Welcome to the season finale of the Paper Talk Podcast! As we wrap up this incredible season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate everything we've learned together and look ahead to the exciting future of our paper flower community. This season has been filled with inspiring stories, invaluable tips, and expert insights that have helped us all grow as artists and entrepreneurs. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support and enthusiasm throughout this journey.

In this special episode, we dive into some of the most impactful topics we've covered, from the power of workshops to enhance community connections, to upgrading your camera setup for professional-quality content, and leveraging Pinterest for business growth. These highlights are just a sneak peek of the rich content we’ve explored this season. Join us as we reflect on these key takeaways and get ready for more innovative and inspiring episodes to come. Let’s celebrate the end of this season with the same passion and creativity that define our amazing community.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• Insights on Workshops: The significance of workshops in building a community, especially after the pandemic, and how they can be a great way to engage and educate.
• Paper Flower Community Highlights: The joy of connecting with fellow paper flower artists and the importance of a supportive community, as shared through personal experiences and international rankings of their podcast.
• Importance of Camera Equipment: Tips and personal experiences on improving camera setups for better video content, including recommendations and the learning process involved.
• Seasonal Plans and Future Goals: Personal updates and summer plans of the hosts, along with a preview of what to expect in the upcoming season seven of the podcast, focusing on improving business practices.

Keep reading for a look at what you can expect from the full episode!

Unlocking the Power of Workshops

One of the standout themes this season has been the transformative power of workshops. We've learned that hosting and attending workshops can significantly boost our skills and connect us with like-minded individuals in the paper flower community. Workshops offer a hands-on, immersive experience that online tutorials simply can't match. They provide an opportunity to ask questions in real-time, receive personalized feedback, and gain new perspectives from both instructors and fellow participants.

Through our discussions, we’ve discovered that workshops do more than just teach new techniques; they foster a sense of community and belonging. By participating in these events, we build lasting relationships and expand our network, which can lead to exciting collaborations and opportunities. Whether you're looking to improve your craft or share your expertise by leading a workshop, embracing this powerful tool can take your paper flower journey to the next level. As we move forward, we’re excited to explore even more ways to bring our community together through these enriching experiences.

Embracing the Joy of Experimentation

Throughout this season, we've delved into the importance of experimentation in our creative processes. Trying out new techniques and materials can be daunting, but it’s essential for growth and innovation. We’ve heard from several experts who shared their personal journeys of trial and error, emphasizing that mistakes often lead to unexpected breakthroughs and unique creations. Embracing experimentation allows us to push boundaries and discover new possibilities in paper flower making.

Experimentation isn’t just about technical skills; it’s also about finding your creative voice and style. By stepping out of our comfort zones and experimenting with different designs, colors, and materials, we can uncover what truly resonates with us as artists. This season has shown us that taking risks and exploring new ideas not only enriches our work but also keeps our passion for paper flowers alive and thriving. As we look forward to the next season, we’re excited to continue this journey of discovery and innovation, encouraging all of you to experiment boldly and share your unique creations with the world.

Building a Supportive Community

Another key takeaway from this season has been the incredible value of community in our artistic journeys. We've seen firsthand how connecting with fellow paper flower enthusiasts can provide us with not only inspiration but also support and encouragement. Throughout the episodes, we've featured numerous stories of artists who found their creative breakthroughs by engaging with others, sharing their experiences, and learning from one another. This season has reinforced the idea that we’re not alone in our creative endeavors—together, we can achieve so much more.

Community is about more than just sharing tips and techniques; it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. By joining forums, participating in workshops, or simply engaging with us here at Paper Talk Podcast, we create a network of like-minded individuals who understand our passion and challenges. This collective support system is invaluable, offering us motivation and a wealth of knowledge. As we celebrate the end of this season, we’re reminded of the strength we find in community and look forward to continuing to grow and connect with all of you in the future.

“It's amazing to be able to see people's faces and get everyone together.” Jessie

As we wrap up this season of the Paper Talk Podcast, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for joining us on this incredible journey. Each episode has been a celebration of creativity, learning, and the unyielding passion for paper flowers that unites us all. We've delved into the stories of talented artists, uncovered valuable techniques, and built a community that thrives on support and shared inspiration.

Looking ahead, we're excited about the future and the many more stories, techniques, and connections we will explore together. This season finale isn't just an end; it's a launching pad for new ideas and projects that we can't wait to share with you. Stay tuned, stay creative, and keep blooming with us at Paper Talk Podcast. Thank you for being a part of our community, and here's to many more seasons of creativity and connection!

Be sure to listen to the entire episode for many more insights. For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

Welcome to an exciting new episode of the Paper Talk Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of workshop management, where we'll uncover the keys to success alongside our regular hosts, Quynh and Sara, as well as our returning host, Jessie. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just starting your journey, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your workshop game and create unforgettable experiences for your participants.

In this dynamic conversation, we'll explore the essential elements of hosting successful workshops, from crafting a professional web presence to navigating pricing strategies and fostering inclusivity. Join us as we embark on a journey filled with practical tips, actionable advice, and inspiring stories that will empower you to take your workshops to the next level. Let's unlock the secrets to success together and make every workshop an enriching and memorable experience for all involved.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• How to best market workshops online professionally.
• Pricing workshops and covering all of your workshop costs.
• Practical considerations for workshop logistics.
• Building relationships and nurturing community engagement before and after a workshop.
• The importance of inclusivity for workshop students.

Here is a peek at some of the takeaways you can uncover when you tune in.

Crafting a Professional Web Presence

In our insightful conversation, Sara highlights the paramount importance of establishing a professional web presence when it comes to effectively promoting workshops. While social media platforms like Instagram can offer visibility, they often come with limitations. We delve into the reasons why relying solely on social media might not be sufficient for reaching your target audience. Instead, we explore the benefits of investing in a centralized website that serves as a hub for all your workshop-related content.

Having a dedicated website not only provides a more comprehensive platform for showcasing your workshops but also allows you to maintain full control over your branding and messaging. We discuss how a well-designed website can instill trust in potential participants, presenting your workshops in a polished and credible light. From seamless navigation to compelling visuals and informative content, we uncover the key elements that contribute to building trust and enhancing conversion rates. Join us as we explore practical strategies for creating a professional web presence that sets the stage for workshop success.

Nurturing Meaningful Connections

In the episode, we emphasize the significance of fostering meaningful connections with workshop participants beyond the digital realm. While online interactions undoubtedly play a crucial role in promoting workshops, we delve into why genuine human connections are equally essential for long-term success. By prioritizing personal engagement, workshop organizers can cultivate a sense of community and belonging among participants, fostering loyalty and repeat attendance.

We explore the various ways in which workshop organizers can nurture authentic connections, from hosting in-person meetups and networking events to incorporating interactive elements into virtual sessions. By creating opportunities for participants to connect with each other and with workshop facilitators on a deeper level, organizers can elevate the overall workshop experience and differentiate themselves from competitors.Learn how to build lasting relationships that extend far beyond the confines of a single workshop session.

Cultivating Expertise and Authority

When you listen to the episode, you’ll understand the importance of cultivating expertise and authority within a niche to stand out in the crowded workshop market. We explore how establishing oneself as an industry leader not only attracts participants but also instills confidence in their decision to invest time and resources in attending workshops. By sharing valuable insights, practical tips, and thought-provoking content, workshop facilitators can position themselves as trusted mentors and guides, earning the respect and admiration of their target audience.

Discover the strategies we recommend for building authority, from consistently delivering high-quality content through blogs, podcasts, or social media channels to leveraging speaking opportunities and guest appearances. We delve into the power of networking with other experts in the field, collaborating on projects, and seeking endorsements or testimonials from satisfied participants. Explore how to establish credibility, enhance visibility, and ultimately become the go-to authority in your workshop niche.

Quynh: "Know your limitation on how many students you can actually teach. Is it up to 20 people? Is that enough for you to walk around? Because you need to know your minimum to meet your costs, but also know how many people you can teach all at one time."

As we wrap up our preview of this enlightening episode, we're reminded of the wealth of knowledge and insights awaiting listeners. Crafting a professional web presence, embracing strategic marketing techniques, and cultivating expertise and authority are just a few of the key takeaways discussed. Whether you're a seasoned workshop facilitator looking to elevate your offerings or someone just starting out in the industry, there's something valuable for everyone in this conversation.

Tune in to the full episode on Paper Talk Podcast to delve deeper. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your workshop promotion strategies and take your facilitation skills to new heights. 

Be sure to listen to the entire episode for many more insights. For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

Hello Paper Talk Podcast aficionados and creative entrepreneurs! Welcome to Episode 146, where we're about to unravel the secrets of upgrading your content creation game. If your small business journey has included becoming a podcaster, videographer, or photographer, this episode is your golden ticket.

Join us through the realm of equipment upgrades, including the specifics of gear that resonate with creative entrepreneurs, paper florists, and small business owners. As we step into the new year, this episode is tailor-made to elevate your content creation journey. Get ready for an exploration into cameras, backgrounds, lighting, and the often underestimated world of sound. 

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• Explore the latest gear upgrades, including Canon R 6 II and Sony A7C cameras.
• Gain insights into the intriguing world of camera choices and their impact on content creation.
• Uncover tips on crafting captivating visuals, manipulating shadows, and mastering lighting techniques.
• Understand the intersection of technology and creativity with perspectives on Canon and Sony color tones.
• Be inspired to elevate your photography and videography skills, finding the perfect balance for your unique style.

Listen now to learn all this and more. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find:

Upgrading Our Gear for the New Year

As we dive into Episode 146, we're spilling the tea on our recent gear upgrades, setting the tone for a year of elevated content creation. Your hosts, Quynh and Sara, have been on a mission to enhance the visual and auditory experience for our valued listeners and viewers.

Quynh talked about her recent transition to the Canon R 6 II mirrorless camera, and Sara takes us on her Sony A7C odyssey, bidding farewell to her Canon DSLR. Discover the reasons behind this bold switch and the tangible impact of these upgrades on our content creation. 

It's not just about having the latest gadgets; it's about the palpable difference it makes in the final product. From sharper images to smoother videos, the quality upgrade translates to an immersive experience for our audience. Listen to hear more about when you should upgrade.

The Intriguing World of Camera Choices

In the episode, we explore the nuances of various brands and models of cameras that shape our visual narratives. The wide range of features available on cameras can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but we talk through the features that we prefer most in our cameras to give you an inside view of what to look for when it comes to your needs. 

One aspect of choosing a camera is understanding why colors matter and how they contribute to the storytelling process. Quynh shares her expertise on Canon's color tones and why it plays a crucial role in her decision-making process. Meanwhile, Sara offers a firsthand account of her experience with warmer tones on Canon, leading to her exploration of Sony's offerings. It's a riveting exploration of how color nuances can shape the visual identity of content creators.

Tune in as we navigate the labyrinth of camera choices, decode the features that set each brand apart, and understand the thought process behind our camera switch-ups.

The Art of Crafting Visuals and Sound

Ever wondered why natural light is a game-changer in the world of content creation? In the episode, we break down the importance of leveraging natural light and optimizing your room setup for both photography and video projects. Learn how to use the sun's gentle glow to enhance your visuals, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with your audience.

You can also listen in on our lively discussion about backdrop choices, including the creative use of boards and fabric options. Uncover the secrets of manipulating shadows to add depth and dimension to your visuals. And learn how to play with different lighting setups to achieve the desired mood and ambiance in your visuals. Whether you're working with natural light or experimenting with artificial lighting, this segment is a treasure trove of tips to help you master the art of illumination.

Sound and microphones is a completely separate topic that we discuss on the podcast, including which equipment we use for recording this podcast. 

Quynh: "If you have good sound, it really does make or break your presence on social media, on YouTube, so I do think it's worth investing back into your business."

Take these highlights as a starting point for your creative exploration. Experiment with your gear, embrace different camera styles, and fearlessly dive into the art of crafting visuals and soundscapes. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset, and we can't wait to see the masterpieces you create.

Be sure to listen to the entire episode for many more insights. For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

Learn about the exciting new projects you can participate in that will promote and grow the paper florist community, and help us all succeed in our new industry.

 

You want to connect with more clients. You want your amazing creations to be enjoyed. Spending time to promote your work is not what you imagined doing when you became a paper florist. Well, we’ve got your back. There is strength in numbers, and the paper florist community is about to get a whole lot stronger, together. 

Paper florists are scattered all over the world, which is why you’re reading these words! You want to connect with others in our industry. That’s always been the heart and soul of Paper Talk and the Paper Florists Collective. This is why we are so excited about some big projects coming down the pipeline. These projects will include all paper florists who want to participate, and they will help us all to promote and grow our industry.

 

In this episode of Paper Talk, we delved into some of the specifics, but here is a brief intro:

• Quynh has had a dream to create a gigantic paper flower installation for art gallery use for some time now, but we’re pushing for it to become reality. We want paper florists from all over to be involved and to use this as an opportunity to highlight the environmental impact we are having on the planet. As Jessie said, this will be the “intersection between beauty...and the ugliness of our consumption.” 

• We’ve been working on a Paper Florists Directory that will connect clients with paper florists all over the world. We envision this being used for special events, commercial events, print and digital media, and on and on.  

 

There are so many other moving parts involved in these projects. Listen now to learn even more about our plans for free translated tutorials for the art installation, the amazing people helping to bring the directory to life, the timeline for these projects, and more. 

 

As Quynh put it, “In 2021 the paper florist industry is going to make a stamp in the world.”

Learn from a marketing expert, Tonneli Gruetter, how to reach across industry lines to grow your paper floral business and gain exposure in print and digital publications.

Let’s face it: our paper floral industry is strong, but still has lots of room to grow. To get our work out there and to help our community flourish, we need to collaborate with other industries. Getting featured in the magazines or blogs of other groups is a fabulous way to grow your business. An obvious one is the fresh florist market. We can create pansies with long stems or an iris for a dried bouquet. The possibilities for collaborating with florists are endless!

You may wonder if a fresh floral magazine or blog will feature your paper flowers, and the answer is yes! On our latest episode of Paper Talk, Tonneli Gruetter— a marketing expert and writer at the Florists’ Review magazine—spoke eloquently about the amazing collaboration that can happen when we choose to look outside of our immediate industry and connect with others.

She would love to see our community’s work, either by submitting it on the Florists’ Review website or tagging/direct messaging them on Instagram @florists_review. “For us, it’s really about appreciating the floral form above all else. That’s what we’re all about, is celebrating flowers,” Tonneli told us.

 

So what is she looking for? What can you do to make sure your work gets featured? Tonneli gave this advice:

• Follow trends. Know what’s happening in our paper floral world and the industries you’re trying to collaborate with. She gave our listeners the tip that big circles are always on trend with her followers. We all agreed that following industry leaders, like Hitomi Gilliam on YouTube, is a great way to learn and stay on top of trends.

• Stay within the season. Wintertime calls for darker and moodier blooms. Summer is brighter and airier. This is fairly common sense, but a holly wreath is going to get a better reception in December than in July. 

• Keep trying. Tonneli might not have a place for your work right away. She might wait for that theme to be featured or on-trend. Or she might tell you that she likes what you’re doing and wants to see more in the future. That isn’t a no! That means that what you sent might not be a good fit, but that she sees potential in future collaboration.

 

Our conversation also dipped into many other fascinating topics. A big one was sustainability. Besides her work as a marketer and writer, Tonneli owns her own farm, Salty Acres, which produces flowers, preserves the agricultural heritage of her community, and offers classes to educate visitors on a wide variety of topics.

One of her passions is finding ways to reduce waste, like saving parts of flowers that would be headed to the compost heap, drying them, and using them as edible confetti for baking. Tonneli sees this focus on sustainability as something that will only continue to grow in popularity across industries. That’s great news for paper florists, as our craft can fill in gaps for florists dedicated to buying locally and sustainably. We can create peonies in the perfect color in January, which makes for happy clients and florists.

 

Listen now to hear even more as we chatted about upcoming trends, running workshops during Covid-19, and more. 

 

Here are some questions we asked Tonneli about herself:

1. Introduce yourself to us! 

My name is Tonneli Gruetter (tawn-ah-Lee), I am a 3rd generation farmer, military spouse, & marketing expert living on Whidbey Island Washington where I work from my flower farm, Salty Acres. I specialize in corporate social responsibility helping clients of all sizes to better embody their values through the authenticity of philanthropic action. Through my work at Florists Review Magazine, I have found an avenue to fuse my passion for flowers with business.

 

2. You have a long list of experiences, from being a brand specialist to a digital marketer to a farmer. Can you tell us a bit about these identities?

Like so many young people finding a fiscally sound path to becoming your dream full-time is not something easily realized all in one step. For me pursuing a serious career in brand marketing helped me gain the work-life balance to afford to start a farm, and on-the-job skills needed to thrive as a modern farmer. From the outside, it seems crazy to compare launching successful video game titles at mega conventions like e3 to running a flower farm but really all the same concepts are there: be authentic, find your base, make it fun.

 

 3. Tell us about Wildflower Media, Florists Review, Canadian Florist, and SuperFloral. 

Our publications are for floral enthusiasts of every stripe. Each of our magazines has a slightly different voice, today I am here to speak most about Florists Review which is our sort of all-encompassing world of beauty and an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn about techniques regarding composition, design, how to use supplies, etc.

