Volume II
Artisan in the Community
Our Internship Program
Each year, Kellie and her Production Managers journey to UNLV and BYU-I to recruit interns in the Horticulture Program who are possibly interested in a career in Event Floral Design. On this trip, we teach workshops on bouquet design, large installations and, most importantly, responsible business ethics. We hire 3-5 students for a PAID internship for the summer season where they are given an immersive, hands-on experience for 5 months. This is the most rigorous and intensive internship in the Utah event industry to date. Our internships almost always result in a permanent post-season offer for continued employment.
As creatives in the business world, it is our responsibility to ensure our field's future remains passionate and fiscally sustainable. We take great pride in the internship program we have developed, in which we recruit eager artists from nearby Universities to nurture their talent and forge a future in what they love at a livable wage. While many interns in our industry are unpaid, we pay our interns throughout their entire program - a notion that is hard to come by. More often than not, their internship program develops into a permanent position at Artisan Bloom. We hope to encourage young talent to explore and monetize their passions, all while contributing to the growth of the growing Utah wedding industry.
"My internship was a six-month-long masterclass from some of the best and brightest in the industry. I can confidently say that interning with Artisan Bloom was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Taylor Osbourn, 2022 Intern, 2023 Production Member
"My internship experience with Artisan Bloom was incredibly rewarding! By working for Utah’s premier wedding and event florist, I was able to learn so much and get hands-on experience on what a large-scale production looks like - something that was never available in a classroom setting. I got to work side by side with some of Utah’s most talented designers. Even though I was the “inexperienced intern”, they made me feel like an integral part of the team.
Accepting an internship with Artisan Bloom has provided me with the skills and knowledge to grow in the industry and was the best decision I could have made"
Jacee Lowry, 2020 Intern, Current Executive Assisstant
“The Artisan Bloom internship was one of the best experiences I have ever had! I learned so many valuable lessons about flowers, design, and event production that I will never forget. The Artisan team genuinely cares about you and the culture is unmatched! You will never have a dull moment! I cannot recommend this internship enough! “
- Emily, 2023 Intern
We strongly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to honor their passions and interests despite their age and experience.
During our recruiting and hiring months, we journey to various High School Technical Programs and inform and teach inquiring floral students about the possibilities of career experience and advancements.
Each Spring, Artisan Bloom holds workshops and allow students to submit applications for Junior positions, providing them with immersive job experience in a highend market.
At the end of each week, we compile all unused products and donate it to local tech programs, so students can continue to develop their talents with hands on exposure to fresh product, explore their interests, and - most importantly - establish confidence in both themselves and their creations.
“Artisan Bloom provided truly exceptional service for my wedding. They went above and beyond to ensure the floral and decor were executed to perfection. I would HIGHLY recommend their service to anybody!” - Lindsay, 2023 Bride.
This year, we had the privilege to support local artists through a custom mural commission. As artists, ourselves, we understand the heart that goes into the work and celebrate art in all mediums. We believe that backing local artists not only contributes to the flourishing of the arts but also cultivates a stronger, more cohesive community spirit.
Mural by Chuck Berret
“Kellie’s work was not only exactly what she proposed, but it looked even better in person !” - Jennifer, 2023 Bride
WIPA - Elevating the Industry
Kellie is a big believer in the aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats”, embracing the idea that an improved industry will benefit all participants.
Because of her deep-rooted belief in community over competition, Kellie was one of the founding executive board members of the Utah Chapter of the Wedding Industry Professional Association.
WIPA is an International non-profit organization with a mission to provide industryleading education for members, produce inspirational networking events, and advance the ethical standards of the wedding industry. An organization that is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Utah chapter of the WIPA has established a community of diverse voices and identities. Kellie has continued to be an active member of the executive board for 3 years where she works to improve opportunities for her industry partners.
Kellie is a part of the residing International Board of Directors of WIPA.
