Kelsie Hayes Fine’s journey as an entrepreneur has taken her from the vibrant streets of New York City to the colorful markets of Mexico City. As the founder of Popup Florist, Fine has seamlessly blended her love for design, travel, and memorable experiences into a flourishing business that has captivated hearts across the nation. “I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age,” Hayes tells GRAZIA USA. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, Hayes moved to New York and immersed herself in the world of luxury retail. “I had the chance to design and develop a private label, which was truly formative for my career. It granted me incredible experience in the luxury retail category and what it means to build a brand.”
This early role not only honed her skills but also afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively and live bicoastally. These experiences sowed the seeds for what would eventually become Popup Florist. “I always felt that the personal attention and detail that make customer interactions memorable were often missing from the experience,” she explains. This realization, coupled with the evolving fashion and retail landscape, led Hayes to launch Popup Florist, a concept rooted in creating unforgettable experiences with floral arrangements.
Initially envisioned as a series of pop-ups in collaboration with brands in the retail, beauty, and lifestyle sectors, Popup Florist has since grown into a multifaceted national business. “Living in New York, I am constantly inspired,” Hayes shares. “There are so many cool and creative entrepreneurs all over the city, always doing new things. I love being a part of this community.”
Travel also plays a significant role in her creative process. “I love to travel as often as possible with my family. I’ve spent a lot of time in and around Mexico City, which is quickly becoming a favorite destination for us. It’s one of the most vibrant and textured cities in the world, and even just spending a few weeks there leaves me inspired for months to come.” Throughout her journey, Hayes has experienced numerous memorable moments. Opening her first brick- and-mortar storefront in New York City in 2018 and her studio location in the heart of the New York City Flower District in 2022 stand out as major milestones. “Both were moments that continue to motivate me and my teamto think big,” she says.
Looking ahead, Hayes is focused on growing Popup Florist and exploring new opportunities. “Our team is always brainstorming new and unique ways to challenge the industry. I look forward to this every day, and I’m excited to see where our journey takes us.” She also hopes to travel more, drawing inspiration from different cultures and their relationship with flowers, saying, “I want to continue to be inspired by flowers and the meanings they hold, and to write more books that celebrate that.”
With a book titled Say It with Flowers on the horizon, Hayes is poised to continue inspiring others through her creativity and passion.
“Remember, no one is in a better place. It’s all about evolution and your own journey. As long as you’re growing and learning, you are living your process,” she concludes, embodying the very spirit that has guided her remarkable journey.
