Our Story
Short version:
At Cedar Rae Floral, we are passionate about creating timeless & inspired floral arrangements that bring joy and beauty to your most meaningful moments. After 15 years in natural resource management, I followed my heart into floral design—launching my business in 2024 and earning my Professional Floral Designer (PFD) certification through Koehler & Dramm’s Institute of Floristry. I’ve since gone on to achieve my Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation through the North Central Florists’ Association. I continue to grow in this ever-evolving craft, drawing inspiration from nature. When I’m not arranging flowers, you’ll find me teaching yoga or out exploring with my husband and our golden retriever, Luna.
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Long version:
After 15 years in natural resource management and environmental advocacy, I made a bold shift to follow my lifelong love of flowers. In 2024, I left my career in local government to launch Cedar Rae Floral—a studio rooted in creativity, connection, and an appreciation for nature’s beauty.
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I’ve since immersed myself in the world of floristry, studying at Koehler & Dramm’s Institute of Floristry, where I earned my Professional Floral Designer (PFD) certification. In 2025, I proudly became a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) through the North Central Florists’ Association—a designation that reflects professional artistry and dedication to the craft.
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To grow as a designer, I’ve invested in trainings and workshops led by some of the most respected florists in Minnesota, across the U.S., and even internationally—learning from world-recognized creatives who inspire my work every day.
Now, with my studio fully up and running, I’m thrilled to bring my clients’ floral visions to life—whether for weddings, corporate events, or intimate celebrations. My style is guided by a love of natural movement, seasonal beauty, and meaningful details. I work with locally grown blooms whenever possible and collaborate closely with each client to create designs that feel intentional and personal.
Outside the studio, I’ve been teaching yoga in the Apple Valley area since 2019 and enjoy gardening, hiking, and relaxing at local breweries with my husband and our golden retriever, Luna—who occasionally (and begrudgingly) models my floral work.
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Cheers,
Jessica Schaum CFD
Founder & Lead Floral Designer
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Our Business Name
As a nature lover and Certified Arborist, I always knew that my business name would reflect my deep connection to the botanical world. The inspiration for Cedar Rae Floral comes from my roots—both literal and personal. My very first job was at Cedar Street Garden Center in downtown Monticello, Minnesota, where I worked alongside my mom, Christine.
Together, we nurtured the greenhouse, helped customers select houseplants, and managed the seasonal displays. It was during these formative years in high school and college that I truly developed my passion for plants and flowers. ​Although my mom tragically passed away from cancer at 48, I continue to feel her presence in every flower I arrange, every backyard bird I watch, and even the bunny statues I come across.
Her love for gardening lives on in me, and it’s through this new adventure that I hope to share more beauty with the world. The name Cedar Rae Floral is a tribute to that cherished time spent with her and to our shared middle names, which carry forward the legacy of love, growth, and nature.