ever made was a gift for my good friend Glenna to accompany her intimate October 2021 wedding in the Adirondacks. The flowers were grown by Tanglebloom in Brookline, VT where at the time I was working as a Farm Assistant.
Above portrait by Wright-Moore Photography
HELLO! I’M LINDSAY RICHARD.
Originally from Westmoreland, NH, but a Vermonter for the last 12 years, I’m a New Englander through and through. I earned a BFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston MA in 2014. Shortly after graduating I held my first career in textile design and product development for a couple different global contract companies in the hospitality and retail marketplaces.
MY JOURNEY WITH FLOWERS:
I realized I had a gut desire to work with flowers in 2018 and on a whim I cold called a handful of local florists looking to learn whatever I could. I got my start assisting two local farmer-florists for a handful of weddings on the weekends. I loved it.
Facing an inevitable career change during the Covid shut down of 2020, I decided to surrender to the call and transitioned into farming organic veggies and flowers full time! In the Summer of 2022, I grew my own modest test garden and began selling mixed flower bouquets and jars via my roadside “ladder” farm stand. I expanded my growing capacities in a major way and grew on leased land for the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. I offered CSA shares both seasons, held a regular booth at the Townshend Farmer’s Market in 2023 and Putney Farmer’s Market in 2024 and created bouquets, vase arrangements, wedding, funeral and event flowers.
I was a participating farm in NOFA-VT’s (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Farm Beginnings business development program 2023-2024. I can’t say enough great things about the fruits of this program and connecting with an agricultural and entrepreneurial community. It was through this growth process that I realized I needed to change course again in order to prioritize other major life objectives. At the end of the 2024 growing season, I closed down the flower field I had established and transitioned to becoming a mainly events only florist.
