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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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6 Underrated Occasions to Gift Flowers

Gifting flowers is normally reserved in our minds for very limited occasions such as romantic anniversaries, valentines day, and birthdays. But flowers are good for almost any occasion and can make mundane events feel so special! Below is a list of occasions where a bouquet of local flowers would add the perfect touch.

Also, all of the ideas are written as if you are giving them to someone else, but of course these can be applied to us gifting ourselves, because again, flowers are always welcome!

1. Hostess Gifts

The hostess gift seems like a relic from the past, but it is still such a staple of consideration and thoughtfulness. Showing up to a friend’s home where they have spent hours in preparation with a beautiful floral arrangement is so polite and a great way to set the tone of gratitude for the night. It also sets you apart, because not many people think about the detail of a hostess gift anymore, so it is also great for first impressions! (Think… meeting the parents)

2. Celebrating Promotions

We tend to spend most of our time in the day working, however we don’t often take time to celebrate our career wins and milestones. As hardworking individuals it can be really hard to be present and to give proper congratulations to ourselves as we advance in our careers. Our jobs can often feel like a rat race where the To-Do list continues to get infinitely longer - unless we take the time to celebrate our wins big and small. Giving flowers to a loved one who just achieved something they have been working for in their career can really remind them that what they have done IS worth celebrating. Make them feel special!

3. Academic Achievements

Studying for exams takes so much dedication and often is a very stressful process, but when the test is over and the results roll in it can feel easily passed over. Giving a bouquet for a good mark can really show that person that their efforts were seen and that they should feel proud of their achievements.

4. One Week Out of The Month

What can I say… periods can really suck! When it is that time of the month as women we are often in pain, bloated, and moody to say the least. When my husband does little things for me during this week that remind me I am not the unlovable monster I currently see myself as, it really makes such an impact.

5. Friends Are Facing Hardship

Going through a breakup can be so painful and lonely. It can be hard to remember who we were before a relationship sometimes. Friends supporting someone going through this grieving can speak over them who they have always been and remind them they are not alone. Flowers bring beauty, cheer, and a sense of celebration into a room and that can certainly help break the gloomy spell for your friend as they devour their favorite icecream in a dark room lit by the blare of their favorite show series.

6. A “Tough News” Day

It is 2020. It can feel like something devastating happens weekly. I know certain news stories affect some of my friends more than others depending on the day and it is so important to check on our friend’s mental health. There is nothing like a surprise bouquet showing up at the door on a day where the world feels devoid of love.

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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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Cottage Core Inspired Shoot

This shoot was inspired by those old watercolor paintings of a summer picnic in a field of wildflowers in contrast with the plastic pastels of 1950’s Vouge magazine. All the flowers in the shoot were grown locally in the Pacific Northwest and provided the wild textures found in a romantic garden. With a picnic of nothing but cheesecake and a pink cocktail the scene was set for a perfectly indulgent afternoon. There were even bubbles falling gently around the studio to fully satiate my taste for whimsy.

We shot this in a beautiful industrial photo studio, Beast Daylight Studio . The juxtaposition of the Portland warehouse with the airy florals added to the ethereal surreality. When we shot it was over 100 Degrees Fahrenheit in Portland and these flowers stayed completely perky for the four hours we were shooting.

The mechanisms for this floral installation included no floral foam and all the mechanics were made from materials that could be reused. The outfits used in this shoot were also made sustainably by local Portland fashion designers Museo and Laurs Kemp.

The team that made this vision come to life was incredible. Photographer Naba Zabih has a brilliant eye and knows how to make everyone look their best. Makeup team of Analisa Marie and Shantel made these models absolutely glow! They created such effortless natural looks with flushed cheeks for some extra drama that made the model’s skin look flawless. These beautiful hairstyles were achieved by the genius Marissa Nwerem .

#portland artist #portlandflorist #weddingflorist #portlandfashion #fashionstylist #pdxfashion #pdxflorist #sustainablefashion #pnwfloraldesign #pnwflorist #pnwwedding #creativedirector #suatainablefloristry #luxuryfloraldesign #fineartflorals #fineart #portlandart #PDXsmallbusiness #pdxeventflorist

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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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5 Ways to Make Your Event Feel Immersive

Whether you are getting married or just hosting an intimate dinner party, you want your event to feel immersive. You don’t want your guests fixating on their surroundings thinking about everything you did or didn’t pay for. Your event atmosphere should be able to transport your guests, ironically, into the present moment.

