We had the good fortune of connecting with Janice Rudd Clayton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janice Rudd, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To make it easier and affordable for couples planning for their special day.
In the late 90’s while working at a florist, I met with one bride who started to cry from being overwhelmed with the planning and said “why can’t this just be easy?”​

That single statement is why I started Pretty Petals of Charleston! My goal is to make it easy, and fun for all my couples.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to think of my company as the honest florist, we don’t upsale and do the best to work with everyones budget. I am most proud of our team of designers and knowing 100 years from now our designs are a part of family history in their wedding photos.

I am always learning and evolving to stay on top of latest wedding styles.

I knew I had to grow the company slowly in order to give each couple 100 percent of our attention. We want every couple to feel that their event/wedding is our top priority.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Magnolia Plantation and gardens which is full day there

Walk around historic Summerville and have lunch at Montreux bar and Grill or Matt’s burgers

Being born and raised in the birthplace of Sweet tea (which I drink daily) I love to show visitors the B.I.R.D.S Sculpture Tour through Summerville’s Historic District.

Hutchinson Square is great spot to put your feet up and enjoy the view of my hometown

Azalea Park we feed the turtles (my son and I would do this everyday after school) and have a picnic

Downtown Charleston market area eat at the Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits then the Gibbs to see local art work
King Street to do some shopping and stop at Mellow mashroom for the best pizza

Sullivan’s island is my go to beach for walking, picking up shells and engerize your soul.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without my amazing hard working team I wouldn’t be where I am today. My wise mentors (Lauren, Kathy and Arthur) showed me the importance of team work.

My family always supported and encouraged me from the moment I decided to build the company. My biggest motivation was being able to be present for my son as a single mother.

My company allowed me to be home with him after school and we would design together in our home studio.

Website: https://prettypetalsofcharleston.com/

Instagram: @prettypetalsofcharleston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pretty-Petals-of-Charleston/100063692375238/?locale=hi_IN&_rdr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pretty-petals-of-charleston-north-charleston

Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/pretty-petals-of-charleston-north-charleston-sc-259117

https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/pretty-petals-of-charleston-summerville/429980a41b9f5fa8.html

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.