In the world of floral design, where tradition often reigns supreme, Julian Kane is redefining what it means to create with purpose, authenticity, and bold creativity. As the founder of Althea Floral Design, Julian has carved out a space that not only showcases stunning, unconventional arrangements but also centers sustainability and queer visibility at its core. After leaving a career in corporate marketing, Julian embarked on a transformative journey, turning a personal passion for florals into a thriving business rooted in values that matter—environmental responsibility, artistic expression, and community connection.
We had the opportunity to interview Julian and learn more about their inspiring path from the corporate world to creative entrepreneurship. In this interview, Julian shares the story behind Althea Floral Design, their commitment to eco-friendly practices, and how their identity as a queer, trans business owner shapes their work. From designing florals that celebrate the unique stories of their clients to fostering connections within New England’s LGBTQIA+ community, Julian's approach is as authentic as their floral art. Join us as we dive into a conversation about creativity, resilience, and the power of showing up as your true self.
What inspired you to establish Althea Floral Design?
I was working in corporate marketing for most of my career, but started to feel jaded and angry at how so many companies would put profits over values, and that really started to take a toll on my mental health. After quitting my last corporate position I found myself needing a break from that world and felt the need to explore a different path for myself. Floral design had been a hobby of mine for many years, and I decided to get a job at a floral shop, which then spurred me to start my own company! That was over 2 years ago now, and I feel grateful I’ve found this better path for myself where I don’t have to compromise on my values and I get to create floral art for my clients.
Sustainability is a core value for Althea Floral Design. What specific practices do you implement to ensure your designs are environmentally friendly?
I am a foam free florist – meaning I don’t use floral foam in any of my designs! Floral foam (that wet green foam you often see in floral arrangements) is not biodegradable, and has been found to leach into the water supply, with the microplastics hurting sea and wildlife. It’s also not great for the humans that work with it, with one of the ingredients actually being a known carcinogen. I use reusable mechanics like chicken wire and moss to keep my flowers fresh, which also allows them to be safe to compost, which I do with all of my green waste! I also work with local flower farmers in the warm months, which reduces the carbon footprint of floral design by minimizing the amount of importing I need to do.
You emphasize creating florals that authentically celebrate who your clients are. How do you ensure that each arrangement reflects the unique personalities and stories of your clients?
Creating designs that are not “just florals” is super important to my process! My clients come to me because they want designs that actually reflect who they are as people, not just because florals are a box they need to check off for their wedding planning. I send each potential client a detailed design questionnaire, which goes deeper than “how many centerpieces do you need?”. I ask about their overall vision and story, how they want to feel wearing their personal florals, and even how untraditional and weird they are willing to get with their floral design. Asking these types of questions has been incredibly valuable – so often when a couple receives their custom floral proposal they are shocked how personal the design feels to them as people. My couples for this year will have wedding florals that truly reflect their story! Some examples: for one couple we are doing a desert meets New England wildflower design to honor their pasts, and for another I’m incorporating flowers reminiscent of grass-type Pokemon to reflect the groom’s interests!
Have you faced any unique challenges as a queer founder? How did you overcome them?
I was openly queer when I started my business two years ago, but I only came out as trans less than a year ago. While I was fairly confident that my current clients wouldn’t blink an eye, I wasn’t sure how publicly transitioning would impact my business, especially with vendors and future clients. Asking clients to call me by a new name and pronouns, and knowing they are seeing the changes in my appearance has been an incredibly vulnerable (and scary!) experience. Thankfully I have been amazed how easily it all was once I actually did it – and received nothing but support! My business has continued to grow also, and more queer and trans clients have been able to find me, so I found taking that risk actually ended up being super positive for my business and allowed me to be authentic when showing up at work.
What has been your proudest moment since starting your business?
Early this January, I co-hosted an event with 5 other queer-owned wedding vendors which we called Queerly Beloved. After election day, we had so many queer couples who wanted to elope before the new administration, and we decided to throw a no-cost wedding event and gay ball to celebrate everyone marrying! I designed unique personal flowers for 7 couples, designed a ceremony arch, and created rainbow floral “clouds” for the dancefloor! I sat in on the ceremonies, and just felt so grateful I was able to co-create such a magical event for and by queer people. It was a day full of so much love, hope, and joy, and was truly the embodiment of queer solidarity and resistance.
Be out and proud! I always tell new business owners who are LGBTQ to never hide who they are as queer people – I have found that being authentic to who I am as a queer and transgender business owner has only created more opportunities, connected me deeply with the queer community, and kept away potential clients who may not be supportive.
How do you stay connected with other queer-affirming professionals and organizations in Massachusetts?
Instagram has been an incredible resource to keep connected with the queer community, especially within wedding professional circles. We all want to support each other – so the community is loud and active. Another resource in the making is a directory of LGBTQ and ally wedding professionals, which is coming out of the Queerly Beloved event! This will help queer people do research on finding wedding vendors that are safe and affirming. The directory will be found at QueerlyBeloved.com!
What resources would you recommend to other LGBTQ+ creatives looking to start their own businesses?
Honestly this is a tough one! Boston Queers, for sure, but I think this is the type of resource that needs more love! When I came out as trans last year, I had NO idea how to navigate coming out within my business and to my clients and vendors. Finding other trans business owners who had dealt with this very specific thing felt impossible, and I learned a lot by just mucking through it. I’d love to provide a space for other queer/trans creative business owners to talk through these issues! So stay tuned, I may work to do this, this year!
If you could recommend one hidden gem in New England’s LGBTQ+ community that everyone should know about, what would it be?
I don’t think ManRay is talked about enough! It’s an incredible nightclub in Central Square in Cambridge. Historically it was a gay club, but now is just generally very queer, with super fun themed nights. As a queer/trans person it actually feels like a safe place to be out and authentic, which is hard to find in Boston nightlife!
Are there any specific groups or initiatives you’d like to spotlight for their work in supporting queer communities?
I’ve been so grateful to Fenway Health’s resources and support, both from a personal and professional standpoint. They are a great resource for gender affirming healthcare, and have also sponsored some events I’ve created florals for, such as a panel discussion on the state of marriage equality last fall, as well as being the main sponsor for the Queerly Beloved Ball, allowing 7 queer couples to have a fully-paid wedding.
What are some of your favorite queer owned businesses in New England that our community should know about?
We have such a rich community of queer biz owners here in New England, and here are some of my favs (mostly within the wedding industry):
One Bell Designs - wedding planner
Dearly Studio - micro wedding chapel (ally-owned space)
Fairy Meadow Flowers - flower farmer and florist in Connecticut
Give us your top favorite queer recommendations:
Movie/film: Bottoms - funniest movie I saw last year
TV show: KAOS - one of the main characters is a trans character played by a trans man, and I loved seeing that representation on screen!
Book: Gender Magic by Rae McDaniel - amazing resource when trying to figure out gender questions.
Resources and businesses mentioned in this interview:
Comments