In this post we are going to identify 5 ways to make your event feel immersive even without a big budget.

1. It should feel effortless.

To make an event feel effortless it generally takes forethought and a bit more work behind the scenes, but that is how it is with most things of beauty. When guests see the “mechanics” of an event it takes them away from experiencing the moment and gets them thinking about all the work that is being done to host them. You want your guests to feel cared for of course, but you don’t want them to feel like an inconvenience or contemplating your budget.

Your guests will pick up on it if you are feeling stressed out, so making your event feel effortless starts with you taking a deep breath. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by trying to do too much or by letting everything wait till the last minute to get finished. Ask for the help you need and have everything you want planned and prepared before the event begins. Also, if it feels like there is too much to do… do less! Ultimately this will do more for making your event feel effortless and enjoyable.

2. Decor should fit the space.

You do not need to have a huge venue or a seven-figure budget to make an event feel immersive, but whatever space you are using should feel cohesive and clean.

If you book a big beautiful venue but do not have the budget to fill it with the accompanying decor, consider going with simplicity - let the venue speak for itself. I see a lot of wedding decor that aims for quantity over quality. If there are just too many tables for your budget to do a quality center piece on each, it generally looks classier to go without. Instead, maybe invest that money you would save into higher quality place settings or linens. This also reduces a ton of waste that is made from weddings yearly!

For smaller events at home the same rule applies. Unless you will be completely transforming your space then go with simplicity. Beautiful lighting and a nice aroma can be way more immersive than fully themed decor with matching napkins and cups from your local party store. Light candles, dim the overheads, and of course add flowers if you can!

Cleanliness is a huge part of the “decor”. If you are in your home remove all clutter and unsightly practical life objects like pet supplies and brooms. Put away unneeded pieces in your house to reduce distractions. The whole key to making your event feel immersive is to create an atmosphere where your guests can be fully present, so removing objects from sight that take your guests out of the moment is the goal. It is better for a space to be clean and neat then for it to be cluttered and messy with decor thrown on top.

3. Have the Event “Started” Before the First Guest Arrives.

No one likes to be the first one to an event. It generally involves a lot of awkward waiting around with no host in sight. Instead, make it feel as comfortable and inviting as possible right from your start time. Have music playing and be done with all your busy work so you can be present. Get something in your guest’s hand right away like a drink or an activity to make them feel included. Pro tip- I try to always finish all my prep at least 15 minutes before the event is supposed to start. It will allow you a moment (possibly for a drink), but more importantly by the time your guests arrive you are calm and everyone has the sense that the party has begun.

4. Encourage Mingling.

People are generally most comfortable talking amongst whoever they came with to an event, especially if the only other couple they know is the bride and groom. Bringing people together in a natural or even artificial way such as a game can add to the feeling of inclusion and the merriment of your event. One of the most effective ways to bring people together is by introducing the guests to each other, relieving them of the tension to do so themselves. Sometimes guests need to be reminded they are there by your request for the very intention of getting to know one another.

However, at a big event especially if it is your wedding, you will not have time to make introductions between guests. So, if you care about this detail it should be planned ahead. If you will be making a seating chart try to put couples who do not know each other (but should) at the same table. If the event will be open seating choose a seating style that allows for community instead of isolation. A great example of this is long family-style table setting where lots of guests will sit next to each other. Even if guests sit with those they arrived with, they will still be surrounded by some new faces to engage.

At my wedding during the reception, one of my closest friends took it upon herself to start the “champagne train” and went around asking if she could refill glasses. Now that might not be your speed, but I remember looking over and seeing a trail of laughter and conversation following her as she went around the dance floor. I had definitely not planned for that, but I was thankful that she made an effort to get people out of their shells. It might be worth a thought to assign one of your most outgoing friends the task of spreading cheer in a way that feels fitting for your vibe. This will create many unique and cherished memories.

