Aces of Trades: Passion for flowers and people planted in Julie Miltimore, Foraged 774
NEWARK – She’s a people person – and talented with flowers.
“When I was young, I had a fascination with animals and flowers,” recalled Julie Miltimore. “We lived near some wooded areas, and I always loved to explore and search for botanicals and critters. Mom would take me to the garden centers and let me choose a little plant or flower. I’ve always loved the ‘lift’ a pretty little flower would do for the soul. Flowers just make people smile!”
Today, Miltimore owns and operates Foraged 774.
“I enjoy ‘foraging’ around in the woods, fields and our backyard garden,” she said. “I’m grateful for the wholesale company to pull from, too, and to visit with local flower farmers in search of unique blooms. Finding that quirky little stem or berry to add just the right touch to a bride’s bouquet or boutonniere is a thrill for me. Foraging is essential for texture and unique designs.”
Miltimore grew up in Newark and graduated from Newark High School in 1985.
“As I grew older and finished school,” she said, “I married my high school sweetheart and started building our family. When the kids were older, I went to cosmetology school, then worked at the shop alongside my dad, a local barber, for 14 years. During that time, I would dabble in flower arranging.
“A good friend and incredibly talented flower gal, Pat Warthen, had me assist her with some of her weddings,” Miltimore continued. “It felt so good to get my hands on some beautiful greens and flowers. I was hooked. I phased away from doing hair and began my own flower business out of our home – with the music loud and the lights bright! Having the music on, surrounded by beautiful flowers or working on a piece of art is my happy place.”
She said she works primarily by herself when designing for a wedding.
“Wedding day is crazy busy," she said. "I finish up any last-minute work and start loading up the car. I have an incredible team to assist me at the church or venue – Kim, Linda and Erin. They are kind and hardworking with a joyful spirit. We simply cannot work any other way. Wedding day can be stressful for the bride and the family, and we want to always have a smile and assurance that everything will come together and be absolutely beautiful for them and their guests.”
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Kellie Wellman, owner of Rusty River Barn, a wedding and event venue in Utica, appreciates the attention to detail.
“The services Julie and her team provide to our brides are exemplary,” Wellman said. “Julie’s artistic ability to create the perfect floral décor brings our bride's vision to life. She has a gift for understanding what our brides are looking for and explains their options to ensure high-quality flowers and service. I always know our brides are in good hands with Julie.”
Miltimore said she's grateful to do this work as her job.
“I’ve met some of the most gracious brides, families, venue owners, flower farmers, etc.," she said. "I’m definitely a people person. It’s so wonderful to meet kind people, surround myself with beauty, be challenged by design, and continually be introduced to new varieties of flowers. Sometimes it takes a while to find our passion. God planted this in me.”
For more
Foraged 774 can be found online on Facebook.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com or 740-328-8821.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Aces of Trades: Passion for flowers planted early for Julie Miltimore
