I know that I say this for every single one of these interviews, but I am just SO excited about this interview with Payton King, a floral designer at the florist. And let me just say, Payton is more than just a vendor that I work with regularly, she is a dear friend. I count myself lucky to get to work with her and learn from her. She is such a light and keeps everything so light and fun.
A little background, I met Payton back in 2020, when I was in major crisis mode. I was supposed to be moving abroad to Afghanistan, but covid happened. I found myself graduating college, but having zero ob prospects because my entire industry of tourism and events was shut down, and at that same time the US was closing the majority of the military bases in the Middle East, which was what I thought my career path was going to be.
My parents knew the King family through church, and Shelly King (who will have an entire interview and post dedicated to her in the future) had opened a wedding venue just the year prior and was looking for someone to help out in social media, marketing and . Now, I met Payton because of Shelly, since Shelly is her mother in law. I immediately clicked with both of them and this was the start of not just a great partnership, but friendship.
Payton and I are close to the same age and have very similar interests, including our love for all the floral and girly things, as well as books and more!
Your Name: Payton King
General Bio About You:
I'm a 29 yr old, Married to an amazing Man and I'm a Dog Mom of 3. I just happen to be obsessed with tea, and anything fantasy book related. I'm an old soul with young eyes, a vintage heart and a beautiful mind.
Gypsie, one of Paytons doggies is basically the florist shop mascot. Like...just look, I have a lot of photos of Gyps just hanging around all the time.
What are your passions? Hobbies?
One of my major passions is Floral Design. I work with my family at Lake Worth Florist, and I handle all of the weddings among many other things. I'm a lover of books, specifically Fantasy Books which you'll find me reading a majority of the time.
Let me just say, when it comes to floral design Payton and I are basically the same person. Like we love the same European, whimsical, loose style of florals! Just look at some of the content that we have created together!! AND we share a love for reading, screaming.
How did you get involved in the books or events community?
I've been in the event industry for the past 10 years through the Florist. Rachel Kimball introduced me into the book community when she held her first ACOTAR event in Dallas. Since then I've been working closely with her while we dive head first into the fantasy event world.
Payton was the floral deisigner for the Starfall Ball and I screamed at everything she created. Like I just love getting to give her all my wild and crazy ideas and see her bring them to life. Like the mantles and piano had be absolutely screaming with how stunning they were. Here's some highlights for you to be just as happy as me!!
What is your favorite quote?
"With freedom, books, flowers and the moon, who could not be happy?" - Oscar Wilte
What is your “Why?”
I have a calling to be wholly and completely honest even when others don't want the truth. My life is not about fitting in or standing out, it's about being true and content. The path that I've chosen to take in life is a path that my heart and soul has led me on. I'm not normally a rule breaker, but I do know that rules are sometimes meant to be broken in order to fall before you fly. I have a deeply hidden desire for something beyond daily life, and that's why I strive to continue to grow and see where God leads me.
Peep Payton at the florist looking absolutely stunning! This was for a content creation day!
If you had an anthem (song about who you are) what would it be?
Either “Spirit In Disguise” by Olivia Klug or “I Get What I Want” by Sophie Holohan.
What is your favorite book and why?
I wouldn't necessarily say a favorite book, more like a favorite series. It would have to be "Fourth Wing". Violet overcomes so many obstacles, and she doesn't let her autoimmune disorder get in her way of living her life.
On the flip side, what is a book that you really just do not recommend?
Oh gosh, it's not that I detest this book, but it was hard to get through "A Fire In The Flesh" (Flesh and Fire, #3)
P.s. but peep Payton and Brett (her hubby) and how freaking STUNNING they were at the Starfall Ball! Like the brought the looks p fake tats and everything, also Brett literally has bat wings on his tie. Just obsessed! ANNDD y'all Brett is also a big fantasy reader...should we do an entire interview on Brett alone??
Is there a particular book or character that you have carried with you, or severely impacted you?
My favorite is Of Blood and Ash. I don't have a least favorite thus far. And Violet Sorrengail is my favorite book character.
Why?
She has an autoimmune disorder and so do I. Brett, my husband, always tells me that I never let anything hold me back and Violet is the same way. She constantly is proving everyone wrong about what she is capable of. Plus, there is just the fact that she is a badass, so that doesn't hurt, which I also relate to.
Are you a fan of the “Playlists” feature that many new books are having, why or why not?
I am! I think it's interesting to see what is put together, and see if it's what I think would be in my imagination.
Follow up, what is your favorite "Playlist" from a book or series?
I love a lot of piano playlists when reading. A current favorite that I found when reading ACOTAR is a Dark Academia piano playlist, which is perfect for reading.
What has been the biggest blessing in being a part of this community or in the world of social media for you?
To get to chat and network with other like minded people.
What is your favorite book trope and your least favorite?
Enemies to lovers for sure, just going to go with the opposite and say lovers to enemies. I have to say something that just bothered me was in Throne of Glass, which SPOILERS coming in, but Caelena having 4 men and the bouncing around, and almost enemy relationship that she had with Chaol for a while, that was an "ick" for me. Like reading TOG, she had Sam, then Chaol, then Dorian, to finally get to Rowan and that was just stressful reading.
I thought that you all deserved another picture of Bret with Rhysand! We love our Night Court boys so much!! (cue black hearts!!)
What is your story with RMK Events by Rachel (whether a particular event, specific story, experience, convo, etc - again interpret however you want)?
I met Rachel through Shelly King (My MIL) who runs Hidden Gardens Venue. Rachel started working with Shelly in 2020, and She's been a part of the King family's life since then.
Literally, I would not be here without The King family. I really feel like I am a part of their family and greatly respect and cherish them. Just a little about the entire King family and what I have gained from them:
Mary: Grandma Mary, she is the definition of a matriarch of a family, having been in the floral and wedding business for 30+ years. She started out owning a greenhouse 30 years before coming to the florist. Mary is a Texas Master Florist, which is actually a HUGE deal and honor. When I first met Mary, I was fresh out of college, and she told me if I was going to work in this space I needed to know what I was doing. She gave me her Texas Master Florist book, which let me just say was printed like 30 years ago (and looks it) its like 250 pages. My orders were to read it and learn it, and then get tested by her on it. Well I was starting my Masters and also reading 500+ pages of research a week, so this was a piece of cake, and I actually loved reading it. Jokes on Mary, a lot of other designers who have come in hate having to read the book, but I thrived from it. Basically, Mary has been in this industry for over 60 years and is my resident expert for any and all questions that I have.
Shelly: This woman has taught me so much. She has taught me so much, just like I have taught her all the new tricks. While I had worked for a wedding venue before I didn't have a lot of confidence in myself and my skills and Shelly really guided me in being confident in my work. She also was an avenue for me to meet and get so many clients. She guided and advised me in starting and running my business, she uplifted me when I was struggling, and has loved and laughed with me over the years. In return, I bought Shelly her first MacBook, set it up, and brought her out of the "dinosaur" era of working on paper to the digital world for everything. I still do contract work for the King family like running all the marketing and social media, as well as stepping in at the florist when needed.
What are you most looking forward to reading and experiencing in 2024?
Ooh omg! I'm so excited for "Born Of Blood & Ash"
Check out the florist socials which at @lakeworthflorist ! Payton doesn't use social media except for Pinterest so if you want to be friends there just go follow the florist!