5. Relax.

Whatever event you are throwing, once it begins, take a big breath and just enjoy your time. Nothing will make your guest feel at peace like seeing their host enjoying themselves. You set the tone of your event by your demeanor. You have worked so hard for this moment, you have earned the right to enjoy it. Take in the atmosphere you created for your friends and family and the gratitude you’ll feel for this time with them. Remember, whatever happens now is what is going to happen. Giggle when something unplanned happens, and be kind to yourself.

#pdxevents #portland events #events #hosting #homemaking #party #partytips #portlandevents #portlandflorist #florist #pdxartist #portland artist #luxury #destinationflorist #wedding planning

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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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Ways I Have Seen Hope Bloom in Portland

The other day I was driving around with my husband tag teaming some Postmates orders, because I was laid off from my day job and his hours were severely cut back. We were enjoying the warm golden hour light peaking through the trees. I scanned the sidewalk and saw a grown woman strolling slowly and smelling a flower she had picked. I also saw a sweet elderly couple wearing masks holding hands while they took a walk.

Of course Covid-19 has disrupted all of our lives and has been devastating in the cases of some families, but I have seen beautiful glimpses of hope as well in Portland.

I have seen families riding bikes together and not just on the weekend. I have seen churches give power to young people and be creative with technology. I have seen people giving back to their community even though they are afraid that their business will go under. I have talked to my neighbors for once (with plenty of distance between us).

This pandemic has reminded a lot of Americans about how we are vulnerable and has called a lot of people to question our mortality. It makes me think about priorities, and I doubt I’m the only one. I never would want something like this pandemic to happen again and my heart hurts for people who have lost their loved ones. My heart hurts for everyone battling against their own minds but have to be alone. My heart hurts for those whose homes feel more threatening than the disease. However, I can not help but be hopeful when I see some of the great acts of kindness performed by people even in my own city.

Many locally owned restaurants in the Portland area like PDX Sliders , Lionheart Coffee Co. , and Sugar Street Bakery & Bistro stepped up and served kids lunches who depended on school to provide that meal. Also, when a staple floral wholesale branch, Mayesh, had to close down for safety all their leftover products got donated to local florists. However, Portland florists did not just take that product and sell it, but instead they took that product and made beautiful installations all over the city for the community to enjoy. I have also seen some local schools hand delivering supplies to young students’ front doors while schools are closed.

A few days ago I held a virtual baby shower for my best friend and although I longed to be with her in person I am so grateful for this new life coming into the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to still connect virtually and I loved seeing the joy on people’s faces as they caught up with each other.

And on top of all those examples, Oregon’s flowers have been incredible already this season and that is a reason to be hopeful!

#Portland #hope #Flowers #PDXsmallbusiness #Spring #Covid19 #Coronavirus #pdxflorist #smallthings #springflowers #pdxweddings #portlandweddings #portlandblooms #womeninbusiness #freelanceflorist #startup #community

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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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Artists That Impact My Floral Designs

1.Sorelle Amore

Sorelle is a creator who makes content around Mind, Heart, and Body artistry. She is best known for taking striking pictures of herself and she has coined the term #advancedselfie. Her background is in marketing and she has a Youtube channel that has documented her journey from “Luxury Travel Influencer” to the business mentor and artist she is now. She not only has inspired my design style, but also my mind surrounding entrepreneurship and branding. She uses very rich moody color schemes and strives to tell stories with her photos.

2.Color Theory Design Co.

Alyssa Lyttle runs a Portland based floral design business and has an incredibly elegant structured design style. She carefully curates color pallets for her arrangements that play off of subtle nuances in blooms and creates seamless blends. On top of being an influential designer she invests her knowledge and skills back into her community with classes and video subscription courses to guide and equip new florists such as myself. When Covid-19 began impacting the Portland floral community she spearheaded a project called the #flowertourpdx, involving many other local florists for the purpose of creating inspirational floral installations around the city.

3.Sabrina Claudio

Sabrina is an alternative R&B artist. Her aesthetic is very sensual, vintage, and romantic. I tend to gravitate towards her music whenever I am designing. I think it inspires me so much because the mood her music puts me in is the ideal mood for receiving flowers. Pro tip- if you are giving flowers to a lover have Claudio playing in the background.

