Last night was my very first book signing at Pages in Manhattan Beach, and it all started when I showed up and saw a line of chairs leading down the bookstore. In less than an hour, I was about to step into something I had never done before.

Was I nervous? Yes and no.

I felt this high-strung excitement mixed with that familiar feeling of wanting to do my absolute best. I have always been that person who wants to give 100 percent, go for the A+, and leave people with a five-star experience. In school, I was never great at remembering things, but I always loved photography, ceramics, and art. Looking back now, the dots really are connecting.

Then people started walking in.

And suddenly, it hit me. They were there to see me. To hear my story. To support a local bookstore. To buy my book. To talk about flowers, energy, life, and all the things that brought us together in that room.

I smiled, gave high fives, laughed, spoke on the mic, and signed over 50 books. My son was sitting there smiling, which made me feel calm and grounded. I looked out into the audience and saw so many people I love, old friends, new friends, clients who became friends, and people who have supported me through so many chapters of life. I just kept thinking, wow, I am so grateful.

There is only one first book signing.

And if you had told me years ago that I would write a book and go on tour, I would have thought you were absolutely crazy. But the truth is, I love show-and-tell. I love meeting people. I love talking about flowers. So the fear and anxiety disappeared fast, because I realized there was nothing to be afraid of.

What is actually scarier is hiding. Staying small. Laying low in my flower shop and not letting myself be seen.

Sharing Flower Energy with the world feels bigger than fear.

And now this book is opening doors I only dreamed of. I’m already getting calls to speak at events across the United States and Europe, and it feels surreal in the best way. My dad always said I would write a book to be seen, and he was right.

After the event, we celebrated with some of my favorite friends at Arthur J, and it was such a special ending to an unforgettable night.

I could not have done this without the love and support of my community. You are the people who cheer me on, trust me, believe in me, and keep me going. Whether it’s flowers for a wedding, an event, a celebration, a loss, or a life moment, I will always show up and give you my all. That is who I am, and I will forever be The Flower Doctor.

These are a few photos my friends gathered and sent me, and I’m so grateful.