We also chat quite a bit about the business of flowers and entrepreneurship. Canadian Florist is similar but celebrates the unique voice of Canadian florists, to some, it may come as a surprise but many of the world's top talent in the field of floristry is Canadian. Last but not least is SuperFloral, our publication for mass-market flowers & large-scale growers.

 

4. You're the Director of Marketing at Wildflower Media. Can you tell us what that role involves?

I am responsible for helping our advertisers launch new campaigns, keeping our social media streams representative of current trends, covering top floral events in real life. Personally, it has been my mission to see our community become a home for all flower lovers not just the traditional florist and I'm proud to say that's very much visible in our work today.

 

5. How are Florists Review, Canadian Florists, and SuperFloral which all began as print publications, adapting to the digital world?

Our magazine is celebrating its 123rd birthday this year, we have a proud heritage but are quite delightfully modern. Recently we made the switch to being a primarily free-to-subscribe online magazine, supported by special edition book-azines, video library on youtube, and Instagram community devoted to sharing the work of floral artists.

 

6. Since you are in print media, we have to ask: Are print publications still relevant given the trend to move to digital media?

There is something inherently magical about print. We've all been there when a friend sends a link of something you MUST read... yet you don't even open it, or perhaps it only gets a quick scan. When someone shares information via print it becomes something to take your time with a view more than once, it becomes a resource. That's exactly the direction we are going with our books & special edition book-azines.

 

7. It's a well-known fact that many florists/contributors want to be featured in one of your prestigious magazines.

There are many reasons to be featured, but I think even more than clout or prizes (tho who doesn't want to visit a flower farm in another country or receive luxurious roses for free?) is that we represent an extraordinarily supportive community. Our readers are an active part of that community but when you are featured it brings you to another level where you are able to tell your story and we're all here to cheer you on. When we feature a floral artist they get a lot of visibility, not just in our world of flowers but also in the realms adjacent to us such as weddings, events, and brand collaborations.

 

 8. It would be such an honour to be featured in your magazine! So how do florists get featured in one of your magazines? What do you look for when determining who/what to feature?

We have a few different ways to become featured, and also a few different people on the job to ensure we stay fresh & inclusive. To be considered for our magazine we have an online portal on our website under the "contact us" page, as well as frequent design contests. As for our Instagram, that's really my world. I suggest creators reach out however feels right to them to either use DM, tagging @florists_review, or using #floristsreview... I also spend significant time visiting florists when I travel IRL & tracking emerging online floral trends.

 

9. Our listeners are mainly paper floral artists and entrepreneurs. Do you have any specific tips on how they could be featured in a prominent magazine/blog, like yours?

Absolutely! Above all else: collaborate. You can magnify your reach so much by collaborating with other creatives & tagging the brands or products included. There are many flowers I hold beloved as a grower myself such as poppies, but I nearly always dissuade customers from purchasing them for weddings due to their delicate nature... this is exactly the time I know I'd love to have a paper floral artist I could direct my customers to bring into our conversation.

I always tell creators to treat social media like real life but with fewer rules. If you interact with an account with a large following or strategic reach you wish you could be involved with, let them know. Don't be afraid to "slide into the DMs" with something you have an idea about if it's sincere. Worst case scenario is they ignore you... and most of the time {trust me} they won't.

 

10. Lastly - What are your favourite flowers to design with? What is your favourite flower?

I design mostly using Dahlias as they make up the lionshare of my farm but I love impractical flowers, silly, flowers, and flowers with TERRIBLE vase life. In the last year, I've had an obsession with an impossible to grow Australian native called the flannel flower. I also love Wisteria, bearded iris, & poppies. I'm trying my hand at a few new things like hothouse tuberose and heirloom chrysanthemums this year, we'll see how those adventures go.

Although South Korea did not formally implement a lockdown, South Koreans were encouraged to practice physical distancing and to wear masks in public spaces. Most of their economy is back to "normal" and we thought it would be interesting to speak to Jasmine Sing of Merremade about how she went about re-commencing her in-person workshops in South Korea, as it would be equally relevant in other countries once the physical distancing policies start to loosen up.

If you want to know more about Jasmine, be sure to check out Episode 15 where we first spoke to her about the paper flower industry in Asia.

 

First, let's learn a bit about Jasmine:

1. Tell us about yourself, Jasmine!

The Asian with big dreams, and the brain & hands behind Merremade. I am born and raised in Singapore but moved to South Korea 7 years ago. Still trying to learn & adjust to this not-so-new environment. Every day is an adventure and I have so much I want to achieve. I am usually a funny person. I like to think differently, act differently, and speak differently. I am also quite ambitious and dream too big at times :)

 

2. What products and services do you provide under the name Merremade? 

Merremade is mainly based in South Korea and I conduct regular courses, one-day workshops and work on commissioned works from time to time. I also travel back to Singapore to teach and work on projects/collaborations. I’m looking forward to venturing into international projects too.

 

3. How has the Covid-19 lockdown affected your business?

I was in Singapore when Covid-19 hit Asia and the project I was working on was canceled. I flew back to Korea and the situation got worse. Everyone was in panic and very worried about what would happen. All my scheduled classes were postponed to much later date. And thankfully, I was able to resume my classes 2 months later (in May). During that 2 months, I was lucky to still have income from my online course. I spent that whole period working on things that I had procrastinated on and of course experimented with many new tools, materials, ideas that I had for the longest time.

 

4. How have you had to adapt your business in light of the Covid-19 lockdown?

Surprisingly, there was no lockdown in Korea at all. But people were advised to work from home and stay away from crowds. Everyone was going online for everything. So, in the earlier stage, I focused more on my online course and connecting with my followers and students. Is online platforms. When I was able to resume my offline classes, I followed the precautions and measures that were set for public meetings.

 

5. You recently began offering in-person workshops again. When did you decide it was an appropriate time? What challenges do/did you face?

 Honestly, I wasn’t ready to have the classes any time soon. I was skeptical and worried even now. Students were waiting for me to resume classes and always checking on the dates. The drop in the number of Covid cases helped me decide to start my classes again. At that point in time, we were looking at less than 20 infected cases per day. It was progressing really well but we can’t let our guards down isn’t it?

I sanitise the entire room (yes, including the doorknobs and all my tools before and after workshops. I also prepare sanitisers and extra masks just in case. My classes are held in smaller groups (maximum 3pax) now and we practice social distancing. The biggest challenge is not knowing if anyone is carrying any virus including myself. We are all risking at this moment to have any face-to-face workshops. But these small measures, gives us peace of mind. Not just for myself, but also for all the participants in the same room.

 

6. Tell us about the International Crafts Design Association and its designation.

It is a private association registered and approved by the Korean government. The purpose of the association establishment is to promote the development of craftworks in Korea. Having a registered association, I’m able to issue official certificates to prove that the student has completed the full course and is capable of teaching what she/he has learned.

The course consists of general paper flower fundamentals, basic to intermediate skills. They will learn up to 10 different types of flowers and a few types of foliages. After which, they will take a written test and once they pass, they will receive the official certificate. They will then become certified Instructors under ICDA and be able to teach what learned from them.

 

7. What made you decide to implement certification of completion for your workshops?

In the beginning, I didn’t think issuing a certificate of completion was necessary. However, in Korea, having a certificate plays a big role if you want to teach. It is a kind of recognition and people acknowledge that you have gone through the whole training to become a certified instructor.  

 

8. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

I may not be the best person to go to, but if you need any listening ear/advice, do drop me an email. I’m willing to share my experiences. We are in this together. Have faith and we can get through this together. Stay safe!

This week on our Paper Talk Podcast, we want to talk about when it's ok to work for free with our friend, Kate Alarcon.

As much as we hate to admit it, we've all made paper flowers for "free" in one way or the other. Often, it's in the early stages of our paper flower journey, when we're desperate for exposure when we don't have the guts to ask for the right kind of compensation (or any compensation at all) when we're not all that confident about work. 

If we're lucky, we come out of it a better artist or entrepreneur with opportunities that we never dreamed of. On the other hand, if those opportunities aren't fruitful, we might feel slightly disappointed, even resentful perhaps. 

When would you work for free? In this episode, each of us explains when we've worked for free and why those opportunities were or were not ones that we would ever do again.

 

Read the transcript here.

Last week on our podcast, Paper Talk, we dove into the world of branding with Kalisa Jenne-Fraser and Missy Palacol of Kalyx Group. We loved and learned so much from our conversation that we extended into this week’s episode. Our focus shifted from finding the heart of your business (in short, the brand) to the ins and outs of marketing your business.

 

If you haven't listened to "How and Why Branding and Marketing Go Hand in Hand (Part 1)" be sure to listen to that Episode!

 

Let's learn a bit about Kalisa and Missy:

1. Introduce yourself to us (again)!

Kalisa Jenne-Fraser is co-founder of Kalyx Group, a brand, and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Seattle. Kalisa is a brand marketing consultant who specializes in strategic brand planning, content marketing, and digital media strategy. She has spent almost her entire professional life delivering marketing strategies and insights to global brands, non-profits, and startups alike.

In 2016, after nearly 20 years in corporate marketing and consulting, she left her comfort zone to take on new challenges, expand her skillset, and hopefully help build something awesome from the ground up in Kalyx Group. Through Kalyx Group, she offers consulting and training programs that teach entrepreneurs and small business owners how to translate their passions into actionable brand strategies that work.

Missy Palacol is a Seattle-based, nationally published brand photographer, digital marketing expert, and speaker. She teaches people and companies how to capture their authentic visual brand and how to leverage social and digital media to grow their businesses.

In 2014, Missy left her full-time career in corporate marketing and struck out on her own with Missy Palacol Photography, capturing rich and memorable imagery for brands. In 2016, she co-founded Kalyx Group, where she combines her enjoyment of photography with her deep knowledge of marketing and digital storytelling.

 

2. Tell us about your brand and marketing business, Kalyx Group.

We founded Kalyx Group in 2016. We’re are a team of brand and marketing strategists with over 30 years combined experience helping companies – from global Fortune 100s to local startups and solopreneurs – develop and implement strategies that drive results. We especially have a passion for small businesses – we bring a simple, effective, affordable approach to marketing that starts with brand clarity and ends with a well-thought-out strategic marketing plan. It’s our mission to help brands streamline their marketing approach by consulting on the right tactics to employ at the right time.

 

3. Given the consistent disruptions we’ve seen in 2020, how should brands think about shifting their marketing for the new normal?

We are in the acknowledge-and-adapt phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. But we also have to plan for life beyond the crisis. As we navigate what we know, businesses must work externally to keep their brands and customer journeys as a whole as possible, while working internally to do three things:

• Understand the impact of business interruption and continue to triage the unexpected.

• Lean into digital ways of working and connecting with customers, knowing that this will likely have lasting effects.

• Mitigate risks to the customer experience by thinking realistically from the outside in.

 

4. How should brands think about building resilience in the new normal?

If you use this time to reset and reimagine your new interactions with your customers, you can actually survive and thrive in uncertain times. With any business, the customer journey and keeping your customers satisfied are important to your business’ growth.

For example, we work with a local gym that offers a bootcamp program. Before the pandemic, all classes were in person. Like most businesses, they had to figure out a way to switch to an online model in order to survive these uncertain times. The goal with their new online class model was to not only support their existing clients but draw new clients in too.

We helped our client think about a tiered model that would incentivize their existing clientele to still pay the monthly fee for a new online class by offering extra value -adds to their clients through things like weekly check-ins and bonus content. These efforts helped their brand to continue to build trust with their clients who then started recommending their online classes to their friends…and their client’s friends weren’t just fellow local people. Because of their flexibility with their business approach, they grew their business outside of their local area and are now able to reach new clients nationally – this was an unexpected outcome for them and not just helping them survive right now, but thrive!

 

5. Should brand’s stop advertising during uncertain times?

The brands that are finding success through these uncertain times didn’t completely halt their advertising, but they did take a pause. It’s kind of like crossing the street of a busy road, it’s best to stop, look, and listen first before you proceed. You want to make sure that your marketing efforts are not only relevant but don’t become tone-deaf to the times we were in.

Once you’ve figured out how to make any necessary shifts to your marketing then, advertising in uncertain times like today can be really successful. For starters, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have seen a huge increase in daily users since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With more people working from home and looking for ways to stay connected they are turning to social media for that. And a lot of businesses and brands have pulled back on their marketing spend, so advertising avenues such as paid or sponsored ads on Facebook and Instagram have come down in price lately, meaning your $50 budget for a sponsor ad currently goes further than it used to in pre-pandemic times.

 

6. During these uncertain times, what would you say are the do's and don’ts?

The DO's

• Pause and listen so you can approach any disruption in the best way possible for your business and brand.

• Present with empathy and transparency when times are uncertain -People feel vulnerable right now. Empathy is critical. Most major airlines, for example, were quick to implement a “Peace of Mind Policy”, waiving cancel and change fees for those that don’t feel comfortable traveling during the pandemic or have a sudden change of plans because of the pandemic.

• Associate your brand with good - People will remember brands for their acts of good in a time of crisis, particularly if done with a true heart and generosity. This could take the form of donating to food banks, providing free products for medical personnel, or continuing to pay employees while the company’s doors are closed. For example, consumers will likely remember how Ford, GE, and 3M partnered to repurpose manufacturing capacity and put people back to work to make respirators and ventilators to fight coronavirus.

The DON'T'S

• Don’t try to do it all. Call in an expert to help if you aren’t sure how to proceed.

• Don’t completely stop all of your communication, advertising or marketing efforts in uncertain times – it’s in these times, more than ever, that your consumers what to hear from you.

• Don’t stop creating content - instead, double down on content creation, and make sure some of your content addresses key questions your customers might have as they go through the disruptions we are currently facing while also creating other types of content; these pieces of content will give you a massive advantage when things settle down. 

  READ THE PODCAST TRANSCRIPT HERE

 

GET YOUR FREEBIES!

HEAD OVER to the Kalyx Group website to download a free PDF copy of the Brand Readiness Checklist:  How to Prepare for Disruption!

 

Learn more by following Kalisa, Missy, and the Kalyx Group on social media:

WEBSITE | Kalyx Group | Missy Palacol Photography

INSTAGRAM | @missy.palacol

We’ve all taken different paths to the wonderful world of paper flowers, but one thing that unites us is a love of our craft. It’s no surprise that many of us want to turn that passion into a business. But even if you make the most amazing, creative flowers, you may have found yourself feeling a bit over your head when it comes to the branding and marketing side of things.

That's why we reached out to two incredible ladies: Kalisa Jenne-Fraser and Missy Palacol. They are the talented duo behind the consulting firm, Kalyx Group, and in this podcast episode, they share insights and tips to help businesses succeed.

 

First, let's learn a bit about Kalisa and Missy:

1. Introduce yourself to us!

Kalisa Jenne-Fraser is co-founder of Kalyx Group, a brand, and marketing consulting firm headquartered in Seattle. Kalisa is a brand marketing consultant who specializes in strategic brand planning, content marketing, and digital media strategy. She has spent almost her entire professional life delivering marketing strategies and insights to global brands, non-profits, and startups alike.

In 2016, after nearly 20 years in corporate marketing and consulting, she left her comfort zone to take on new challenges, expand her skillset, and hopefully help build something awesome from the ground up inKalyx Group. Through Kalyx Group, she offers consulting and training programs that teach entrepreneurs and small business owners how to translate their passions into actionable brand strategies that work.

Missy Palacol is a Seattle-based, nationally published brand photographer, digital marketing expert, and speaker. She teaches people and companies how to capture their authentic visual brand and how to leverage social and digital media to grow their businesses.

In 2014, Missy left her full-time career in corporate marketing and struck out on her own with Missy Palacol Photography, capturing rich and memorable imagery for brands. In 2016, she co-founded Kalyx Group, where she combines her enjoyment of photography with her deep knowledge of marketing and digital storytelling.

 

2. Tell us about your brand and marketing business, Kalyx Group.

We founded Kalyx Group in 2016. We’re are a team of brand and marketing strategists with over 30 years combined experience helping companies – from global Fortune 100s to local startups and solopreneurs – develop and implement strategies that drive results. We especially have a passion for small businesses – we bring a simple, effective, affordable approach to marketing that starts with brand clarity and ends with a well-thought-out strategic marketing plan. It’s our mission to help brands streamline their marketing approach by consulting on the right tactics to employ at the right time.

 

3. Let's dive right into your expertise. Why are marketing and branding important?

First of all, we’d like to take a sec to explain the differences between branding and marketing. Many people think they are one and the same. In a nutshell, branding is WHO your company is and why it exists. It provides your business with a real identity. The ideas, the emotions, the beliefs, the values, the looks, the experience of your business. Marketing is HOW you build awareness. It’s the activities that you do to create the awareness and power of your brand. Marketing teaches consumers who you are and why you matter to them and the value of your goods and services.

Having a good branding strategy for your business helps to improve recognition in your industry, creates trust, communicates your professionalism, builds financial value, and inspires your potential consumers. Having a solid marketing plan that aligns with your brand strategy is important because it helps you let people know who you are, expands your audience, and reaches your sales goals.