“I am involved with WIPA because I am passionate about elevating the standards and professionalism within the wedding industry on a global scale. By helping establish this association, I am dedicated to fostering a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and ethical practices in every aspect of wedding planning and services.I am proud to be part of an organization that empowers wedding professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving and competitive market while ensuring unforgettable experiences for couples around the world.
“Phenomenal. Artisan Blooms execution is flawless” - Donna, Mother of the Bride, 2023
Improving the quality of life in Utah - our goal to stimulate the economy
Supporting local businesses and purchasing locally made products can have a significant positive impact on the economy at both the community and national levels. By choosing to buy or source locally, consumers we to the vitality and sustainability of their local economies.
This year alone, we purchased over $800,000 of floral product, all brokered or grown by local companies, significantly contributing to the international agriculture industry.
“Artisan Bloom is professional, extravagant, and hardworking.” - Alex, 2023 Bride
Icon Events
In 2022, we collaborated with various local industry partners and hosted the first Utah-focused ICON event. This event brought in world-renowned wedding planners and introduced them to the beauty of Utah and the incredible talent of its vendors. By hosting and sponsoring events that involve out-of-state and international planners, we hope to increase our clientele, elevate our industry, and put Utah at the top of luxury wedding destinations. This is the first invitation-only consortia created for the global luxury event community of qualifying event planners and providers.
In attendance were industry trailblazers such as
Mindy Weiss - Kardashian Event Planner
Colin Cowie - Oprah Winfreys Event planner
David Beahm - Creative Designer for many Fortune 500 Companies
In 2023, Artisan Bloom
Partnered with Culinary Crafts in a new tourist attration . The “Teach a Man to Fish” Event took place at the beautiful 4U ranch, and offered a hands on Fly Fishing experience accompanied by a custom 5 course dinner amidst the pristine scenery. This event won the 2023 Catie Award.
We were incredibly honored to be featured on this year's cover of INSIDE Weddings. We are continuously in awe of our industry's skill and the drive of our creative partners.
The opportunity of a lifetime! We were THRILLED to showcase our beautiful florals in PEOPLE Magazine. As a business owner, you are always striving for career milestones and inspiring moments for your employees, and this one takes the cake... Literally.
Furthering the Brand
Each December, Kellie attends the Engage Summit- a series of masterclasses on the global luxury wedding and event industry. Each year, the world's top innovators and thought leaders gather for inclusive and immersive experiences that spark connection, creativity, and collaboration.
In addition to the Engage Summit, Kellie invests in attending one business intensive, focusing on refining business techniques and improving business practices.
This year, Kellie attended the Shift Business Retreat in Costa Rica, wherein she developed a deeper understanding of market analysis, financial management, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment.
Out and ABout
This fall, we had the pleasure of taking our talents to the East Coast. Our team ventured to Cape Cod, Massachusetts where we designed our first ocean-front ceremony. We were honored to be a part of this magical weekend. We were thrilled to put our workflow and logistics to the test and discover that it is efficient and realistic, even without the comforts of locality. With full hearts, we set our eyes to St. Louis to prepare for our next outof-state event this spring.
“Everything about that day is a bit of a blur, but I so distinctly remember marveling at the stunning floral! We can’t recommend Artisan Bloom highly enough!” - Caroline, 2023
Bride
Artisan Bloom has been a creative partner of the Sundance Film Festival for over 2 decades.
Being one of Utah's largest weeks of tourism, we are honored to showcase our beautiful designs, local talent, and professionalism to a grand audience.
The Sundance Film Festival is an opportunity for our designers to immerse themselves in a purely creative way - challenging their skill sets and promoting designs that are unconventional.
By enhancing the tourism experience, we hope to increase the allure of the beautiful state of Utah, and encourage repeat tourism and events, thereby increasing our clientele and positively effecting the industry as a whole.
