10 Questions With Elle Worsham

Elle Worsham is the owner of Gracious Garlands, a luxury, farm-fresh greenery company that designs everything from florals for weddings, corporate events, and private parties to garlands and wreaths for the holidays. Elle recently came to Katie's home to help her decorate for Christmas and the resulting photos speak for themselves.

Hi, Elle! Tell us a little about you and Gracious Garlands.

Hi! I’m Elle Pugh, owner of Gracious Garlands, a luxury, farm-fresh greenery company that designs fresh wreaths and garlands that ships to doorsteps nationwide. Gracious Garlands was originally founded by my mom in Nashville, TN, nearly 20 years ago, and I took over the business in 2014. Our mission is to bring the natural beauty of fresh greenery into homes and businesses, creating stunning seasonal décor that celebrates nature and connection.

What was the impetus for starting Gracious Garlands?

Gracious Garlands began because my mother’s friends envied her gorgeous, long-lasting fresh greenery she would find in the mountains of North Carolina. One friend suggested she begin taking orders. So, as a 10-year-old, I jumped on Word, I created a flyer with a Christmas tree clipart border (you know the one) and the rest is history. When I took over in 2014, I saw it as a way to pay off my nursing school student loans. What started as a practical decision quickly grew into a passion for entrepreneurship and creativity. I discovered that I loved designing, innovating, and building businesses that bring peace and beauty into people’s lives.

What are some of your favorite holiday memories?

Oh where to start? I was fortunate enough to live in the same house from birth to the day I left for college. We were incredibly close with a few families in our neighborhood and as a result, we created many traditions together. Since we didn’t have any immediate family in Nashville, these friends became family. Every Christmas Day, after presents were opened, my family hosted a Christmas Day parade. Kiddos would bring their favorite present to “show off” in our parade and parents would bring their solo cup to fill up with my mother’s dangerous eggnog. We would all take off parading around the block on our new bikes or rollerblades, outfitted in our new threads. We continued this every year until my parents moved to North Carolina in 2012. While the parading came to an end, the memories carried on. I would give anything to carry this tradition on one day with these families.

What is your business superpower? What types of things do you outsource to others?

My business superpower is my ability to take an idea and fearlessly bring it to life. I thrive on turning visions into reality, and I’m not afraid to dive in and figure out how to make it happen. As a self-made entrepreneur, I’ve taught myself a wide range of skills to build and grow my business. From website development and graphic design to bookkeeping, marketing, floral arranging, and financial planning, I’ve embraced every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Honestly, many people do not realize that I am the one and only employee at Gracious Garlands. Because our margins are so little, there isn’t much I can financially outsource. But, I have recently hired a marketing consultant to execute some of my email marketing and social media and I always outsource my taxes.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The only business that fails is the one that quits. I’m certainly not saying that a business that decides they’ve written their last chapter is quitting. Walking away when the time is right is incredibly admirable. But for those of us trying to build a business, keep pivoting, keep going, the only failure is quitting.

What is a skill you’re currently working on? 

Embracing “enough” and self-imposing limits. Sales are significantly down this year for us. I’m not really sure why that is. Luckily, I own another company, Beyond Your Type, so I don’t rely on Gracious Garlands as my only source of income. I’m pregnant with our first child and really trying to manage my stress this year. It’s so hard to turn off that drive and ambition to beat last year’s numbers. I’m working to remind myself that isn’t the goal – the goal is to enjoy the ride and maintain my peace and health along the way.

Where is your favorite place to be? 

Taos, NM. Specifically, lost in the trees in the fluffy powder in the Wild West Glade of Taos Ski Valley. My husband and I have spent a few winters in Taos racking up about 30 days on the mountain per year. This is my dream life and I still can’t believe I’m living it.

What is the last book you read?

I’m currently reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingslover and am loving it. It’s certainly a novel and not a quick read for me. Prior to this, I read The Women by Kristin Hannah about nurses in the Vietnam War and flew through it!

What is one item you have in your bag at all times

Honestly, I don’t carry a bag. This is a total reflection of my Enneagram Type which is a Type Seven. I want to be on the go and I’m typically in pants. So, I throw my tiny wallet, keys and phone in my pockets and head out the door. I know, I know – I’m NOT like most women. Bags end up stressing me out because I’ll throw my entire life in there!

What inspires you right now?

This little soul kicking in my belly. While there is plenty of fear and grief to go along with the inspiration, I can’t help but be inspired by this new life. What are they thinking? Feeling? Who will they be? What will they teach me? How will they talk? What will they believe? They have their entire life ahead of them – and what on earth could be more inspiring than that?