 

4. What is the number one thing that new entrepreneurs do wrong?

We tend to see our entrepreneur clients try and do everything and then get so overwhelmed that they let their brand and marketing efforts fall by the wayside which leads to them working harder at operating their business without a plan in place. We get it, small business owners especially, are stressed, overwhelmed, strapped for time, and have limited budgets.

On the other hand, we see small business owners that do have a budget for branding and marketing support, hire a professional to help them, but the hired professional efforts fall short because of their lack of clarity of your brand – they aren’t sure who the brand is and how to reach that ideal consumer on your behalf. -Their marketing work ends up being more complex and time-consuming than it needs to be at your expense. Consistency always wins.

 

5. What is a realistic marketing/branding budget for a small business? What if I only have a small budget?

The good news though, is that a little effort can go a long way. Small business owners do not have to spend significantly more time or money to get better results. So long as you have clarity about what you want to do and a strongly defined brand.

For example, logo creation. If you have clarity of what your brand is and what it stands for, it’s easy to hire a logo creator through a service provider/platform to do that work for a few hundred dollars or less. If you haven’t done the work to define who your brand is and what your brand stands for, it’s very difficult for the service provider to do their job, which ends up costing you more because time is money.

 

6. There's a lot of hype about selling with a story. What are your thoughts on that?

We strongly believe in storytelling because it’s easy for the brain to understand and doubles down the, “know + like + trust formula.” Storytelling allows your consumers to get to know you better, which then turns them into liking you, and then the liking turns to trust and when a person trusts a brand, they are 100% more likely to buy from them.

 

READ THE PODCAST TRANSCRIPT HERE

 

GET YOUR FREEBIES!

HEAD OVER to the Kalyx Group website to download a free PDF copy of The Brand Audit Worksheet!

 

Learn more by following Kalisa, Missy, and the Kalyx Group on social media:

WEBSITE | Kalyx Group | Missy Palacol Photography

INSTAGRAM | @missy.palacol

In this Episode, we talk to our friend and fellow paper florist Anna Chedid about how she is handling social distancing during this unique time in our history.

For many of us, it's been weeks since "normal." We no longer leave our houses without hand sanitizer and a face mask. We count the number of people present when we hang out with our neighbours, friends, or family. Our food cravings are now conditioned around what exists in our fridge and pantry. All of our interactions are now more... complicated. 

As artists, we are used to working from home or our studio, often working alone for hours. But that is by choosing. So what happens when we're forced to be isolated from others for a long period of time? How do we stay healthy?

 

First, let's learn a bit about Anna:

1. Tell us about yourself! Who is Anna Chedid?

That's probably the hardest one to answer! I'm Anna, Brazilian, designer, paper artist, crazy cat lady, coffee drinker, chocolate lover! I was born and raised in Brazil, lucky to have a very caring, warm, and supportive family. I married a lovely guy that is also a designer, photographer, musician and cooks all sorts of delicious food. We moved to the USA two years ago, the husband is to blame, with our two cats and I have been dedicating my time to @floresdaannita full time. 

 

2. Tell us how you started making paper flowers.

I started making paper flowers after I got married. I made a lot of things to decorate my wedding party and some accessories too, so my husband told me that I should start to make those things and sell them online. I had NO IDEA how to make things happen, had no experience in the business area at all! But he helped me set up an online shop and with product photography as well.

Having a background in fashion helped a lot too. So one day I was looking for tutorials on how to make fabric flowers and I ended up finding a Martha Stewart tutorial about paper flowers, that was the official beginning for me on the paper flower world. I have memories of my mother making paper flowers for birthday parties, for my grandparent's 50th anniversary as well when I was a child.

She even made me a pair of paper angel's wings so I could be one of the little angels at the Coronation of Our Lady of The Rosary, it's a Catholic thing! I guess the only books about paper flowers available at the time, 2013, were Livias's and Rebecca's. I bought them and I found some antique digitalized PDFs with paper flower making tutorials and used a lot of fabric flower-making tutorials as well to help me create blooms. 

 

3. It sounds like your creations had a lot of potential from the start. How have you been able to make your paper flower voice stand out in the crowd?

I think it's due to several factors. I was exposed to a lot of plants and flowers when I was a child, I always have a good aesthetic sense, I'm not bragging just being realistic. As a child and in my teenage years I was exposed to art, music, architecture, design, and was very encouraged to create things with my hands. I was always drawing, painting, and being "annoyingly creative" sometimes!

I have a Fashion design degree, and that helped me with the technical part and also the bureaucratic stuff that is always a pain to deal with for me.  A lot of the research part that I do when I wanna start a project, for example, comes from the methodology that I've learned in fashion school.

You have to use all the tools you have to make it work, I use my personal experiences and all the skills I acquired over the years to express something visually. I think that if you respect your creative desires and use the tools that you have in a good way, you can make good stuff and people can relate to it. Just do what makes you happy at first, and improve from there. It can sound simplistic and naive, but it's the truth! 

 
4. What are some of the challenges you've faced as an artist?

Oh, I think the major challenge is about making money. In the beginning, it was painful. I had no idea how to price my product and how to keep track of my expenses and income. I had to figure it out by trial and error, and there were a lot of tears and self-doubt, lots of unwanted advice from people with zero experience in business but for some reason thought that they should give them.

The money factor and all that comes with it, made me have lots of negative thoughts about what I was doing and if it was worth all that pain. That can impact in a very bad way when you are the one dealing with all the demands of a business, but especially on your creative and productive side. 

 

5. Since moving from Brazil to the United States, you've had to put your business on hold. How do you feel not being able to sell your art?

It was a tough decision to make! I was finally making money with paper flowers, I had lots of brides, art directors, prop designers that reached out for collabs and projects, I was getting recognized as an artist in Brazil and that is a big deal. But living abroad was in my plans, actually was something that my husband and I talked about since we met, so I've already had a plan in case that happened.

I also already knew that I was not going to be able to work under the visa I currently am, so I took advantage of this to focus on evolving my work. I wish I could sell my pieces, for sure, but I know I can't and I have to live with that. I focus on other things instead of trying to find some illegal way to sell my pieces, that's just not me! 

 

6. Tell us about your hashtag #ordinarycolorful. What inspired you to start this hashtag? 

I was just trying to elevate my photography skills. I love to organize things by color so I started to look for objects around the house that have similar colors and put them together like a mood board that I could take a pic from above.

I liked it so much that I decided to post some of those pics and it wasn't my intention to make it a collaborative project. It was Janita, @mywoollymammoth, that planted the seed in the back of my mind. I'm responsible for the name, but she is the one to blame, she encouraged me and gave a lot of support spreading the word about the #ordinarycolorful. So It's not just mine, it's Janita too! 

 

7. You've been exploring different ways to present, style, and photograph your paper flowers lately, sometimes focusing on colour, and at times, parts of a flower, and you even had a series of flowers native to your homeland, Brazil. What drives you towards these experimentations?

I've learned over the years that if you have an urge to create something, you have to allow yourself to fail, to make things that have nothing to do with what you are currently working, to learn something new completely unrelated to what you do for a living. When you practice this, when you put yourself in an uncomfortable position, you free yourself and the way you relate to your work.

It also makes you not take for granted what makes you the person you are, your identity. I love to organize my thoughts by colors, for example, I do that since I was a child. This is something that I can do almost naturally, so why not take advantage of that? Or why not look to my homeland and try to replicate the beautiful plants and flowers that made my childhood so special? 

 

8. As a seasoned paper florist, what advice would you give to a paper florist who is starting out today?

Enjoy the HUGE amount of information that you have available now and practice a lot! When I started there was so little info about paper flowers, it was basically none. Now, there's a lot of tutorials, books, videos available, a lot of good stuff out there, and some of that for free. Also, stop sharing the work you make to get other people's approval! Share for you, make for you. Use your personal references to evolve your style. I grew a lot when I stopped looking into other floral paper artists' work for inspiration. Look for other sources of inspo, music, architecture, fashion, etc. 

9.  Do you have any paper flower making tips to share with our listeners?

Be kind to yourself and practice a lot! Explore the materials, especially crepe paper. Stretch, torn, bleach, paint, fold, cut, glue, play with your papers! 

 

10.  Do you have a favourite tool you use on a daily basis?

I would say my hands, but having good scissors are a game-changer. And I don't have a brand that I recommend because it's a very personal tool. Try some to find the one that works the best. For me, the scissors have to be light and not too big, my hands are kinda small.  

 

Thank you Anna for chatting with us today and sharing your invaluable experience!

 

Be sure to follow Anna and her beautiful paper flowers on social media!

INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/floresdaannita/

WEBSITE | https://floresdaannita.com/

Today we talk to Lucia Balcazar, the author of Build a Flower: A Beginner's Guide to Paper Flowers. Lucia has an easily recognizable signature style of deep colours and strong graphic lines in her paper flower art. Formerly a statistician, she changed her career path to follow her love for the fine arts, and her art reflects a maturity and confidence that is a hallmark of later-in-life artists. Her first book, Build a Flower, provides a refreshing take on paper flowers by exploring different types of paper materials and techniques. It's a perfect book for beginners who are keen on trying different mediums and ideal for crafters/artists who want to take on something fun.

Listen to us chat with Lucia about her new book, how she manages her tendonitis, and how she balances her mom-life with her art.

 

First, let's learn a bit about Lucia:

1. Who is Lucia Balcazar?

I'm a statistician turned paper flower artist. I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota but grew up in La Paz, Bolivia. I went to college in Chicago, moved to Berlin, travelled through Asia, and lived in Tanzania for a while. I changed careers and went to art school in Boston, where I live now with my husband Jose Andres and baby Matilde. 

 

2. How and why did you start making paper flowers?

The first time I made paper flowers was during a massive snowstorm in Boston. We had been stuck at home for days. I had come across paper flowers online while researching ideas for my wedding and fell in love with the idea right away. I gathered whatever materials I had at home and made my first (very wonky!) paper flower. I used blue painter's tape instead of floral tape, thick modeling wire instead of floral wire, and fine art paper with no stretch. The results weren’t great but I felt really proud of my first attempt. 

 

3. What are some of the challenges you've faced during your paper flower journey?

I’ve had to deal with tendonitis pain on both my wrists. When the pain gets really strong, the idea of making flowers is so daunting and it’s hard to push through the pain to finish projects. I got cortisone shots on both hands, but they only alleviated the pain on my right wrist.

For the left wrist, I wore a brace for a long time and the pain has gotten much better but it’s not completely gone. I think a lot of artists in our community deal with this type of pain, unfortunately. I need to get better at practicing hand exercises. Another challenge I have faced is also very common amongst artists and crafters. For the longest time, I struggled with pricing my work and I often undervalued myself. 

 

4. How have you made your paper flower voice stand out in the crowd?

There are so many amazing paper flower artists out there and it can be intimidating sometimes. But something that helped me stand out was to incorporate my creative (and non-creative) background into my paper flower making. For example, I love art history (20th-century art in particular) and created a series that recreates modern art paintings using paper flowers (#modernartpaperflowers).

I also used experiences from my travels as inspiration to make orchids from exotic places and a series of travelling paper flowers, where I hold a paper flower against a city background in the places I visit (#travellingpaperflowers). 

Also, I’ve come to embrace the fact that my botanical knowledge is very limited. I think this has allowed me to approach flower making with fresh eyes and to focus on color and shape, not so much on botanical correctness. I’m not concerned with getting the botanical details right, I just want to make colorful things. If I want to add a blue center to a magnolia, I just go for it, I don’t feel bad taking as many creative licenses as I want.

 

5. Tell us about Build a Flower: A Beginner's Guide to Paper Flowers. 

The book is targeted towards beginners and explores 5 different types of paper with 5 flower tutorials: a cardstock wall flower, a doublette crepe tulip, a florist crepe peony, a fine crepe ranunculus, and a tissue paper dahlia. I incorporated basic paper flower techniques into these 5 tutorials that the reader can then apply to other flowers. I'm hoping the book will excite beginners into further exploring the world of paper flower crafting. My publisher is Abrams Books from New York, I feel so lucky to have worked with such a great team. 

 

6. How do you balance working at home and raising a young child?

This has been tough, of course, and my creative output has gone down considerably. I don't post to Instagram as often as I would like and I don't take as many commissions as before, but I try to find time in the evenings to create. I have an 18-month-old and I take care of her full time. She is very sweet and funny and I feel very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with her.

But I do miss having time to make art. I get a couple of hours when she is finally asleep and before I also start closing my eyes while operating a hot glue gun! I've had to pull all-nighters to work on commissions for events because that's the only time Matilde is not rummaging through my paper. And working on the book was especially hard because she was going through a sleep regression (waking up every 2 hours!).

 

7. What advice would you give to a paper florist that is starting out today?

Explore all the different papers that are available to discover which one feels right for you. Experiment with the different paper crafting techniques and soon you will develop your own style. Also, the paper flower community is very welcoming. It is definitely not about competition, your creative voice matters and is appreciated. 

 

8.  Do you have any paper flower making tips to share with our listeners?

Lately, I’ve been laminating most of my paper, petals, leaves, stamens. Laminating is basically just glueing two pieces of paper together. This makes the paper sturdier and more durable, and you can get very sculptural shapes while the glue is still wet. I work mostly with doublette crepe, which lends itself to this technique because it is not as textured as a florist crepe and not as thin as a fine crepe. It takes longer but I love the end result.

 

Learn more about Lucia Balcazar by following her on social media:

WEBSITE | www.LuciaBalcazar.com 

INSTAGRAM | @luciabalcazar

As paper flower entrepreneurs, we are always re-evaluating our business and trying to tweak our strategy so we can increase our profit margin while at the same time, saving time. In the last few years, subscription box offerings have been taking off (even our very own Quynh offers one!).

So we wanted to explore why a business owner may decide to include a subscription offering as part of their monetization strategy and how they would go about designing the offer and launching it. Naturally, we reached out to the perfect person to give us a frank perspective - Rachel Heath, the face behind the Flora Fun Box, and the designer of Trill Flora. 

Rachel launched her Flora Fun Box (which is full of floral goodness) in December 2019. In this Episode, we talk to her in-depth about why she decided to pivot her business, how she decided on the subscription offering and the things to consider when launching a new business product.

 

First, let's learn a bit about Rachel:

1. Introduce yourself to us! Who is Rachel Heath? 

Hello! I’m Rachel. I live in the greater Seattle area, and I’m a mother to a five-year-old and twin one-year-olds. Way back when I worked in the book industry before eventually switching to the floral world. I have a habit of picking industries I’m passionate about. 

 

2. What made you switch into the floral world and become a florist?

My husband and I moved to Seattle for his graduate education, and the original plan was that we’d only be here two years. I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to try something out of my wheelhouse, something I’ve always wanted to do but never dared leave my career to attempt. So, I got a job in a floral shop. We ended up staying in Seattle, and I stayed in the floral industry.

 

3. Is that when you started your events company, Trill Flora?

That's right. I started my floral event company, Trill Flora, in the winter of 2015-16, around the time my daughter was born. I decided to build an event business because I realized that the way daily shops operate just wasn’t for me. Events allow much more creative freedom than most of the bouquet work done for daily deliveries. While I still do some rare delivery work for holidays, I definitely prefer the creative work of special events like weddings.

 

4. What turning points in your life led you to where you are now in your personal and business life? 

After building up Trill Flora for a few years, I got to a point where I wished I could share flowers with people who didn’t live close to me, and that’s something that’s really hard to do when you have a perishable product. My twins’ birth brought lots of sleepless nights, and these ideas started buzzing around in my head.

I wanted to figure out how to send stuff to people so that they could make arrangements themselves. So much of designing flowers comes down to having the right tools and equipment, and it suddenly becomes so much easier and accessible and fun then. So that’s when I started cooking up my Flora Fun Box subscription.

 

5. What a great idea! Tell us a little bit about the Flora Fun Box.

Flora Fun Box is a carefully curated, seasonal, floral subscription box. I pick very specific pieces that are beautiful in your home with or without flowers and also provide you with everything you need to put it all together. This includes digital online demonstrations that teach you how to make an arrangement, plus other tips and tricks of the industry. We also throw in more fun things to help you get in the mood for the season, entertain friends, cultivate your own floral garden, or just get crafty. 

 

6. It must be exciting being able to share flowers with non-industry people, but I bet there are challenges to offering subscription box too.

It’s rewarding to be able to serve people outside of my immediate community. It’s quite difficult to offer my services to anybody outside of the greater Seattle area unless it’s travel for a wedding which is a whole different ball game. Being able to make connections and share in the joy and excitement of flowers with people in a broader space is really fun.

The more challenging aspects definitely include being chained to the schedule of the boxes. I knew this going into it, which is why I chose a seasonal schedule instead of monthly. Other challenges are shipping, curating the right pieces, fitting everything into a box, and designing the box. 

