Anne T.

Anne Traer is the founder, florist, and flower farmer at Garden and Roads, a floral business based in Medford, Massachusetts. After spending over two decades in the high-tech industry, including senior management roles at companies like PayPal and Oracle, she transitioned to a career in organic farming and floristry about four years ago. This pivot reflects her desire to embrace a more hands-on and low-tech lifestyle, focusing on sustainable practices in her floral arrangements and farming.12

At Garden and Roads, Traer engages in various activities, from cultivating flowers to arranging them for events such as weddings and corporate functions. Her journey into floristry began with a passion for creating floral centerpieces, which has now evolved into a thriving small business. Traer emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and strategic planning in her career transition, highlighting the challenges and considerations that come with such a significant change.13