Meet Leah Holston | Florist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Holston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a parent, my ultimate mission (besides figuring out where all the missing socks go) is teaching my kids to believe in themselves. Take my son Cole, for instance. One day, he’s concocting recipes for his future food truck empire, and the next, he’s plotting his presidential campaign. I’m just here to remind him that both are equally amazing dreams to chase!

And then there’s the tech wizard, Jackson, who’s coding games like he’s the next level boss of Silicon Valley. Granted, we’ve had to lay down the law during school hours—turns out, teachers aren’t thrilled with surprise game updates during math class. Who knew?

But really, I’m all about cheering them on to work hard, dream big, and believe even bigger. Because with a little elbow grease, a vision, and a belief as strong as my morning coffee, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Plus, if they ever run for president, I’m hoping for a cool position like head Whitehouse florist or photographer- Dream job, right?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Oh boy, where do I even start? My journey has been a wild ride, full of creativity, challenges, and lots of photos and flowers! I’ve always had this creative spark in me, but it wasn’t until my first son was born that I really found my groove with photography. It was like a light bulb went off! I started capturing moments, and honestly, it pushed me to take my dreams seriously—like, “Hey, I can totally be a photographer!”

Then came 2020. *Cue dramatic music.* The world was a hot mess, and my personal life felt like it was spinning out of control. In the midst of all that chaos, I decided to take a chance and get a second job at a local flower shop. Honestly, I didn’t know a thing about floral design! But guess what? I fell head over heels in love with it. It was like discovering a new part of myself. I dove in, became a certified florist, and just knew I wanted to keep this floral journey going.

When that flower shop closed, I could’ve just thrown in the towel, but instead, I saw an opportunity. I started selling bouquets from my home, and it was the perfect little side hustle. Then, in late 2022, the universe delivered a gem of a location for my very own shop. I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers, and jumped in—Sunday Morning Flowers was born!

I named it after that cozy feeling of a Sunday morning. You know, fresh flowers on the table while sipping coffee (Kalkaska Coffee Co), tackling the crossword, and listening to your favorite tunes. That’s the vibe I wanted to create! And let me tell you, opening the shop was the best decision I could have made. It reignited my passion for life in a way I didn’t even know I needed.

What sets me apart? I think it’s that blend of my photography background and floristry. Each bouquet is like a little piece of art, with its own story to tell. I love connecting with my customers and helping them celebrate those little moments that matter, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just because!

Now, let’s be real—this journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were definitely bumps along the way. Balancing work, family, and everything in between was tough. But I learned to embrace the challenges, adapt, and keep pushing through. The biggest lesson? Trust yourself and your instincts

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This region is truly a hidden gem, bursting with outdoor adventures and local charm. To kick off the perfect visit, I would start with some fun on the water! Head down the Torch River for a sunny day of boating. Call ahead to Fabiano’s for a pizza, crank up our favorite tunes, and enjoy a leisurely cruise. Imagine floating at the sandbar with pizza in hand while soaking up the sun—it’s total bliss!

After a day on the River, you can’t go wrong with a day out in any of the the surrounding cities and towns. Traverse City, Elk Rapids, or really any of them! You just can’t go wrong.

If we’re feeling adventurous, the “coastline” of the Great Lakes is a must-see. The panoramic views of the dunes are nothing short of breathtaking! You can hike, snap some awesome photos, or just chill and take in the scenery. It makes for a fantastic backdrop for those Instagram-worthy shots!

In the winter, northern Michigan transforms into a cozy wonderland. Petoskey looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, with twinkling lights and snow-covered streets. And nothing beats a day of skiing at Shanty Creek, followed by warming up with a hot cocoa. The winter magic is simply enchanting here!

And last but not least, food—it’s a highlight of any visit! You can’t go wrong with a classic Kal Ho pizza, which is a local favorite. Breakfast is best at The Hive or Moose and Stella’s Cafe. If a fresh catch is your jam, don’t miss the fish fry at Trout Town; it’s always a hit. And for a tasty treat after a day of fun, ice cream at Sweet Shannon’s.

I always look forward to my friends and family visiting. There is so much to do (and eat) here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Parents. My parents taught me many important lessons and the one stands out as particularly transformative: they taught me to have faith. Some might call it risk-taking, but to me, it was always about faith—faith in God, myself, and in the process of life.

Growing up, my parents were a constant source of encouragement. They didn’t just talk about the importance of hard work and perseverance; they lived it. My father, a dedicated pastor, and my mother, along side him and incredible mom, both worked tirelessly but always found time to nurture my creative ways. They believed in the power of God and instilled in me the belief that with faith, anything is possible.

When I first expressed my interest in opening a flower shop, it wasn’t met with skepticism or doubt. Instead, my parents believed in me. They knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, but they also knew that faith could move mountains. They taught me to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on the bigger picture.

Website: https://sundaymorningflowers.me/

Instagram: @sundaymorning_flowers

Image Credits
Brianna Adams of Shoot Me Photography