 

7. Who is your audience and what are they looking for when they pick you? 

My audience for the Flora Fun Box is four different kinds of people: flower lovers, crafters, lifestylers for home decor, and hosting enthusiasts. We try to include something for each of those types in our box every season. It’s not easy to host a party these days, but I definitely feel that there’s something to be said for making things beautiful and lovely for yourself. Keep things a little more emotionally healthy during your own quarantine experience.

 

8. There are so many types of subscription box offerings these days. What do you think makes the Flora Fun Box stand apart? 

Most activity or craft kits are geared toward children. There aren’t a lot of subscription boxes for adults that actually have to do with creative expression and learning new things. Most subscription boxes don’t come with online education, and most online education doesn’t come with a subscription box. Putting those two together was a very difficult thing to do. They don’t go hand in hand very easily. It’s a lot of work to get the online content done on time, as well as the box. But that’s what makes me stand out the most. 

 

9. With so much going on in your business, how do you balance your busy family life with being an entrepreneur? 

If anyone has an answer I’m happy to hear it! I try to have childcare between 6-12 hours a week, depending on what I have going on. Because of the stay-at-home orders through the spring, that has become pretty tricky. But a big part of it is having support from family. My husband is very supportive and helps me carve out time in our busy schedules to focus on my business.

 

10. Do you have any advice for an aspiring creative entrepreneur? 

Being a creative entrepreneur can be really difficult because usually you either have a really strong creative side or a really strong entrepreneurial side. It can be hard to meld those two together. My best advice would be to focus on growing your entrepreneurial skills.

I think the creative side of things can come a little more naturally and easily, but entrepreneurial skills are often best learned through classes and networking. You need to focus on staking out your place in an industry that is probably quite saturated. 

 

11. Lastly - a flower question! What are your favourite flowers to design with and why? 

Hellebores top the list, for sure. I also love working with berries like blackberries and tinus viburnum. That last one is absolutely opulent, lovely, different. Just perfect. I really enjoy textural things. Cosmos is also a very fun flower, since they’re so happy and just dance in arrangements.  

 

GET YOUR DISCOUNT!

Rachel has kindly created an exclusive coupon for our listeners to get $15 off with the code PAPERTALK

From Rachel: "We are currently in the middle of Summer Sales right now, with our Autumn box just around the corner, and our super special holiday bonus box (not part of the subscription to be announced over labor day.)

Also, update: you will very soon be able to mark an "international" shipping option and we'll sub out any organic products with a choice of additional non-organic products. (ie, we'll swap a dahlia tuber or seeds with another extra goodie of your choice.)"

Head on over to the Flora Funbox website to use the coupon!

 

Be sure to follow Rachel and her Flora Funbox on social media!

WEBSITES | www.trillflora.com | www.Florafunbox.com

INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/trillflora/

FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/Trillflora/

In this episode, we address some of the concerns that Quynh has about her collaboration with artists for The Posey Box and the issue of intellectual ownership. We both offer online courses for purchase, and we teach workshops on a regular basis.

As teachers, we want to ensure that we provide high-quality content - from instructions to templates - to all of our students. If you buy a course from us or learn from us at a paid workshop, it’s more than a business transaction for us; it’s a student-teacher relationship. But there’s also the possibility that someone may take our hard work and re-sell it or re-teach it for a profit.

We have also been students; as students, we are interested in learning new skills and techniques and are willing to pay for it. However, it’s always unclear what you can do with the intellectual property you’ve then acquired. What can we do with the skills and techniques learned, or the templates, or the paper flower? Then there’s the approach that as consumers, once we pay for something, it’s ours to do as we wish.

We discuss all of these issues in this Episode. Consider our discussions on an informal discussion between two friends. We recommend you contact an intellectual property lawyer for legal advice.

> You may hear our intern, Cillian, in the background at some point in our discussion. It seems like he already has strong opinions about the matter!

Welcome back, Paper Talk enthusiasts! As we embark on a new year filled with creative possibilities, we invite you to join us in the latest Paper Talk Podcast Episode 145. In this candid and insightful conversation we share our perspectives on navigating the intricacies of the creative realm in 2024.

Join us to delve into our approaches to the new year, exploring resolutions, to-do lists, and the delicate art of balancing creative endeavors with personal well-being. In this episode, you'll discover practical tips for mastering your to-do list, syncing tasks seamlessly, and embracing the ever-evolving tech landscape.

But that's not all—this episode serves as a teaser for what's to come! Get ready for an exciting sneak peek into an upcoming discussion where we discuss our favorite video recording equipment and share invaluable insights into media content creation.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• Emphasizing improvement over resolutions.
• Effective tips for managing to-do lists.
• Balancing priorities during creative processes and the importance of self-care.
• Insightful advice on when to upgrade your technology tools.
• Excitement for upcoming podcast episodes, including discussions on video recording equipment and media content creation.

Here is a sneak peek of what you’ll discover by listening now:

How to Make Your Resolutions Achievable

In this episode, we delve into the canvas of the new year, sharing our perspectives on resolutions, productivity hacks, and the tantalizing promise of tech talk in upcoming episodes.

One topic near and dear to our hearts is redefining the conventional notion of New Year’s resolutions. Instead of static promises, we embrace a dynamic approach—constantly evolving, improving, and honing our creative prowess. It's a refreshing take on personal and artistic growth that will hopefully leave you feeling empowered instead of overwhelmed.

Tune in for even more insights into how we reach our goals. From digital tools to synchronizing tasks seamlessly, we offer a glimpse into our organizational methods, providing valuable insights for anyone juggling multiple projects.

Balancing Priorities

In this episode we share our seasoned tips on managing extensive to-do lists, exploring the delicate art of organization crucial for a well-balanced life.

Right now Quynh is balancing the creation of her book with the necessity of self-care. And that doesn’t cover the many, many other things on her to-do list. As you can probably relate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a big project like that and neverending tasks always hovering in the background.

Listen to hear us unravel the intricate dance between prioritizing creative projects and safeguarding personal well-being. There is an art to juggling priorities and mastering the fine line between ambition and self-preservation, and our conversation will get you started on discovering how to do it yourself.

Tech World Navigation and Equipment Upgrades

Navigating the labyrinth of technology can be overwhelming, but fear not! We share our insights on how to expertly navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape. Quynh provides invaluable advice on making informed choices amidst the myriad of options.

Discover practical tips on optimizing your existing tools before taking the plunge into equipment upgrades. We believe in working smart with what you have, and Quynh sheds light on the importance of understanding your current gear inside out.

Hungry for more tech wisdom? Stay tuned for an upcoming episode where Quynh and Sara spill the beans on their video recording equipment and spill their secrets on media content creation. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that brings Paper Talk to life. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss a byte of the tech talk!

“My advice is use, understand what you have. Work with it before you go and buy a new one. And do your due diligence and research. Understand why you need that equipment. Will you use it every day to justify the cost of investing in the equipment?” -Quynh

Be sure to listen to the entire episode for many more insights. For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

May 14 is International Paper Flower Day, and in celebration of this special day, we've invited one of our favourite artists, Kate Alarcon of The Cobralily, to talk about it with us. Thanks to Kate - she came up with the idea of designating a specific date to celebrate our paper flower community and our art - paper flowers are spreading like wildfire around the world.

Listen to Quynh and Jessie as they talk to Kate about how she came up with the idea of International Paper Flower Day, the impetus for it, and what she hopes it'll achieve.

 

GIVEAWAY is CLOSED

Be sure to head over to our IG account and check out our International Paper Flower post for a chance to win a copy of the following books:

Jessie Chui's Paper Flower Art: Create Beautifully Realistic Floral Arrangements

Kate Alarcon's Uncommon Paper Flowers

Lucia Balcazar's Build a Flower: a Beginner's Guide to Paper Flowers 

 

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter into the Giveaway, leave a comment below our International Paper Flower post (@thepaperfloristsorg) on how you are planning to celebrate paper flower day or who has inspired you to become a paper florists. Giveaway is open for the entire day of May 14, 2020. One entry per person. The 3 winners will be announced on the following day. See below for the Terms & Conditions.

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1. The “Giveaway” involves the selection of a winner of a copy of “Paper Flower Art” by Jessie Chui, and a winner of a copy of "Uncommon Paper Flowers" by Kate Alarcon, and a winner of a copy of "Build a Flower: a Beginner's Guide to Paper Flowers" by Lucia Balcazar, pursuant to the Terms & Conditions set out herein.

2. The Giveaway period will run for the entire day, May 14, 2020, from 12:00 AM (PT) to 11:59 PM (PT).

3. The “Prize(s)” means a copy of “Paper Flower Art” by Jessie Chui, a copy of "Uncommon Paper Flowers" by Kate Alarcon, or a copy of "Build a Flower: a Beginner's Guide to Paper Flowers" by Lucia Balcazar, and is non-transferable.

4. To qualify, a “Winner”:

   • Must be 18 years or older as of the date of entry;

   • May be an international (non-US) resident;

   • Must have submitted an entry into the Giveaway;

   • Must have submitted an entry for the Giveaway within the Giveaway period;

   • Is permitted to submit only one entry.

5. The “Winner” Selection, Notification, and Responsibilities:

   • The Winner(s) will be a randomly selected person using a random selection app conducted by The Paper Florists Collective;

   • The Winner(s) will be notified of their winning within 24 hours of the giveaway closing via a direct message on Instagram by The Paper Florists Collective;

   • Once notified, the Winner(s) will provide The Paper Florists Collective with his/her full name, shipping address, and phone number; The Paper Florists Collective shall have no liability for a Winner’s failure to receive notices due to the Winner’s spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for the Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If a selected Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 72 hours from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and releases as required, the Prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected.

   • If applicable, the Winner will be responsible for any customs, duties, and taxes associated with the delivery of the Prize

6.      Shipping Terms:

• The Paper Florists Collective is not responsible for delays in delivery of the Prize(s) after the item(s) has/have been checked in for delivery to FedEx, UPS, or United States Postal Service; loss, damage, or theft of the item(s) after the item(s) has/have been checked in for delivery to FedEx, UPS or United States Postal Service; or shipment sent to an incorrect address provided to The Paper Florists Collective by a Winner;

• The Paper Florists Collective reserves the absolute right to post-delivery of the Prize(s) using the most economical shipping option available with or without the ability to track the shipping as it deems appropriate.

7. The Paper Florists Collective reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Giveaway at its sole discretion. The Paper Florists Collective also reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or website or violates these Terms & Conditions.
8. The Giveaway is not endorsed, administered, sponsored by, or associated with Instagram, Facebook, or Google. You understand that you are providing your information to The Paper Florists Collective and not to Instagram, Facebook, or Google.

 

The receipt by the Winner(s) of the Prize(s) offered in this Giveaway is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal and state/provincial laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY ANY WINNER (AT THE PAPER FLORISTS COLLECTIVE’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN SUCH WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

One of the highlights of Quynh's involvement in Design Days 2020 was having the chance to meet  Holly Heider Chapple! You've likely seen Holly's beautiful work all over social media and she's been featured in numerous wedding magazines and wedding blogs. Her flower arrangements are always exquisitely composed and styled. 

One look at her websites (yes, she's got 3) and you can see it reflects her personality and her style perfectly. She's the founder of Chapel Designers, the owner of Hope Flower Farm, and the artist behind Holly Chapple Flowers. She's a HUGE name in the floral industry, so much so that she's dubbed the "Flower Mama" by her peers. You wouldn't know it because she is so incredibly down-to-earth, warm, and engaging. 

With the help of her family, she's turned her floral business into an empire. In this Episode, she is joined by her son, Alex, the Director of Education and Communication, who has become an integral part of her business.

Listen to Holly and Alex as they talk to us about their flower farm, their floral business, and how they're adapting their business in light of the Covid-19 related restrictions.

 

If you hear the chirping chicks in the background, they're from Holly's farm!

 

Let’s get to know Holly:

1. Introduce yourself to us! Who is Holly Chapple?

I’m a floral and event designer based in Virginia, and I serve clients in the D.C. area. I’m also a flower farmer, an educator, an inventor, and a mother of seven.

 

2. How did you decide to become a florist? What turning points in your life led you to where you are now in your personal and business life?

I grew up in the garden center/produce market my parents owned. As a child, I had to help in the field, sell tomatoes and corn, and tend to flowering plants. I also did basic designing during the holidays. The first centerpieces I designed were for my father to sell during the Christmas season. Flowers have always been a constant in my life. 

I started working as a florist because I was looking for a way to stay at home with my children. I did my first design work by the kitchen sink. My first wedding work was for a friend, a woman who lived up the street. Initially, my business grew because of word of mouth. But a big turning point in my business was the advent of social media. I was an early adopter of blogging and Instagram, and my work on both platforms made me more visible.

I’ve always been very transparent on social media about how hard this work is--especially as a mother--and it has resonated with clients over the years. And other florists, many of whom choose to study with me at workshops or online.

 

3. Tell us about your company, Holly Heider Chapple Flowers.

First and foremost, we are artists at Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD. Very busy artists, working across multiple divisions.

Second, we are family. And much of the work across these divisions is focused on bringing you into our family.

You can read more about us here: https://www.hollychappleflowers.com/about.

 

4. What is it like working with family members as you have been growing your Company?

This has been incredible for the business, as we all have very different strengths. My husband is remarkable at finance, business policies, farming, and build-outs. He is also an incredible teacher. My son Alex has brought a new strength to our company because of his strong communication and writing skills. Alex is also a people person so he is wonderful at caring for our students. Alex is the Director of Education and Communication. By working together I hope we are building something that will endure. 

5. Can you tell us about your beautiful farm, Hope Flower Farm?

Hope was a working dairy farm. The main house and barn were built in the 1820s. Through the years, an additional tenant house and two other barns were added to the farm. The original property was over 400 acres; years ago most of the land was developed and the farm was reduced to 25 acres. The tenant farmers were Mr. and Mrs. Hope; they worked the farm for over sixty years. The property was for sale for almost four years before we finally were able to acquire the farm.

In honor of the Hopes, we named the farm Hope Flower Farm. The manor house is used for styled shoots and a residence for our teachers. Floral design students stay in the tenant house or at local B&Bs and hotels. Three barns are used for education and events. We haven’t had a wedding at the farm yet, but we’re preparing to host our first there this year.

We grow daffodils, tulips, blooming branches, several thousand peonies, dahlias, lots of annuals and other perennials. 

 

6. What is Chaple Designers and what is its mission?

In 2010, I asked the floral designers following my blog and social media, “Does anyone want to meet me in New York?” They did. After years of offering advice, guidance, and moral support to fellow designers on social media, I designed a conference for them to meet and study together in person for the first time.

And so Chapel Designers - the first organization of its kind - was born. This network of like-minded industry professionals came together under my wing. They call me “Flower Mama,” and now Chapel Designers from all over the world meet to study together all over the world.

Essentially, we are a collective of wedding and event designers. We work together and support each other so we all find success. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, I have never been more grateful for this group. 

You can read more about the Chapel Designers Mission here: https://www.chapeldesigners.com/information 

 

7. You've partnered with Syndicate Sales on the development of the Holly Chapple Egg. What is the Holly Chapple Egg? Tell us about the development process and how you came up with this ingenious product? 

The egg was born out of necessity. I was trying to achieve a certain type of design for a bridal bouquet - for a special bride - when I came up with the form. Syndicate Sales often supplied hard goods to our Chapel Designer workshops, so I knew that I could go to them with the mechanic concept. We had design meetings, sought a patent, and the rest is history. 

 

8. You also have a line with MP Bastian Leathers. Tell us about this line.

 I needed an apron or belt that did not fall apart. My tools are constantly pointing downwards and destroying any cloth aprons I wear. This sturdier custom-made piece is water resilient and so much more durable.  

 

9. How do you decide which businesses and/or designers to partner/collaborate with?

This is often about the relationship I have with a particular person or brand. I am very people-focused. The concept/product is always born out of need. I am very careful about who I work with as I want to protect the integrity of our company which has taken 28 years to build.

 

10. We love that you define yourself as an artist. What would be your advice for an aspiring artist?

Sometimes, just create for creation’s sake. Design things that inspire you and keep you motivated. If you feel like you are just producing and not creating art, you need to rethink where you are at. I say each design or piece that leaves the studio should make our studio proud!! 

 

11. What are your favourite flowers to design with? 

Lilac, Peonies, Dahlias, Ranunculus, Garden roses…… whoops I could go on forever. 

 

Learn more about Holly and Alex Chapple, along with Holly Chapple Flowers by following them on social media:

WEBSITE | Holly Chapple Flowers | Chaple Designers | Hope Flower Farm

INSTAGRAM | @hollychapple | @chapeldesigners | @hopeflowerfarm

Last year, Jessie had an amazing opportunity to showcase a few pieces of her floral sculptures at The Freedom Factory Toronto after one of the owners of the gallery, Tiffany MacIsaac, handpicked her to be a part of a juried group show of 60 artists.

The experience was rewarding for Jessie in so many ways - exposure to the local art community, engagement with other artists, commissions, and other unexpected opportunities, and taking a prize home for placing 2nd in the juried event. The most exciting was meeting Tiffany herself - a self-taught artist, curator, and visionary behind The Visual Arts Movement.

In this Episode, we chat with Tiffany about her unique approach to curating art, her no-commission art gallery, and her advice to aspiring artists.

