Ola Suzanne Stowers, a native of Dawsonville, Georgia, has always balanced structure and creativity in her professional and personal life. Growing up in a family dedicated to education and service, with her father, Keith Stowers, serving as the Dawson County School Superintendent, and her late sister, Beth Stowers, inspiring compassion and purpose, Ola’s roots have shaped her approach to work and life. Her career began in operations management, where she excelled in customer service, technology, and inventory control, but her creative side led her to pursue a path working with flowers, blending artistry with business acumen. Passionate about giving back, she supports causes like PurpleStride for pancreatic cancer research and volunteers with an organization in the industry. In this interview, Ola shares her perspectives on productivity, creativity, and life’s lessons.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day early with a clear plan. Mornings are for administrative tasks—emails, scheduling, and organizing my priorities for the day. Once the groundwork is laid, I dedicate my afternoons to creative work, whether it’s designing floral arrangements or brainstorming new ideas. Having a structured routine ensures I tackle both the practical and artistic aspects of my work without feeling overwhelmed. Productivity for me is all about balancing planning with time for creativity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I always start with inspiration, whether it’s something I see in nature, read in a book, or hear in a conversation. From there, I sketch out the concept, often breaking it into smaller, actionable steps. For creative projects, I allow the process to evolve naturally—sometimes the best ideas come when you step back and let them grow. It’s a blend of structure and spontaneity.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Sustainability in creative industries excites me. Seeing how businesses are incorporating eco-friendly practices into everything from product design to packaging inspires me to think about how I can make my work more environmentally conscious. It’s a trend that feels meaningful and forward-thinking.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Prioritizing the most important tasks first thing in the morning is my secret weapon. I call it “tackling the big rocks.” Once those are done, I feel accomplished and have more energy to focus on the creative or less-pressing tasks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, and trust your instincts. I used to overthink decisions and worry about failure, but I’ve learned that the greatest growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect; just start.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe creativity thrives within boundaries. Many people think constraints stifle creativity, but I’ve found that having a framework actually gives you the freedom to innovate. Too many options can be overwhelming, but a little structure can focus your imagination.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take time for reflection. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts, stepping back to evaluate where you are and what’s working can bring clarity and direction. It’s a habit I swear by.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step outside. Nature is my reset button. Whether it’s a short walk, gardening, or simply sitting in the sun, being outdoors clears my mind and brings me back to center. If I’m pressed for time, I take a few deep breaths and refocus on one small, manageable task.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or collaborators, treating people with respect and taking time to understand their needs has been instrumental. A lot of opportunities have come my way because of connections built on trust and mutual support.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I mismanaged a major project timeline. It was a tough lesson in communication and planning. I overcame it by being transparent with my team and clients and working overtime to make things right. The experience taught me the importance of clear expectations and regular check-ins to avoid future missteps.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a service that pairs small, local artists with businesses looking to enhance their spaces. Many businesses want unique artwork but don’t know where to start, and this could create opportunities for emerging talent while building community connections.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello has been a game-changer for me. It’s great for organizing tasks, tracking project timelines, and collaborating with others. I use it to map out my week and keep everything from admin tasks to creative projects in one place.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron has been a huge influence on me. It’s all about unlocking creativity and overcoming self-doubt, which resonates deeply with my journey. It’s a book I revisit whenever I feel stuck.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched The Great British Bake Off, and I loved it. The creativity, precision, and sense of community among the contestants were so uplifting. Plus, it’s a reminder of how passion can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Key learnings
- Balancing structure and creativity is essential for productivity and innovation.
- Building relationships and focusing on sustainability can lead to meaningful growth.
- Taking time for reflection and embracing nature are powerful tools for focus and clarity.