4. Coyote Flowers

Lauren Sellen is a Toronto based florist who is able to beautifully integrate the human form into her design images. I have a dance background and finding ways to incorporate bodies into my work is an artistic passion of mine. She has been able to blend the mediums of fashion and floral artistry together in a way that inspires many of my professional goals.

5. Floraison

Floraison is a floral design studio based in Paris, France. This studio is led by the creative genius Akiko Kovacs who is originally from Japan and started her career as a florist there. She takes lush luxurious dreams and transforms them into a personal reality. I know that sounds very dramatic, but once you see her work you will understand. She mixes classical floral techniques with contemporary styles and color schemes that exude pure elegance.

6. Sarah Bahbah

Sarah is a Palestinian, Austrain-raised artist who creates with a mix of mediums including poetry, photography, and film. She has utilized platforms like Instagram to showcase many of her photo series’. Her images capture the fantasy of romantic luxury, but they are often accompanied by daringly honest captions. She speaks about the mundane and about the oversaturated in surprising ways. Her work has shown me how high-aesthetics don’t need to sacrifice realism.

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suzannesfloral · 4 years

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5 Books That Inspired Me to Start My Business

These five books are not all directly related to business, but they are directly related to why I started my business. You can order all these books from Powell’s and help Portland’s legendary independent bookstore recover from Covid-19.

5.Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days

By: Chris Guillebeau

It can be really hard to know where to start. This book helped me to get my mind turning in a business oriented way. It gave me very practical exercises to help me generate ideas and get creative about my strengths. As someone who was already working long days of overtime at a steady job, it was helpful to have some tangible laid out steps that could be conquered during my “off-time”. I did not follow every tip given in this book, but it mostly helped me move ideas from a hope into an action.

4. I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

By Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb

This book has nothing to do with business. When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. At fifteen years old Malala was shot in the head at point-blank range and at 16 she has recovered and was the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala and I are the same age and when I read her memoir at eighteen she became my role model. It brings tears to my eyes now as I think about the first time I read this book and felt the deep gratitude in my heart for all the freedoms I have taken for granted. Her words do not illicit guilt, but they instead call women to rise to our incredible capacity. It showcases “...parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.”

Of course starting a floral business does not involve the same risk that Malala took by any means, but her example of bravery is pinned in my mind as a reason to never let fear stop me. Her voice reminds me that as a woman with free access to education and opportunity, I have an obligation to use every chance I can to create more opportunity for others.

3.Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

By: Brené Brown

This book is not directly related to business, however it can apply to any area of your life. Brown talks about different shackles that shame puts in our lives and breaks it down into something tangible, so that we may better learn to address it. I was deeply impacted as she explained how we can disengage from our lives when facing uncertainty, risks, hurt, and fear. She calls us out in this book to face life with vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.

The title is inspired by a famous Theodore Roosevelt quote:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

2.Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered

By: Austin Kleon

This book showed me that I needn’t already have a full, beautiful portfolio to start this dream. It put into words why I feel connected to some creators and disconnected to others. In a world where perfectionism is glorified it reminded me how honesty and vulnerability are like a breath of fresh air. Kleon illustrates simple ways to practically draw attention to one’s work, while also emphasizing the importance of developing one’s personal style - which has been so helpful to me since I am largely self taught. I always thought (who am I kidding, I still fall into the mindset trap at times) that if I don’t know everything then no client would trust me or think I was professional (who am I kidding, I still fall into the mindset trap at times). This is not true. Sometimes people are even more engaged with a journey than a product.

1.The Invention of Wings

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Discussing floral work may seem largely unrelated, indeed trivial, compared to this title by Sue Monk Kidd, but I intend for my business to reflect my values so I must include the titans which have helped shape them. This novel takes place in the early eighteen hundreds when an eleven year old girl named Sarah was given ownership of a ten year old girl named Handful. Throughout the book it juxtaposes their individual experiences growing up in South Carolina.

The book changed me in a few different ways, but in relation to this post there was a line from the character Handful directed to Sarah stating, “My body might be a slave, but not my mind. For you it’s the other way round.” This line caused me to confront the privileges I have as a white woman. I had to really ask myself what is holding me back and how I can build something to help lift up those around me. My heart breaks for all the injustice that has happened and is happening around race.

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