 

Let’s get to know Tiffany:

1. Tell us about yourself. Who is Tiffany MacIsaac?

I am a Toronto based self-taught artist and curator, as well as co-owner of The Freedom Factory Toronto.

 

2. Tell us about The Freedom Factory Toronto

The Freedom Factory is a no-commission art gallery, event space, and creative hub. We believe that creativity is a state of mind rather than a talent you're born with. Whether you're an artist or an accountant you need creativity in your life! Artists who exhibit with us keep 100% of their sales and we subsidize this by offering private events and curated micro weddings in our space. 

 

3. What is The Freedom Factory's Visual Arts Movement and Weddings?

V.A.M  - The Freedom Factory's Visual Arts Movement provides emerging artists with a platform to:

• exhibit their work in our juried exhibition for a chance to win amazing prizes

• showcase their work in front of industry leaders, art collectors, and the public

• sell their work in a zero commission environment

• attend professional development workshops and expert panel art talks

• as well as creative networking events and art parties

It takes place once a year in various locations around the city as it is too big for our gallery space and typically we accept 60 artists into the juried exhibition. This show is so near and dear to our heart, we actually started curating this exhibition before we opened the first gallery almost 5 years ago. It is such a wonderful opportunity for emerging artists to put themselves out there in a way that can make a true impact on the trajectory of their career and build confidence.  

Our Micro Wedding service is something we started to offer officially at the top of this year after seeing so many couples coming to our event space stressed about the cost and workload of planning their large-scale dream day. It is essentially an ALL INCLUSIVE Luxury Micro Wedding Experience designed by local artists. Invest in your marriage, not your wedding! Learn more here.

 

4. Why would an artist want to show his/her work at a gallery?

Pictures are worth a thousand words but nothing is like seeing an artist's creation in person. It is wonderful to take full advantage of online marketing etc, but hanging your work in a physical gallery gives people an opportunity to view your work up close and personal with trained sales staff on hand to convey the passion and story behind each piece.

Of course, sales are the main objective, however, so many incredible opportunities come from the exposure that showing with a gallery can bring also. Connections to industry professionals who can help further your career, introduction to future buyers and collectors, commission opportunities, brand partnerships, and so on. It is also a great opportunity to build a network of other creatives and like-minded people whether for business or personal connection. 

 

5. How does an artist get shown at a traditional art gallery versus your art gallery?

Typically galleries will post open calls for artists if they are looking to curate group exhibitions with a particular theme. Each open call and gallery will have a specific set of submission guidelines (please read them carefully and treat it like applying for a job). These calls for artists are typically found on the gallery's website or social media platforms. 

I think it is important to do your research when it comes to which galleries are best suited for the style of work you do and which you think would best resonate with you. Each will have a different process for how they take on an artist. With us, if you're looking to have a solo exhibition we have a link to start that discussion on our website. 

 

6. What does a curator look for in an artist's work?

I think this varies between curators. While technical ability and precision in your work obviously speaks for itself, I personally look for artists with something to say, whether it's taking a style I have seen again and again and making it your own or the ability to convey a message or story that needs to be shared... for me I would rather work with an artist who has a unique style and voice but may need to work on their technical skills to someone who is "perfectly" trained but lacks originality. But that's me...there is a place for everyone. 

 

7. Who determines the price of artwork at an art gallery? What is the industry standard percentage/proportion that an art gallery receives from the sale of an artist's work? 

Typically we work with an artist prior to solo exhibitions to iron out pricing. There are many factors that can be taken into account when pricing art. 

Most galleries in the city charge between 20% and 65% commission on the sale of your work ... we take nothing! 

 

8. Given today's artists have the ability to directly market to buyers, how relevant is it today to show at a gallery or be represented by an art agent?

I think that showing in a gallery is always relevant! Again, it gives prospective buyers an opportunity to see your work in real life and it is never the same experience as seeing it online. Also as I previously mentioned there are many opportunities that come as a result of exhibiting, connections to industry professionals who can help further your career, introduction to future buyers and collectors, commission opportunities, brand partnerships, meeting other artists.

You can always get your feet wet with group shows exhibiting one or two pieces at a time. This can give you an opportunity to see how buyers react to your work and decide which galleries you prefer working with. 

I am not for or against the idea of an agent...I would caution an emerging artist to really do their research before signing on to a representation deal exclusively whether it's a gallery or an agent as there are a lot of people out there looking to sell you the dream and take advantage.

I would not want to be paying my agent a commission on top of paying the gallery they are putting my work in a commission ... it all adds up fast and before you know it you're left with nothing after your time and supplies etc. It's like that band who signs the record deal right away because they are excited but now that label owns them and they're still broke. But certain deals are worth making, just do your research. 

 

9. What would be your advice for an aspiring paper flower artist?

Own your craft! It is an art and just as worthy of being shown in any place your heart desires to see it . Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to hear no. 

Also, make it your own. What sets your paper florals apart?  

 

10. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?

Yes, we have actually started our own podcast called Creativity Unleashed where we invite you to reconnect and explore the multi-layered chasms of creativity that exist within each of us.  We will also introduce you to our network of artists and industry professionals as we explore creativity as a state of mind rather than a talent you're born with. Here you will find guided meditations, insightful conversations, and evocative tools to help you unleash your full potential... because when we live life from a place of creative thinking, the opportunities are endless.

 

Learn more about Tiffany and The Freedom Factory by following them on social media:

WEBSITE | The Freedom Factory

PODCAST & BLOG | https://www.thefreedomfactorytoronto.com/blog 

YOUTUBE | Creativity Unleashed Podcast

INSTAGRAM | @thefreedomfactorytoronto

FACEBOOK | /thefreedomfactorytoronto

Today we talk about our passion project for the last few months - Paper to Profits! 

When we returned from the Masterclass in Monroe, Washington last year, we met so many incredibly talented paper florists who were hungry for more information on how to transform their hobby into a viable business and build it to last.

So for a year, we mulled over how to deliver the content we knew so well. As female paper florist entrepreneurs with a wide variety of experiences, we have so much experience and skills to pass on to our students and to mentor them, but how? 

And then the Covid-19 pandemic happened and many people lost their jobs or their positions became precarious. We began to reflect on the priorities of our lives and realized that life is too short to live it working in a job that we had no passion for.

So it became clear to us that this was the perfect time to offer a Program that could help our students become their own entrepreneurs, to be their own boss, and to help them live their dream.

We have designed Paper for Profits as a program for people who want to earn a living from paper flowers. It guides them through the beginning steps of forming their business to setting up their bookkeeping to managing their customer relationships. We made sure to share an extensive catalogue of resources, templates, and checklists that we personally use in our own businesses. These tried and true systems will help propel a paper flower hobbyist to turn their passion into a thriving creative business.

Listen to us as we talk about this passion project and what we want all paper florists to learn so they can earn a living making paper flowers.

The launch date for Paper to Profits is May 1st! You can sign up for our newsletter at www.thepaperflorists.org to be the first to know about it. For all of our previous students, we will have a deal for you so make sure you check your Inbox!

April is Financial Literacy Month so it's the perfect time to talk about money with Meka West of Penny Smart Girl! Meka is a certified accountant and she is the founder of online bookkeeping and money coaching firm called Penny Smart Girl. 

April is also the month for tax-deadlines so we are picking Meka's brain today on all things bookkeeping and tax-related! She has generously shared her experience and advice in this Podcast and in this blog post. She is seriously a wealth of information and generosity!

 

Let’s get to know our bookkeeper friend, Meka West:

1. Tell us about yourself. Who is Meka West?

I’m a Midwest original that moved to Seattle in my twenties. I bought a house at age 21, raised my son as a single mom until he was 12, and have been lucky to work in some great roles along the way.

I believe in living life with a cherry on top. This means creating a life balanced with work but also time to enjoy the things that bring us joy and make us feel. So even you aren’t a fan of cherries, whatever your cherry on the top moment is… the moment that makes you pause and cherish that moment, that’s what I mean. I enjoy cherry on top moments with my husband, my son, our two very spoiled rescue cats, Nin-Nin the secret ninja, and Jackson the mischievous tabby. I also love traveling the world and enjoying yummy food adventures.

 

2. Tell us about Penny Smart Girl.

Penny Smart Girl is a virtual bookkeeping and money coaching firm.  Penny Smart Girl (nicknamed PSG) was born from my love for empowering people to be more in control of their money story. It doesn’t matter if you like numbers or not, it’s more about getting in touch with the life you want to live. What goals do you have? What kind of work fulfills you? That’s what the numbers can reveal. And that’s what having a handle on your money can unlock.

I consider myself a business owner first, an accountant second. As a business owner first, it positions me to be a small biz advocate and money mentor. 

 

3. Why might a business owner need a bookkeeper and/or accountant? Why might someone need money coaching?

There’s a common statistic I always hear that states “half of new businesses fail during the first year,” which is alarming to think about the success rate is only 50%. However, the Small Business Administration (SBA) says that’s not necessarily true. They say the more accurate breakdown is:

• 30% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open

• 50% during the first five years

• 66% during the first 10 years

And at a business conference I attended a few years back, a survey said 89% of small businesses said they were more successful when working with an accounting professional.

I feel that often business owners try to do everything in their business because they are new or can’t afford to hire a bookkeeper or accountant to manage their “books”. But I strongly believe that if you have an accounting professional set up your systems and train you how to maintain it, you really set yourself up for success in the long run.

I’m sure I could maybe figure out how to make home repairs on my own, but it would involve me literally “winging” it. And I certainly wouldn’t feel confident that I did everything right. Because I didn’t go to school for that and home repair is not one of my gifts. So, hiring someone that has been trained in that skill, is going to be my best option.

Money coaching is often more focused on mindset, strategy, and goals. It is something that can be done as a standalone service or in conjunction with bookkeeping/accounting services. Often money coaching focuses on cash flow, budgeting, rolling out new service offerings, and keeping an eye on any income goals you have. 

Working with professionals can really help you to start out on a solid foundation. Start small with a training session and reassess as your business grows and gets too much for you to handle all the moving parts.

 

4. What bookkeeping/accounting programs/apps should a business owner have/use?

QuickBooks is the standard that the majority of Banks, CPAs, auditors, the IRS are equipped to work with that. I would say Xero is a close second to being a standard/common program.

However – Wave and Freshbooks are nice entry-level software that seems to be user-friendly for non-accountants. I can’t speak in depth on them because they aren’t designed for an accountant like me, but the key is to find a system that works for you that you will use frequently. The results to consider is how easily can it compile the data needed to get your reports to your CPA or yourself at tax time.

 

5. What important tax deadlines should small business owners in the USA and the State of Washington be aware of?

It’s important to know that taxes do not just mean the IRS (which is federal taxes). There are also city and state business taxes. The deadlines for city and state taxes will vary based on the size and type of business you have.

Federal annual income taxes are due:

• March 15th for Corporations, Partnerships, and LLCs that file as an S Corp.
• April 15th for Sole Proprietors, and single-member LLCs.

Business & Occupation (B&O) Sales/Excise Tax deadline (City/State)

• Typically, it’s due annually. But can be monthly or quarterly depending on your state, and size and type of business. For example, in Washington state, if you provide services only, not retail sales – your deadline is annually and is due January 31st.

Self-Employment Estimated Tax (Federal, due to the IRS)

This tax is due quarterly. Please note that the quarters are divided so that you actually only pay it three of them during each year, rather than the traditional four quarters per year:

Quarter 1 (covers Jan 1 – Mar 31st)

Due July 15th, 2020 (normally due April 15th but extended because of Covid-19)

Quarter 2 (covers Apr 1 – May 31st)

Due July 15th, 2020 (normally due June 15th but extended because of Covid-19)

Quarter 3 (covers Jun 1 – Aug 31st)

Due Sep 15th, 2020

Quarter 4 (covers Sep 1 – Dec 31st)

Due Jan 15th of the following year.

Link to these dates on the IRS site:

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2

 

6. What documentation does a small business owner need to file their taxes?

To file your taxes, you need a listing of all your business sales, and all business expenses for the year you are filing.

Keep in mind that typically states require you to report your gross income, but the IRS considers your income and expenses. So, having the total income earned and total expenses is the best documentation to have.

Remember receipts are just your backup. Tax time is not the time to start organizing your box or folder of receipts. It should be something you do on a monthly, quarterly basis.

Good recordkeeping (or bookkeeping) is the methodology of compiling those receipts, invoices, etc. into a usable report that summarizes your data for you.

If you are using an accounting system, the common reports to use are the Profit and Loss report and a Balance Sheet report. If you are tracking in Excel or a notebook, try to organize it by expense category and by month. I recommend having a summary page that will show a recap of your full year.

 

7. What are common business expenses that small business owners can deduct from their taxable income?

The common business expenses that they can deduct are:

• Car expenses and mileage

• Office expenses, including rent, utilities, etc.

• Office supplies, including computers, software, etc.

• Health insurance premiums

• Business phone bills

• Continuing education courses

• Parking for business-related trips

• Business-related travel expenses, including flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.

• Postage

 

8. During this time of economic downturn, what are your top 3 budgeting tips for small business owners?

Especially considering our current events, I would say looking at your budget and doing a bit of spring cleaning is highly recommended right now to keep your business sustainable:

Take care of yourself. Try to stay calm, safe & healthy. It’s okay if business slows down right now. You can use the quieter time to strategize for new opportunities. Or to build more connections within your network for when things pick up again. 

Figure Out what’s the “Cost to Run Your Business” Numbers.

• Know your numbers. Calculate the amount of income that comes in each month (if it varies, look at the last 3 or 6 months as an estimate)

• Create a list of all expenses each month

• Subtracting your expenses from your income is your “bottom-line” aka your profit. That’s the base amount you need to sustain your business.

Minimize Expenses/Maximize Income/Savings

To minimize:

• In these uncertain times try to keep expenses to a minimum if you can.

• Speak with vendors on putting services on hold or reducing the rates temporarily if possible

• Hold off on big investments

To maximize:

• If you can reduce spending, put the savings aside to build up a savings reserve.

• If there is a new service offering you can create an offer, do it! And if you’re able to keep your expenses low so you can consider this new income source a “bonus” for your business.

 

9. What else should our listeners, many of whom operate small craft businesses, be aware of with respect to their obligation to file their taxes?

Check with your city and state to make sure what the income threshold is for when you are required to have a permit or business license. Often new and or small businesses think they aren’t a “real” business if they are some large corporation.

Checking this, in the beginning, can save you from penalties or fines down the line.

 

Here are some links to the Apps that Meka mentioned in this episode:

Avalara (Cloud-based tax software) - avalara.com

Taxjar (Tax solutions for e-Commerce sites) - taxjar.com

Quickbooks (Accounting software, online available) - quickbooks.com

Wave (Cloud-based accounting software) - wave.com

Freshbooks (Cloud-based accounting software) - freshbooks.com

 

Learn more about Meka and Penny Smart Girl by following her on social media:

WEBSITE | https://pennysmartgirl.com/ 

INSTAGRAM | @pennysmartgirl

TWITTER | @pennysmartgirl

We are catching up with Mike Benson of Carte Fini. Carte Fini is based in San Diego, California and it is an online distributor of Cartotecnica Rossi Italian crepe paper and ships worldwide.

Mike chatted with us on Paper Talk way back when we first started this podcast, on Episode 2. You can read and hear more about Mike on Episode 2: Friends of TPFC - Chatting With the Crepe Paper King.

Carte Fini has been a generous sponsor and collaborator of our workshops. In addition to sponsoring the 2019 Masterclass in Monroe, Washington, Mike also attended our Toronto Workshop in September 2019.

Both of us were lucky recipients of a sample package of the 90 g Italian crepe paper and we were one of the first few to have tested the paper. We are incredibly thrilled to see that it's now available for purchase on Carte Fini's online store.

 

Today, we talk to Mike about our love for the 90 g and Carte Fini adding Design Master sprays to their product lines.

> In this Episode, we also talked to Mike about being part of our Garden Rose Workshop in Seattle in June. Subsequent to our podcast recording, the Workshop has been postponed due to the State and Federal restrictions implemented as a result of Covid-19.

 

Learn more about Mike and Carte Fini by following them on social media:

WEBSITE: www.cartefini.com

INSTAGRAM: @cartefinicrepepaper

This year, from February 26 to March 1, 2020, our florist friend and mentor, Alicia Schwede of Bella Fiori and the Flirty Fleurs blog, participated in a floral event by Fleurs de Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival where she and her team created a floral dress from fresh florals.

Learn more about Alicia when we previously chatted with her on Episode 17: Friends of TPFC: Collaborating with a Florist.

 

Listen as she talks about this amazing event (which takes place in different cities around the world) and the process of creating her beautiful floral dress.

 

Learn more about Alicia, Flirty Fleurs, and Bella Fiori by following her on social media:

WEBSITES:

https://www.bellafiori.com

https://flirtyfleurs.com

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/flirtyfleurs/

https://www.instagram.com/bellafiori/

We admire sugar flower artists from afar but sometimes we just can’t help ourselves and want to know more about this craft that is in ways so similar to our own. One of the artists we admire is Nita Komarakul. Nita is the artist behind the beautiful sugar floristry we see on her Instagram account, Pushface. Her flowers are delicate and feminine, with a realism that strikes us with awe every time.

