Note from Lo...
Here at Gardenia and Graze, we revel in the joys of life - wine, cheese, delightful conversations, and blooms. I'm Lo, the heart behind this venture, driven by my love for these wonderful pleasures. Creating experiences that weave together all these elements is my way of embracing the best life has to offer
After my mother passed unexpectedly, I began to question my lengthy, yet successful career in Corporate America. Everything I thought I wanted, no longer had the same meaning. I was burnt out, miserable in fact. This was a pivotal realization. What you do next though, is an absolutely terrifying process. My career shaped my identity. Who was I without it? My mom once asked, "if you could do anything what would it be?" - my response, simple - I would open a small cafe that serves small bites, incredible wine, I make flowers & will have puppies running around. She smiled and walked away. 2 years later - I launched Gardenia & Graze.
A passion-project. A hobby. A time filler. Or for me a journey, that has transformed my heart, mind & soul. Therapy as some may call it.
When I am not grazin', I am blessed to be part of an amazing team at Shriners Hospital for Children. That was another passion - serving a cause. At my lowest, I found my true callings in life. I am happily married to my best friend. I am a mother to a squad of fur kids who I am obsessed with. I travel frequently - severe case of wanderlust. Sports & country music enthusiast. F1 is life guys. I define overthinker. I have the hugest heart that I wear on my sleeve. Sarcasm may be my 2nd language. Tattoo covered, f word user, sweeter than southern tea at the core. Sunrises over sunsets. Beach over snow. I am from everywhere plus whatever is in between, but the only place I call home is where my favorite people are. I value my family both chosen and blood more than anything else, and lead by my mother's value in being kind & showing grace even when it does not feel deserved.
always with love xo
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For Lucille
To know my mother was to love her. My mom was a shining light, a resilient force to be reckoned with, the kindness, silliest, purest soul to walk this earth despite everything she ever faced. Her smile & her warmth spread to anyone she encountered. It was contagious. She was our biggest fan no matter what path we ever chose. My mother's only wish in life for my bother & I, was to live. For her that meant for us to truly find happiness. To fall, but to get back up. To be kind, even in the cruelest of worlds. To show grace, even though some may not deserve it. To be happy. For our hearts to be happy. She pushed us into this world & showed us what unwavering strength and love looked it. Time with her will ever feel too short, but we are who are today & where we are because of her.
The day she left this earth, I made a pivotal decision to live each day for her. I needed to figure out what my version of "living" was, just like she wished. This has come with some hard lessons, more grit than I knew I had, hard goodbyes, & a whole lot of self-evaluation. There was no way I could ever be who I was before losing her, and I had to heal and know that it was okay. I am here though now - Living with a happy heart for her and for me.
As the great Morgan Wallen has sung-
"I thought you should know, That all those prayers you thought you wasted on me -Must've finally made their way on through"
So ma - if you are seeing this. I hope your little girl has made you proud. And yes, everyone will have napkins. xo