Flourishing with Fernhill: Building a Business Around Flowers, Design, and Community
In this episode, we’re excited to chat with Katlin Sumner, the founder and owner of Fernhill Flower & Design Co., based in Ilderton, Ontario. Katlin’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and following your passion—even when it takes you down an unexpected path. She originally pursued a career in criminology and worked at a real estate law office, but quickly realized the stress of the job was taking a toll on her health. Ten years ago, she made the bold decision to launch her own interior design business, and a part-time job at a flower shop soon ignited her love for floral design. Before long, Fernhill Flower & Design Co. was born. By blending her passion for both flowers and interior design, Katlin has created a business that feels like an extension of her soul. She shares how the floral business provides more financial consistency than interior design, allowing her to create repeatable systems, unlike the highly customized nature of interior design. Because of this, she’s able to combine the two, doing what she loves and having two streams of income wrapped into one business. We also get a glimpse into her personal style, which is a beautiful mix of antiques and clean, crisp design—perfectly fitting for the charming old church where Fernhill is located. This renovated Baptist church, nestled on a dirt road “in the middle of nowhere,” holds special meaning for Katlin. Her dad always believed it would be the perfect space for her, and after his passing a few years ago, the opportunity to bring his vision to life presented itself. In addition to running her flower shop, Katlin has brought the church back to its roots as a community hub by hosting events like markets and open houses, bringing people together just as it did in its former life. She’s passionate about fostering a sense of community in her business and creating a “win-win” environment where everyone feels supported. For Katlin, it’s all about abundance and helping others succeed—a true believer in community over competition. We also dive into what life has been like for Katlin as a mother of two while managing her business. She reflects on the different stages of her career, the role her family has played, and how she’s managed to juggle it all with the support of her husband and their parents. Katlin is refreshingly honest about the lack of balance in life and how some days are just plain difficult. She speaks candidly about the mom guilt that comes with juggling work and family life, especially when it comes to getting kids involved in extracurricular activities. But she’s learned to give herself grace, recognizing that everyone is doing their best. Katlin’s journey is inspiring for anyone navigating the ups and downs of business and parenthood. With a strong community behind her and a clear passion for what she does, Katlin is proof that you can create a business and a life you love, even if it looks a little different than you originally planned. Find Katlin on Instagram or Facebook @fernhillfloraldesignco for all things floral, interior design, and event/photo rental space, and tune in to get inspired by Katlin’s story of resilience, creativity, and community-building!