Today we talk to Nita to learn more about her and her art.

 

First, let’s get to know a little bit about Nita:

1. Who is Nita Komarakul?  

Mother, flower lover, and restauranteur.

 

2. How did you get started making edible flowers? What drew you to this art form?

In my childhood, my mom always supported me both in arts and musical. Every birthday she always baked a cake for us. All these are influenced me to go into the baking world which first I started from sugar cookies and then came across sugar flowers, driven by a curiosity of how to make sugar flowers more natural and life-like. 

 

3. Tell us about Pushface. How did you come up with this name? 

It’s from my two French bulldogs which are commonly called PUSHFACE.

 

4. Do you have a studio space? 

Yes, I have a small room in my house where all my flower was made. 

 

5. How long have you been in business? 

From 2015 when I started baking, but for sugar flower nearly 4 years. 

 

6. What services/products do you offer?

We offer both sugar flower workshops, but also birthday cakes and celebrations, also wedding cakes with handcraft beautiful sugar flowers.

7. Tell us about the different mediums you use, eg. sugar, edible clay, bean paste, wafer, etc. 

I have tried all these mediums sugarpaste, edible clay, bean paste, and wafer paper; all of them have pros and cons. My personal preference is the medium that can reflect the petal to look real not too translucent or rigid. The easipaste meets my need: It’s white in colour, flexible and softer but strong enough to hold the shape. This can be rolled extra thin to make realistic flowers.

It dries slower than gum paste, which gives you additional time to do your petals. It also works well in high humidity with no mould, it also reacts very well to colours.

 

8. What types of workshops (and where) do you offer? 

This year we would like to introduce and expand easipaste for sugar flower lovers more and more.

This year I’m going to teach in Somerset, England in April for an easiflowerpaste class - it is a 2-day class which is suitable for a beginner - you will learn how to make an easipaste from scratch to make a beautiful flower. I will also be teaching in August in Osaka, Japan.

 

9. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art?

Being “ under the priced” - In my country, people still do not value sugarflower art pieces, even though one flower requires both time and skill put into it. 

 

10. How would you define your artistic style? How did you find your artistic style? What makes your art stand out?

My style is quite natural and life-like with feminine and delicate details. Honestly, I find it from the flower.

 

11. What advice would you give someone who wants to find his or her artistic style in his/her art?

Find what you like and enjoy it .. create your own self.

 

12. How do you balance your family with your art?

I try my best to keep my weekend time for my daughter and husband.

 

Want to learn more about Nita and Pushface? Follow her on social media:

FACEBOOK | www.facebook.com/pushface

INSTAGRAM | @pushface

Over the weekend, our governments began to implement stricter guidelines and policies regarding social distancing in efforts to "flatten the curve" and slow down the spread of Covid-19. Many countries are now prohibiting entry of non-residents and locking down many public spaces like schools, libraries, community centres, and daycares.

Large social gatherings like weddings, workshops, and events are being cancelled and/or postponed worldwide. It's not a surprise if Covid-19 is affecting you.

In this Episode, Quynh and Jessie talk about how Covid-19 is affecting them, how the Covid-19 related policies may affect their relationships with their vendors and/or clients, and the issues that may have to be addressed as a result.

 

Here are a few links to some resources to help you navigate through some of these issues:

HoneyBook: https://www.honeybook.com/risingtide/coronavirus-small-businesses

Wedding Industry Institute: http://www.weddingindustryeducation.com/coronavirusinformation/

 

Small Business Guidance and & Loan Resources from Darice:

• Paycheck Protection Program

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance

• SBA Debt Relief

• SBA Express Bridge Loans

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers

• SBA Products and Resources

• Government Contracting

• Local Assistance

If you guys recall, way back in Episode 4, we talked to Jodi Duncan of Design Master about her involvement with Design Master, her role in creating new colours, and how their colour products can help our paper florists community.

This time, we also had the chance to speak with Jodi along with Gretchen Sell, the Creative Director of Design Master, about Creativation 2020 and the new amazing colour products just released by Design Master. Gretchen also provides tips on colour shifting and how we can take advantage of the unique recipes of their products - from Colortool, Just for Flowers, to Ubermatte - to create a more sophisticated colour palette.

Above and below are some of the products mentioned in this episode that we cannot wait to try out!!

 

Below is an excerpt of our interview with Jodi Duncan in Episode 4:

1. We know that Design Master has been around a long time. Can you tell us the history and how you got involved with Design Master?

Mark Addison created DM. The idea was born around a kitchen table in 1961. Mark was an art-loving accountant who saw a need and an opportunity and Design Master was born. He is very much retired but he is still active and can be found around our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado from time to time. Design Master was born to serve florists who needed colors that were unavailable.

In 1961 distribution looked much different than it does today. Design Master was born as a color solution and remains so today across multiple diverse surfaces. We create color for the floral artistic community. Attributes of our products include: Multi surface. Fast drying. We work with chemists to develop our formulas and our Color Tool formula was the original. Our founder Mark was passionate about education and we are still to this day very much interested in supporting color education for artists in multiple mediums.

I started doing stage demonstrations and hands-on classes for Design Master in 2008. I was a fierce floral competition designer and won many regional, state, and national titles. That put me on their radar so they began to ask me to travel and teach and do programs for them nationwide.

I began to develop relationships with the great team at Design Master and they found out I was more than just a designer & speaker, but also could help with marketing, social media, and product development. So it was & is an evolution. Now I have a retainer contract with them and I’m on board for all kinds of creative color endeavors with the fantastic team at Design Master. 

2. Can you tell us the proper way to use your spray paints?

We have basic common sense info on the can as well as our website, dmcolor.com.

Ventilation. Don’t spray around the flame. Common sense. Check the label. Non-toxic when dry. The application part needs attention. There are certain ways we use ALL tools. For instance, don’t run with scissors!

3. Any precautions we need to be aware of and how to store the spray paints?

Just avoid temperature extremes. Nothing above 120degrees. It lasts 20-30 years in the can so it does not get old...just shake vigorously.

 

4. You have so many beautiful colors of spray paints and tints and we want to know if you have a plan to expand your color line?

Yes, they will be released in July! We are so excited to show you the new trends in colour that we have been working on bringing to the market. Gretchen and I are very aware of the color trends and hyper-aware of what is happening with color and how it develops as well as consumer responses to color.

5. Are there any colors that you are retiring? 

We have several colors that are still available but retiring. Coral Bell and Platinum are about to go away. Modern Metals is also about to disappear, as is Cherry Wood Tone. Aspen Yellow is going, to be replaced with a new yellow. Almond and Terra Cotta are also being retired and replaced with fresher versions. Fashion does not stay the same and neither does the color world!

 

6. Also, is there a spray that will help us preserve the colors over a long period of time?

We are looking into that with our team of chemists. 


7. We love that you support the Paper Flower Community so much by highlighting so many amazing paper florists’ works via Instagram and Facebook. If a paper artist wanted to get a feature on your IG and Facebook feed - what’s the best way to tag you to get noticed?

Just tag us and give us permission to share the posts and projects. We love user-generated content! Bring it ON! Send us a DM or just tag us.

8. What other ways does Design Master support the community?

Our ways of supporting the paper community are as fresh as the community itself. We underwrite many educational endeavors and workshops for paper florists and look forward to being a part of the growth of paper florists. We are always excited to develop relationships with distributors to get our cans in your talented hands. We are always at Creativation and showed paper floral in our booth and had a tremendous response in January.

 

9. What are some questions that you might have for the paper florist community?

What are the avenues of growth you see for your products? Home decor? Nursery? Commercial displays? Weddings? Other directions on the horizon? Do most paper florists operate with tax license? Or as an enthusiast?

 

10. What are some things that you would like people to know about Design Master that we haven’t already covered?

Our emphasis is on color on surfaces. We are not just an aerosol. We are not just hardware store paint. We are of diverse color. And we are color education.

 

11. Finally, where can we find your products?

We have a diverse distribution channel that serves the consumer market with Michaels, AC Moore, Ben Franklin, and regional craft chains. We have on our website different options for places to purchase online. If you have a TAX id license you can buy professionally at floral wholesalers across the country.

 

Learn more about Gretchen, Jodi, and Design Master through social media:

WEBSITE | www.dmcolor.com

INSTAGRAM | @dmcolor

Welcome to Paper Talk Podcast, where we uncover the stories, inspirations, and creative processes that breathe life into the beautiful world of paper flowers. In Episode 144, Jessie Chui joins us again to delve into the exciting world of exhibiting paper art and flowers. As one of the original founders of Paper Talk Podcast, Jessie always brings a treasure trove of insights to the show, and we’re so glad to have her back for this episode.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• The power of networking and mentorship in the art world.
• How to showcase art in person and the impact of personal connections.
• The process of preparing for art exhibitions, including the strategic planning of series and the importance of grant applications.
• How to balance commission work, teaching, and personal projects.

Listen now to hear Jessie, Quynh, and Sara discuss how paper flowers fit into the realm of fine art and how you can navigate exhibitions, commissions, and more. You won’t want to miss a minute, but you can get a sneak peek below. 

Navigating the Artistic Landscape

Many paper florists in our community do not have a formal education in the arts. We face many challenges and triumphs that come with navigating the artistic landscape without the structured foundation of an art school education. Jessie's personal anecdotes provide a candid look into the hurdles she faced and the victories she celebrated, offering valuable insights for those charting their course outside the conventional art school trajectory.

One of the key takeaways of Episode 144 is the paramount role of mentors in an artist's journey. Jessie's experience highlights how finding the right mentors can be a transformative factor, providing guidance, encouragement, and a wealth of knowledge. The podcast underscores the importance of seeking mentorship, emphasizing that the art world is a rich tapestry woven with shared experiences and collective wisdom.

Listen to the podcast to hear how Jessie's story illustrates the profound impact of establishing connections within the art community. From fellow artists to curators and organizers, the power of networking becomes evident in creating opportunities, broadening horizons, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Community Building and the Power of Collaboration

One of the foundational values of our podcast is building community, so it should be no surprise that this topic came up.

During the episode, Quynh brought up her experience working with Sarah Simon of The Mint Gardener, who has been a guest on the podcast before. As Quynh shared, “She actually commissioned me to make some paper flower pieces for her watercolor retreat. It was so much fun. She invited me to their after party after their three day retreat, and I actually talked to the students. They used my paper flowers as a model for their watercolor illustration.

It was so fascinating to see how they interpreted what I made.”

You can hear more about how this collaboration unfolded and how it helped Quynh grow as an artist and explore more options for her work. Listen to catch the entire story and learn how important community building is to us as artists.

Balancing Act: Day-to-Day Life as an Artist

We understand that the journey of an artist extends far beyond the creation of captivating pieces—it's a complex dance between creativity and the practicalities of sustaining an art career.

Jessie, a seasoned paper artist, generously opened up about her strategies for managing time effectively. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the art of juggling exhibit preparation, commission work, and teaching. We explored the nuanced approach Jessie takes to organize her schedule, prioritizing the creation of series for exhibits while still catering to the demands of teaching and commission projects.

The discussion delved into the unique challenges faced by artists, emphasizing the constant negotiation between the desire to create meaningful art and the necessity of earning a livelihood. It's a topic that resonates deeply with the artistic community, and at Paper Talk, we believe in addressing the multifaceted aspects of an artist's life.

"If anybody's listening to this and you're curious about exhibitions, just go for it. You are going to be amazed at how enthusiastic people will be when they see your art." -Jessie Chui

We invite you to listen to the full episode and join us on this journey of exploration and inspiration. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a seasoned creator, or an art enthusiast, there's something for everyone in Episode 144.

For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

When Quynh went to Florabundance Design Days in January 2020, she met the lovely Teresa Schafer of Alexandra Farms. Alexandra Farms is the largest grower of garden roses in the world. Located in Bogotá, Colombia, the farm grows 60 varieties of those fragrant garden roses that florists (and we!) covet.

Teresa is the Communications Manager at Alexandra Farms and an expert at garden roses. We were thrilled when Teresa agreed to talk to us about all things garden roses and to learn more about her company

We are also excited to announce that we will be working with Alexandra Farms on a collaboration later this year! We cannot wait to get Alexandra Farms garden roses in our (and in our students’) hands! **After this Episode aired, we had to cancel/postpone this workshop due to Covid-19 restrictions.

 

Let’s first get to know Teresa and Alexandra Farms a bit:

1. Tell us about Alexandra Farms.

Alexandra Farms is a boutique grower specializing in nostalgic, romantic fresh-cut garden roses. Our farm is located in the incredibly fertile savannah of Bogotá, high in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, where the warm days and cool nights are perfect for growing roses. The company began in 2005 when our founder Jose R. Azout met David Austin and began testing his newly-launched cut rose varieties.

We worked with other long-established breeders from Europe and brought more varieties back to Colombia, where we established Alexandra Farms and began growing on a two-hectare farm. Over the next couple of years, we tested around 500 varieties to see how they performed in vases and to determine how best to ship them.

In 2008, we moved to a bigger farm and began to grow 12 varieties that made it through years of testing. Our company continues to grow each year! We test and launch new varieties and phase out others as demand and trends change. We are fortunate to be the world’s largest garden rose grower, harvesting more than 300,000 stems per week - that’s nearly 16 million stems per year!

 

2. What types of roses are grown at Alexandra Farms?

We grow 60 varieties of garden roses. They fall into four collections: Deluxe Garden Roses, David Austin Wedding Roses (we are the largest licensed grower of David Austin Wedding Roses), Princess Japanese Garden Roses, and Wabara Garden Roses. We collaborate with rose breeders around the world and follow meticulous production techniques. The result is garden roses with rich colors, full shapes, and long vase life. Many also have a fantastic fragrance. They are truly special flowers!

 

3. Where does Alexandra Farms ship their flowers?

Our garden roses are available all around the world! We ship to every major market.

 

4. Who purchases your flowers and how are your flowers purchased? How can one of our followers get a hold of your flowers?

Floral wholesalers and importers purchase our flowers and make them available to florists around the world. Florists can find our blooms at floral wholesalers, and the general public can purchase from their favorite florist - we recommend asking for the roses by name: "Alexandra Farms Garden Roses". They are also available through floral wholesale websites such as GardenRosesDirect.com.

 

5. What is your role at Alexandra Farms?

As Communications Manager, I handle marketing, advertising, partnerships, social media, education, outreach, website, and more for Alexandra Farms. I work closely with our customers, influential designers, and industry organizations around the world, supporting their business, design, and educational efforts.

6. Tell us about your organized trips to the farm in Bogotá.

Once a year, we host the first-place winners of our annual Garden Rose Design Contest (https://www.alexandrafarms.com/garden-rose-design-contest) and their guests at the farm. We tour the greenhouses and see where/how the garden roses grow; we tour the post-harvest area where our garden roses are graded, sorted, and packed by hand; and we view varieties that we're testing for possible future release. We also enjoy some time sightseeing in Bogotá before everyone returns home. Occasionally we host influential designers or educational groups, as well.

 

7. Is there anything else you would like to share with our listeners?

Alexandra Farms is certified under the Florverde Sustainable Flowers seal. Florverde is an environmental and social certification confirming our commitment to environmental best practices, employment protections and the responsible treatment of people, and health and safety requirements. At Alexandra Farms, we believe in the importance of quality education.

To that end, we support the efforts of groups like European Master Certification, the American Institute of Floral Designers, the Society of American Florists, and more, as well as respected floral designers around the world, in their teaching efforts. Our website is a great resource for everything from proper care and handling techniques to learning how to pronounce the names of our varieties.

 

Learn more about Alexandra Farms by following them on social media:

WEBSITE | www.alexandrafarms.com

INSTAGRAM | @alexandrafarms

Farren Celeste is a paper flower company that offers templates for paper goods. Farren Haygood is the artist and face behind Farren Celeste. She is currently based in The Netherlands, but she is originally from the US. After moving to a country where she had no family and did not know the language, she had to reinvent herself and establish a new form of income.

She found solace in making her own paper flower cardstock templates and began selling them on her Etsy site in August 2019. Since then, her business has grown significantly.

In this podcast, she shares with us her secrets to success, from how to use social media to your advantage to how to earn passive and evergreen income to the pros/cons of using Etsy to sell.

During the podcast, you might hear a new voice…a baby’s! That’s Cillian, our baby intern, and Jessie’s new baby. You might hear him on some of these episodes as he tries out his voice at podcasting!

 

 First, let’s get to know a little bit about Farren:

 1. Who is Farren?

I’m a registered nurse turned creative business owner while living abroad in The Netherlands with my husband and dog, Callie. 

 

2. How did you get started making paper flowers? What drew you to this art form?

I originally made and sold custom party decor and invitations while I was working full-time as a registered nurse. A customer requested invitations and a high chair banner for a “floral” themed the first birthday.  

She had a real floral high chair garland saved on her Pinterest board. I thought, “How can I make something that looks like real flowers but won’t die?”…I saw some garlands made out of felt, but I preferred working with paper.  