As passionate as we are about design and expression, we are equally as passionate about giving back. We are grateful to be in a position wherein we have the ability to positively contribute to the quality of life in Utah. It was our pleasure to be a premier sponsor and donor of this year's Utah Foster Care Gala, a charity event that gave support to Utah's vulnerable children in foster care. Our contribution was an honor, and every dollar raised went to supporting programs that foster hope and healing for kids and families in foster care.
"Dear Kellie,
Thank you for joining our Fostering Hope Gala and for your generous gift of flowers. Your support sends a message to families and children that a community stands behind them and will continue to support future generations of Utahns. Thanks to you, children in foster care have one more friend on their side. Your support of foster families and the children reduces stress, encourages friendships, fosters mentoring, builds self-esteem, and prepares the children for a brighter future. Thank you for being inspired
to give in support of Utah Foster Care, helping to provide hope and healing for foster families and the children in their care!"
Mike Hamblin, CEO, Utah Foster Care
"Thank you just doesn't seem sufficient for the AMAZING flowers and table decor that you provided. It made the entire event, and we are so appreciative!"
Nikki MacKay, Development Director
Artisan Bloom has sponsored the following programs:
Utah Foster Care
WIPA Gala
Ballet West Gala
WC Kitchen Ukraine Relief financial contributor
Care.org Ukrain Relief financial contributor
Ronald McDonald River Bottoms Ranch Charity Event
Navajo Nations Hoop House financial contributor
The Single Parent Project financial contributor
Walk MS Event
Mama Dragons
University of Utah Athletics
The Road Home
Torrent Cycle's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride
Utah Youth Village Donation Drive
Vow for Girls Partnership
Girl Scouts of America Charity Dinner and Auction
Artisan Bloom has sponsored the following programs:
Granite Technical Institute
BYU Idaho Horticulture Program
Rescue Haven care kits
Volunteers of America (Youth Resource Center)
St. Regis Gin Launch
Juan Diego Catholic School Legal Aid Society Festival of Trees
Primary Children’s Hospital
Jordan School District Theater and Arts Department
Jordan School District Athletics Department
Floral Donations to Huntsman Cancer Institute
Floral Donations to Park City Peace House
Floral Donations to IHC Women’s Center
Floral Donations
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center
Floral Donations to Harmony Hills Senior Center
To Whom It May Concern,
It is an honor to submit this letter of recommendation to the Best of State Committee on behalf of Artisan Bloom.
As an event planner, I know how important florals are for any event! Whether our clients are looking for something simple and sweet or show-stopping statement pieces, we always know we can count on Artisan Bloom for incredible results. We thoroughly appreciate how owner, Kellie Jackstien, pays special attention to the little details that make her floral recipes truly special for our clients.
Kellie is always a team player. She enjoys a creative challenge and is always up for helping us create something unique and different for our clients. From hanging floral chandeliers and custom floral backdrops to the perfect centerpieces, there isn’t a challenge or color palette Kellie and her team can’t conquer. Beyond the beautiful and intricate designs Artisan Bloom offers our clients, their customized approach is extremely convenient for our clients (especially those who do not live in Utah)! Kellie takes extreme care in developing her floral recipes and the quality of her product is top-notch! Often times we’ll hear our clients express that Artisan’s flowers were so beautiful, they thought they were looking at faux blooms.
We love working with vendors we can depend on. In addition to providing an excellent product, Artisan Bloom is a reliable vendor we know we can count on to meet deadlines and provide the necessary information our clients need to make quick decisions. Furthermore, Kellie is easy to work with when it comes to scheduling floral mockups with our out-of-state clients. We understand she serves many clients but because of the personal way Kellie operates, she has a way of making us feel like we are the only event planner in Utah she serves.
I proudly recommend Artisan Bloom to our clientele time and again, and my team and I are very excited about the upcoming events we have scheduled with them for our 2023 event season. I confidently recommend Artisan Bloom as Utah’s Best of State award.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cousins
Owner, Michelle Leo Events
Thank you for your consideration