I found some flower templates that I could use with my Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine. By tweaking the templates a bit, I was able to make the high chair banner completely out of paper greenery and paper flowers. From there, I was hooked.

I fell in love with making cardstock paper flowers, because I can use my cutting machine to cut the petals. But, I was disappointed with the templates that were available. The flowers didn’t look very realistic, and they didn’t come with instructions.

So, I learned how to make my own! I now design and sell SVG cut file paper flower templates for cutting machines.

 

3. Tell us about Farren Celeste.

I launched Farren Celeste, Cardstock Projects for Cutting Machines in August 2019. The name is the combination of my first and middle names.

Our move to The Netherlands allowed me to take a break from nursing to focus on my business full time, but it also required a HUGE pivot.  

Prior to the move, I would design and sell paper products on the side using my Cricut cutting machine. Over several years, I taught myself how to design my own SVG files (digital cutting templates for cutting machines) so that I could offer unique products. I NEVER intended on sharing or selling the original SVG files.

I knew that shipping internationally would be expensive and potentially complicated, so I decided to transition to teaching people how to make my designs themselves!… I also, discovered, that for creative people, like myself, half the fun is in the making of something with your hands! So, I also purchased a Silhouette cutting machine and learned the software so that I can offer my SVG files to both Cricut and Silhouette users.

 I currently offer paper flower, invitation, and card SVG cut file templates. I also offer a limited amount of paper flower commercial licenses, so other paper florists can use SVG templates to make physical paper flowers for sale. 

 

4. What advice can you give to a paper florist who finds himself/herself suddenly transplanted to another country and wants to continue to be creative?

First, give yourself grace. It is quite an adjustment to move somewhere new, let alone a completely different country (especially when you don’t speak the native language). Simple things like going to the grocery store can be completely overwhelming!

Once you feel a little more settled, try to connect with other local creatives. We are so fortunate to live in a time where there are social media! Just by posting on Instagram and tagging the location, I’ve been able to talk and meet with locals. They’ve been so helpful in helping me find supplies and I’ve been able to make some friends in the process.

 

5. Tell us about your Etsy Shop. How have you been able to stand out in the crowd of Etsy shops?

First, my paper flower templates stand out because the flowers look realistic, but they are approachable to make. Most can be made with or without stems, which makes them perfect for adding to garlands or other decors.

Second, I am able to stand out on Etsy because of the experience I provide my customers.

Each of my SVG cut file templates is like an online workshop. Each template comes with 1. Video Tutorials for Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio that show customers exactly what to click in their cutting machine’s software 2. An Assembly Video Tutorial and 3. A material guide with paper recommendations. Some of my largest orders have come from repeat customers.

 

6. What strategies do you use to monetize on Etsy and on social media?
I think of Etsy purely as a website that allows me to sell my products online. I don’t rely on Etsy to bring me sales whatsoever. While Etsy already has an existing customer base, I don’t wait for Etsy to bring me customers through their search features. I use social media to introduce them to my store. 

But, you can’t just sell, sell, sell, on social media. You have to remember that social media is meant to be social. You have to provide value to your followers other than just the products you offer, and you need to engage! I try to respond to every single comment and direct message. 

I try to post a mix of content that is inspiring, educational, or entertaining more than I post about what I currently have for sale. 

 

7. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art?

Moving to the Netherlands has provided me with the time to focus on my business, but it has made every other aspect so much more challenging. Specifically, sourcing supplies.

Supplies are very limited here compared to the States, and one of my favorite cardstock suppliers does not even ship to The Netherlands. Even though I have a trade account with a different company, international shipping is extremely expensive. And, I also have to pay a 21% VAT tax plus import duties on anything I purchase from outside The Netherlands.

 

8. Tell us how you incorporate the use of a cutter like Cricut in your business.

My Cricut and Silhouette cutting machines are integral to my business. I literally cannot make my paper flowers without them. The detail on my paper flowers such as the anemones and blue thistle are so delicate, there is no way I’d be able to cut them by hand.

 

9. Do you have any tips (about paper flowers, social media strategy, Etsy, etc.) to share with our listeners?

Paper Flowers - First, decide what kind of paper florist you want to be. My paper flowers are intended more for the gift and party space as opposed to fine art. By choosing this path, it helps me to stay focused on the types of flowers I want to create and intentional in who I am creating them for. I currently do not offer any physical paper flowers at all. So, when I’m designing them I have to think, will my customer also be able to make this successfully? 

Social Media - If you aren’t already utilizing video, you need to be. I know, video sounds completely overwhelming when it’s hard enough to come up with a variety of still photos to post. Start small by utilizing features like Instagram stories. Then, start experimenting with video content for your feed. People love seeing behind the scenes. So share, a bit of what you are working on!

Etsy - Utilize all the space that Etsy offers you. They give you 10 spots for pictures, so use them all! But, they don’t all have to be pictures of the product! I created images with information on them about the templates and upload those into the extra allotted pictures spots. 

 

Want to learn more about Farren and Farren Celeste? Follow her on social media:

ETSY | www.etsy.com/shop/farrenceleste

INSTAGRAM | @farrenceleste

We first took notice of the minimally styled paper flowers of Yang Liu in her blue phase. This blue phase turned out to be her artistic collaboration with Anna Chedid at the VSCO studio. Influenced by her Chinese heritage, her dual Canadian-American nationalities, and her current hometown of San Francisco, Yang’s work strives to sit somewhere between dreams and reality.

Her paper flowers are showcased in a consistently clean and modern way. She does not shy away from creating various types of botanical objects, from dahlias to pear branches to dumpling boxes.

Listen to Yang as she shares her love for paper flowers.

 

Let’s first get to know Yang:

1. Who is Yang Liu? 

I was born in Shanghai (hence my Instagram name, @shanghai.1984). I am currently a dual Canadian-American citizen residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Besides flowers and paper art, I also love having tea with friends!

 

2. How did you get started making paper flowers? What drew you to this art form?

I first came across paper flowers at the De Young Museum, where I saw Tiffanie Turner’s show and was amazed by what you could achieve in paper. From there I ended up taking classes with Tiffanie Turner and Lynn Dolan, both of whom are just amazing artists and teachers. I just fell in love with the medium and found crepe paper so intuitive for the way I wanted to express myself in flowers.

 

3. How would you define the style of your flowers? How did you find your style? How has your creative style evolved to what it is today?

I think my style continues to evolve, but I would say that my current style is introverted, romantic, and a little moody. It’s influenced by my Chinese heritage and my desire to create work that sits somewhere between dreams and reality.  

I definitely have a natural “messiness” to my artwork - it took some time for me to embrace this as part of my natural artistic style and not something that I needed to control. I like asymmetry in my petals and leaves. I also enjoy creating intentional flaws in my work like bug bites or bruising to reflect that life is not perfect. 

I honestly think that I found my current style just through making a lot of art and being willing to experiment. Sometimes my experiments do not work out and I start over, but this is a natural part of the creative process and something which I have learned to embrace.

 

4. How have you made your paper flower voice stand out in the crowd?

Mostly by being willing to experiment. I try to choose colors, papers, and materials that not everybody is using in their work. You are forced to create your own technique this way. Naturally, that can help your final product look different from the crowd.

 

5. What are your ideal clients and/or ideal projects?

I’ve really enjoyed my collaborative projects with fellow paper artist Anna Chedid, also known as @floresdaannita. We shot our first project, “Botanical Impossibilities,” focused on the colour blue at VSCO Open Studios, which was just an amazing space to work in.

Our second project “Motherland Flora” focused on flora from our respective homelands and we used both Brazilian and Chinese papers in our work. I hope to do more collaborative projects as I feel it’s a great way to push yourself beyond your normal work as well as get to learn from another artist in a fun way. 

More recently I’ve enjoyed working with an art gallery as my work was featured in “tiny,” a group show at STUDIO gallery in San Francisco. This is definitely an area I’d like to explore more.

 

6. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art?

I think there’s always the natural feeling of disappointment when you submit your artwork to an organization and it doesn’t get chosen. However, I try to take this in stride and just continue submitting my work to as many different places as much as possible.

 

7. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is starting out today?

Just try to learn as much as you can and don’t be afraid to experiment with techniques, materials, composition - the sky is the limit! I think having fun is pretty key to wanting to make paper flowers are they are time-consuming - so it’s ideal for people who really enjoy the process.

 

8. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is about to give up?

I would say take a break and try something new, whether it be a new medium, an art class you’ve been meaning to take, or just walk around outside and explore what nature has to offer. I think we get creatively exhausted if we are doing the same thing over and over again. I also love yoga when I need to just mentally reset.

 

9. Do you have any paper flower tips to share with our listeners?

Take time to really observe and look at real flowers and leaves as much as possible before you start your work and while you are building out your artwork. Observation really helps me figure out things like petal placement and how to join the leaves to the main stem that mimics reality. Also, I would say try freehand cutting to get a more natural look!

 

10. What is your favourite tool?

I have to say once I got my own set of pink Kai scissors, it was pretty life-changing.

 

Want to learn more about Yang? Follow her on social media:

INSTAGRAM | @shanghai.1984

WEBSITE | https://www.shanghai1984.com/

We welcome our first artist of this brand new year - Emily Paluska of Revery Paper Flora - on Paper Talk to learn about her paper flowers and business.

Known for her colourful and realistic paper flowers, Emily strives to make each and every piece special and unique. In addition to making paper flowers on commission, for wholesale, and events, she’s a prolific workshop instructor. In 2019 alone, she taught a total of 35 workshops in the Washington, D.C. area and Austin, Texas! Can you believe that before her very first workshop, she was so terrified that she considered not showing up?

 

Listen to Emily as she shares her workshop experiences through the lens of a successful entrepreneur. You won’t want to miss her tips and tricks invaluable for anyone considering teaching workshops.

 

First, let’s get to know a little bit about Emily: 

1. Who is Emily Paluska?

 I'm the owner and botanical artist behind Revery Paper Flora. I live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. I balance running my business with trying to keep my two young children alive, one of whom is named Poppy because my love for flowers runs deep!

 

2. How did you get started making paper flowers? What drew you to this art form?

 I started making paper flowers after my son was born. I was experiencing postpartum depression and was desperate for an outlet after I put the baby to bed at night. I was never a crafty or DIY type of person so I'm not sure why I thought doing something like this would be fun. I credit it to how dark of a place I was in. It made me desperate to cling onto something to keep me afloat. It was a toss-up between paper flowers or those really detailed coloring books.

Paper flowers ended up winning out. I made a paper flower every day for a year. It was my therapy and saving grace on the darkest of days. I'm not sure what made me choose flowers (honestly it was probably because it was the cheaper option that night on Amazon) but I'm so happy I did.

I had first stumbled upon paper flowers when I saw Lia Griffith's website. I found them appealing initially because I hated spending money on fresh flowers and thought paper flowers would be a fun alternative for me to have flowers around my home that I wouldn't have to take care of.

 

3. How would you define the style of your flowers? How did you find your style? How has your creative style evolved to what it is today?

 Oh, this question is a hard one but I would say realistically unique. Some of the flowers I make are a lot more detailed than others, others are simpler and more understated. It also depends on the client and the specific project in question.

I found my style through a lot of practice. I make a lot of my flowers over a hundred times and through all those renditions, they evolve into something better, not just because of the practice but I am able to see it more clearly. I can see what things can be tweaked and how I can make the flower just a little better the next time. Having my flowers look real is very important to me. Color has also become integral to achieving realism. For the majority of my custom projects, I will always start with white paper so I can achieve the exact shade necessary.

 

4. How have you made your paper flower voice stand out in the crowd?

I think the reason why I stand out in the crowd is that I do a lot of different types of work. I have my own personal projects, commissions, events, workshops, pop-ups, wholesale, and window displays. I think being able to show the wide range of the things you can do can showcase the value of what you bring to the table.

 

5. How did your name, Revery Paper Flora come about?

I named my business after my favorite Emily Dickinson poem called 'To Make a Prairie.' I'll share it with you now:

"To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,

One clover, and a bee.

And revery.

The revery alone will do,

If bees are few."

I loved this poem since the time I was a teenager. Revery is defined as a release from reality or a daydream. I love the idea that something like says a flower can spark a memory and bring you back to a different time and place. I want my flowers to feel like a little piece of magic to their recipients.

 

6. What are your ideal clients and/or ideal projects?

My ideal client is someone that gives me a lot of carte blanche to bring their vision come to life. I love it when I get just the basics like colors or a couple of flowers they like but the rest is up to me in how I can bring it all together.

I don't really have an ideal project. So many of my commissions are wildly different and I like that. I never want to feel pigeonholed into doing only one type of work. That would get boring and I can get restless easily so I find the constant change is good for me!

 

7. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art?

A big challenge I've found is finding the time to balance it all. If I could have my way, I would only make flowers and do no other parts of the business but that's not how it works. The administrative part of your business is integral to its success. Thankfully in the new year, I'm bringing someone on to help me with this!

Another challenge is that you should always get things in writing. If you are working with third parties or clients, you should protect yourself. Your expectations for a project or event may not be the same as the party you're working with. Make sure you're on the same page and have the paper to prove it.

 

8. Tell us about your workshops - how many do you do per year, where are your workshops located, why do you like to teach workshops, what is your teaching philosophy?

I taught 35 workshops in the last year in the DC area as well as in Austin, TX. I teach in a variety of places around the city. Some businesses have dedicated workshop spaces like The Paper + Craft Pantry, Steadfast Supply, The Lemon Collective, etc... and others have been special events like with Appointed Co.

I enjoy teaching workshops because a lot of my work is just me, sitting in a room by myself listening to true crime or foreign policy podcasts. I am a true introvert. If I could live in a house in the middle of nowhere and never talk or see humans again, I would be okay with that. All that being said, that's NOT healthy and it's really good for me to connect with the outside world.

It surprises people when I tell them that I am introverted but social interaction can really drain me. As I've gotten older, I've learned that putting myself out there is very important for my mental health. Feeling like you're a part of the world is crucial to keeping yourself grounded. It's also nice to talk to adults when you're surrounded by toddlers.

My teaching philosophy is that you're here to learn a new skill but you're also here to have fun. I never want people to feel pressure to be perfect. I always tell everyone at the start of class that nature isn't perfect so your paper flower shouldn't be either.

After elementary school is over, unless you go into an art-related field, you're not being forced to be creative or make a piece of art. I think stepping away from your daily life for a couple of hours to create something with your hands that you had no idea you could do before, is the ultimate self-care. I want people to enjoy themselves and use it as a temporary escape from the everyday grind.

 

9. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is starting out today?

My best advice is to just have fun with it. Don't start making paper flowers because you want to make money or turn it into a business. You can absolutely do that later but if you go into a new art form with that intention, people can see that. You want your art to be genuine.

Practice, practice, practice. You can read all the books or watch all the tutorials in the world but unless you build the muscle memory and skill yourself, it won't amount to anything.

Be kind to yourself. Let yourself make mistakes. Give yourself room to grow.

10. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is about to give up?

Unplug. Do not look at Instagram. Do not look at Facebook. I think most people want to give up because they play the comparison game and in that game, there are no winners.

Take a walk outside. Breathe. Maybe take an extended break from making. Remember what made you drawn to this art form in the first place. Maybe the break brings you back to it with a fiery heart ready to go or maybe it leads you elsewhere. Your art shouldn't drain you; it should bring you to life.

 

11. Do you have any paper flower tips to share with our listeners?

Say yes to the scary things. I think ever since I started my business I've been uncomfortable and scared SO MANY TIMES but I've found there is a 100% positive return on saying yes. You learn so much and you learn where your boundaries are and what things you love doing and the things that don't bring you joy.

 

12. What is your favourite tool?

I use a bead reamer for curling paper. I would be lost without it!

 

Want to learn more about Emily and Revery Paper Flora? Follow her on social media:

WEBSITE | www.reverypaperflora.com

INSTAGRAM | @reverypaperflora

Welcome back! In this first Episode of the new year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the special events that took place over the holidays and how they set/manage their goals for the new year.

Catch up with us while we talk about what we are hoping to achieve for Paper Talk and The Paper Florists Collective this year.

In the last Episode of the year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the importance of taking a break to reflect, to recollect, and towards making plans for the future.

This Episode reminds us that although there is no perfect time to take a break when you’re an artist and/or entrepreneur, it’s something we all need in order to grow. And what is a more perfect time than during the holiday season? Exactly. Not to mention that it coincides with the start of Jessie’s maternity leave!

Looking forward to returning in the New Year with more fascinating talks with artists and friends alike!

In the second last Episode of the year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the importance of taking a break to reflect, to recollect, and towards making plans for the future.

This Episode reminds us that although there is no perfect time to take a break when you’re an artist and/or entrepreneur, it’s something we all need in order to grow. And what is a more perfect time than during the holiday season? Exactly. Not to mention that it coincides with the start of Jessie’s maternity leave!

Looking forward to returning in the New Year with more fascinating talks with artists and friends alike!

Urban Craft Uprising organizes and creates makers events in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Its objective - to establish a strong makers community and to create a showcase for crafters - is facilitated by its President, Kristen Rask. Kristen, an artist in her own right, has been involved with UCU since 2008. She has organized and curated numerous craft shows and has a vast knowledge of vendor and artist experiences.

 

Listen to Kristen as she talks about her involvement in a large craft show and her advice for crafters who want to enter craft shows.

 

Let’s first learn a bit about Kristen:

1. Who is Kristen Rask? 

Oh, man!  I am a daughter, sister, fiance, maker, businesswoman.  More or less that's me!

 

2. What type of artistic pursuits are you currently involved in, if any? 

I love making stuff for my home right now as we just bought a house.  But I just don't have much time for making these days.

 

3. Tell us about Urban Craft Uprising. What is it? How did you get involved?

UCU has evolved over the years.  We produce many events ourselves in the year that provide opportunities to small business makers to sell their work and we team up with other events to activate spaces (like Amazon) and we put on a small business camp once a year that focuses on various topics to grow a business for small creative businesses.  I started ten years ago in PR and Marketing.  I am now the President.

 

4. What are the different types of shows that Urban Craft Uprising produces?

Our winter show, shows with Amazon, plant events with Amazon, etc. 

 

5. Tell us about the application process for an artist/vendor who wants to be involved in one of your shows. 

It's pretty simple but takes time.  All info can be found on our website.

 

6. What type of artist/vendor are you looking for when considering applications to the Urban Craft Uprising show?

Oh man, there are so many things we think about.  It's weird to say but the show presents itself as we jury.

 

7. What does an artist/vendor have to do to succeed at a craft show like Urban Craft Uprising? 

Have a good setup, talk with customers, realize you are there not just for financial reasons but to connect with potential new clients in the future.

 

8. Tell us about the consulting services that Urban Craft Uprising provides. 

We don't really provide those anymore.  Not enough time in a day.

 

9. What kind of challenges do you face organizing a large craft show like Urban Craft Uprising? 

Ha, where to start?  Making maps is really hard.  Saying no to friends.  I feel like I have like 150 children I want to care for and put a lot of pressure on myself to make everyone happy.

 

Learn more about Kristen Rask and Urban Craft Uprising by following her on social media:

WEBSITES | Urban Craft Uprising

INSTAGRAM | @urbancraftuprising

FACEBOOK | Urban Craft Uprising

This week, we talk to Laura Richey, the artist and face behind 2CLVR Designs. From her home studio in London, Ontario, Canada, Laura specializes in using card stock paper to create beautifully realistic and detailed paper flowers for weddings, home decor, and gifts. One look at her work and you’ll be blown away by her attention to detail and colouring techniques.

In this episode, we talk to her about how her paper flower journey began, her challenges juggling her family and a successful business, and her experiences with card stock, flower wall rentals, and related topics.

 

First, let’s get to know a little bit about Laura:

1. Who is Laura Richey? 

Hi, I am Laura Richey. A wife, and a mother of two boys Max and Sebastian. Max is 10 soon to be 11 and Sebastian is 9 and has autism. 

 

2. How did you get started making paper flowers? Why did you decide to focus on card stock as your main medium? 

Why did I start making flowers...well the reason is Sebastian. Once he was diagnosed it rocked my world and I had to leave my job and stay home so I was accessible by the programs and therapists for him. I started making cards and scrapbooks with little flowers and then I was hooked and wanted to just make flowers.

My first wedding came and I had to make a seating chart with flowers after that I dove into weddings. Why did I pick card stock well at the time that was the only medium I knew. I also had a ton from making cards and scrapbooks so why not. Over the years I have learned more about different weights of paper and how I can use them.

 

3. Tell us about your business, 2CLVR Designs. What services do you provide? How has your brand and style evolved to what it is today? 

My late mother-in-law named my company, she came up with the name because she always said how clever I was. I provide all types of paper decor from single blooms to giant self-standing blooms, full paper floral walls, home decor florals, and a few paper sculptures. 

 

4. Tell us about your recent rebranding. Why did you decide to change your brand and/or business model? 

I am working on rebranding my business in 2020 to start doing what I want to do more. I want a new feel to my business and want to be seen as something a little more then. Change is good, right?

 

5. How would you define the style of your flowers? How did you find your style? 

The style I feel is more realistic blooms. I try my best to make them look more realistic like what you would see in a florist fridge or garden. 

 

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other paper florists? 

I feel like I have made my business stand out by adding the unique colouring technique and inking. It’s my most asked technique on every flower. 

 

7. What are your ideal clients and/or ideal projects? 

Ones that pay...lol. But really the ones that love art and understand the time that it takes to make the flowers and know that my heart and soul are in each petal.

 

8. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art? 

Time and pricing. It's always a struggle to get paid for the time it takes to make a single bloom and feel that your product is worth the value it truly is.

 

9. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is starting out today? And one that is about to give up? 

Pick a target and stay with it. Don't try to do everything, you will burn out and your product won't be how you want it to.

 

10. Do you have any tips that could be helpful to other Paper Florists? 

Keep the passion for your craft, keep improving your skills until you feel you have mastered it. Don't feel bad if you need to give up on a flower and move on.

 

11. Is there anything else you'd like to share with the listeners? 

I want to thank everyone that I have touched in some way or another. I am truly blessed to be a part of this amazing community.

 

Want to learn more about Laura and 2CLVR Designs? Follow her on social media:

WEBSITE | https://www.2clvrdesigns.ca.

INSTAGRAM | @2cvlr_designs

In this week’s Episode, Quynh and Jessie talk about Jessie’s book, Paper Flower Art: Create Beautifully Realistic Floral Arrangement, published by GMC Publications. A year after writing and shooting the book, Jessie shares the types of flower tutorials and arrangements in the book and how she hopes readers/crafters will use the book.

Paper Flower Art is now available for order and pre-order and it will be released on November 7, 2019, in the UK and January 7, 2020, in USA and Canada.

 

                              GIVEAWAY!!

Jessie is giving away a copy of Paper Flower Art to one lucky winner! To qualify for the giveaway, leave a comment below this post (along with your full name and email address/contact information) to enter! The winner will be drawn on December 1, 2019. Read the full Terms & Conditions below.

 

Purchase the book here:

UK Amazon

USA Amazon

USA Barnes & Noble

Canada Amazon

Canada Chapters Indigo

 

Learn more about the book and Jessie here:

Crafted to Bloom

 

Watch the “Paper Flower Art” book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/367847572

 

Paper Flower Art Book Giveaway (November 2019) from The Paper Florists Collective

HOW TO ENTER:

You can enter the Giveaway by writing a comment in the Comment Box in the Paper Talk Post, “Over Coffee: Paper Flower Art”, at https://www.thepaperflorists.org/paper-talk/episode27, and by leaving your full name, email address and/or contact information in the same comment.

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1. The “Giveaway” involves the selection of a winner of a signed copy of “Paper Flower Art” by Jessie Chui, pursuant to the Terms & Conditions set out herein.
2. The Giveaway period will run from the time the Paper Talk Post, “Over Coffee: Paper Flower Art”, at https://www.thepaperflorists.org/paper-talk/episode27 is published to 12/01/2019 at 12:00 pm (EST).
3. The “Prize” means a signed copy of “Paper Flower Art” by Jessie Chui, and is non-transferable.
4. To qualify, the “Winner”:
• Must be 18 years or older as of the date of entry;
• May be an international (non-Canadian) resident;
• Must have (1) submitted an entry into the Giveaway, and (2) be subscribed to the Bloom with Jessie Mailing List/Newsletter;
• Must have submitted an entry for the Giveaway within the Giveaway period;
• Must have provided his or her full name and email address/contact information;
• Is permitted to submit only one entry.
5. The “Winner” Selection, Notification, and Responsibilities:
• The Winner will be a randomly selected person using a random number picker app conducted by The Paper Florists Collective;
• The Winner will be notified of their winning within 24 hours of the giveaway closing via the email address/contact information provided to The Paper Florists Collective during the entry process;
• Once notified, the Winner will provide The Paper Florists Collective with his/her full name, shipping address, and phone number; The Paper Florists Collective shall have no liability for a Winner’s failure to receive notices due to the Winner’s spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for the Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If the selected Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 72 hours from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and execute declaration and releases as required, the Prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected.
• If applicable, the Winner will be responsible for any shipping/delivery costs of the Prize above and beyond $50 CAD, subject to the additional Shipping Terms set out herein;
• If applicable, the Winner will be responsible for any customs, duties, and taxes associated with the delivery of the Prize
6. Shipping Terms: 

   • The time-frame of the delivery of the Prize from The Paper Florists Collective to the Winner will be contingent on when The Paper Florists Collective receives copies of the Prize from the publisher, @gmcpublications;

   •  The Paper Florists Collective is not responsible for delays in delivery of the Prize after it has been checked in for delivery to Canada Post, Purolator, FedEx, or UPS; loss, damage or theft of the item(s) after the item(s) has/have been checked in for delivery to Canada Post, Purolator, FedEx, or UPS; or shipment sent to an incorrect address provided to The Paper Florists Collective by the Winner;

   •  The Paper Florists Collective reserves the absolute right to post delivery of the Prize using the most economical shipping option available with or without the ability to track the shipping as it deems appropriate.

7. The Paper Florists Collective reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Giveaway at its sole discretion. The Paper Florists Collective also reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or website or violates these Terms & Conditions.
8. The Giveaway is not endorsed, administered, sponsored by, or associated with Instagram, Facebook, or Google. You understand that you are providing your information to The Paper Florists Collective and not to Instagram, Facebook, or Google.

 

The receipt by Winner of the Prize offered in this Giveaway is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal and state/provincial laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY ANY WINNER (AT THE PAPER FLORISTS COLLECTIVE’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN SUCH WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

Dive into the holiday spirit with Paper Talk Podcast's latest episode! Sara and Quynh share exciting updates, lessons, and upcoming projects, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art of paper crafting and building a thriving small business. Join us for valuable insights into the paper flower industry and spark your creative flame this festive season!

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• Discover behind-the-scenes details of Quynh's upcoming book release.
• Learn about our upcoming collaborations and workshops.
• Get valuable tips on being a great podcast guest and leveraging podcast episodes to promote your artwork.
• Hear about our favorite hosting gifts and get inspired to add a personal touch to your own festive gatherings.

If you can’t listen right away, here are three fun takeaways to tide you over. Be sure to tune in to hear all of the details.

Crafting Narratives Through Paper Petals

Listen to the episode to get a sneak peek into Quynh's upcoming paper flower book, slated for release in 2024. As we explored her anticipation, she shared, "I will have an opportunity to actually go in and videotape every single tutorial." This nuanced approach promises to bridge the gap between traditional instructional methods and a more immersive, visual learning experience. If you’ve learned from Quynh’s expertise and passion before, you know you’re in for a treat with this book. 

We chatted about her visionary approach, envisioning the fusion of storytelling and paper flower art. Each delicate petal becomes a brushstroke in a unique tapestry of creativity, promising an immersive experience for artists and paper flower enthusiasts alike. We can’t wait to keep you posted with more updates!

The Growing Paper Flower Community

As Quynh shared about some of her upcoming workshops and collaborations, we reflected on the amazing growth that our community has seen. Paper art is continuing to expand its horizons, reaching prestigious institutions and picturesque island retreats. For so many in our industry, profound passion has propelled small creative businesses into realms of blossoming success.

Listen to the episode to glean valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and sheer dedication required to nurture a thriving paper flower community. Join us in discovering the secrets that have fueled our journeys and continue to shape the vibrant future of small creative businesses in the world of paper flowers.

The Podcasting Canvas

As the year draws to a close, we took a step back to reflect on the joys, challenges, and transformative moments encountered on this unique podcasting journey. As Quynh expressed, "I think that's why I keep returning over and over to this...I just love sharing and talking to other people." 

This podcast has meant a great deal to us, giving us a platform to connect with other artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives. We hope that you’ll continue to join us where conversations become connections and stories shape the narrative of the paper flower community. Paper Talk Podcast wouldn’t be the success it is without you our listeners! 

Quynh: "I just love sharing and talking to other people."

For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

In this week’s Episode, we talk to Marlo Miyashiro, the owner and visionary behind the retail gallery, The Handmade Showroom. Located in downtown Seattle, The Handmade Showroom showcases handcrafted local goods of various kinds that are carefully curated by Marlo. As a former jewelry designer, Marlo now operates two brick-and-mortar stores as well as an online store that offer products at retail prices.

Her most recent store, Bezel & Kiln, is an extension of The Handmade Showroom and offers handcrafted upscale jewelry and home goods. In addition, Marlo also has a passion for mentoring emerging artists and has arts consulting business called Creative Arts Consulting. Her passion is quite apparent as she offers so many great tips about pricing and marketing throughout our discussion!

Listen to Marlo as she talks about the difference between wholesale and retail pricing, what to consider when pricing your labour, and her passion for business mentorship.

 

Let’s first get to know Marlo:

1. Who is Marlo Miyashiro?

I am a former jewelry artist, a current mentor and teacher, a serial entrepreneur, and a creative person who is passionate about supporting and promoting artists and their work. 

 

2. What type of artistic pursuits are you involved in?

I am working on getting back to designing and creating jewelry. Since opening my stores, I haven’t had much time for my own creative pursuits, but I am working on making time to get back to designing and creating jewelry. I really miss making things!

 

3. Tell us about The Handmade Showroom.

The Handmade Showroom is a gift store inside Pacific Place Shopping Center in the heart of downtown Seattle’s shopping district which is also home to some well-known brands like Tiffany & Co, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade.

Our mission is to elevate handmade by showcasing the work of our more than 100 independent artists and educating our customers all about the aesthetic and intrinsic value of handmade.

 

4. How did the idea of The Handmade Showroom come about? How has that project/business evolved?

I had been the organizer of the local Seattle Etsy team originally known as Etsy RAIN and later, Seattle Handmade, for about 10 years when the then-marketing director of Pacific Place approached us via our Meetup group in the spring of 2015 with the possibility of opening a local artist pop-up at the mall. 

The most interesting thing about the timing of their inquiry was that I had been looking for a retail space to launch The Handmade Showroom for an entire previous year and had just made the decision to stop my search when the email showed up.

With the help of our team’s co-organizer, Kayce Quevedo, we negotiated our way into an in-line storefront and opened The Handmade Showroom with 1200 sq. ft. and 35 artists as a weekend pop-up concept in the summer of 2015. 

That winter, we took the plunge and began opening every day as a full-time storefront, and over the next 2 years, we grew to use the full 2400 sq. ft. and expanded our artist list to work with more than 100 artists from all over the Pacific Northwest.

In the summer of 2018, we had an opportunity to move to the prestigious 1st floor in a 3700 sq. ft. space right next to Kate Spade. We jumped at the chance and had a fantastic holiday that year!

Then, in the middle of the holiday season, renovations at Pacific Place were ramping up and one of the larger chain retailers needed a space to occupy, so we were informed in December 2018 that we needed to move yet again – this time into a much smaller 1000 sq. ft. storefront.

Between the choice of closing and moving, we chose to move, culling our product mix down so we could continue to work with as many artists as possible while bringing on some new artists outside of the Pacific NW to keep our offerings fresh in the eyes of our customers.

We’ve been in our new space since Valentine’s Day 2019 and have plans to move once more to a larger space sometime in 2020.

 

5. How would someone interested in being in The Handmade Showroom apply?

We have an artist application on our website at https://thehandmadeshowroom.com/pages/apply-to-become-a-handmade-artist that we encourage everyone to read through and then submit an application if their work fits the criteria outlined there. 

We are currently full in most categories, so we tend to keep all of the applications on file for future consideration. As a result, artists may not hear from us for a while so re-applying, when new items and designs are added, is encouraged.

6. Tell us about your recently-opened second store. What made you decide to open up another store?

After our move to the 2nd floor, we continued to actively look for a larger storefront with the hopes of having more square footage by holiday. When we found out that the space next door to The Handmade Showroom was becoming available, we considered our options and quickly jumped at the chance to expand our jewelry and housewares categories toward a new gallery-style concept!

Bezel & Kiln opened in September 2019 and features an upscale collection of artisan-made jewelry, meaningful accessories, and fine housewares from artists from all over the world. Many of the collections we have chosen have never been seen in the Seattle area, making our collection unparalleled in the Pacific Northwest!

 

7. You also provide business consulting services. Tell us about that.

One of the benefits of working in the retail/wholesale business fields for almost 30 years is the wealth of knowledge gained from a lifetime of trial and error. I love helping emerging artists achieve their goals from the inside out by offering my consulting services via Creative Arts Consulting.


8. You wear so many hats. How do you manage all of your different projects and stores?

With a LOT of help! With the full support of my wonderful partner in life and business, we have an incredible team of managers and helpers who are all super-dedicated to our mission so every day is a joy to come to work. I’ll be the first to admit that not all things get done, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is to let go of the idea of perceived perfection and allow things to come together in due time.

 

9. What are some of the challenges you've faced as a female entrepreneur?

Like many of my colleagues, I’ve had my share of feeling like I’m not being listened to when dealing with business negotiations. There were a few times when the resistance I was getting was so limiting that I had to allow my partner to take over for things to move forward. I had bigger plans to attend to anyway, so I stepped aside and got all the other things done in the meantime. Everything turned out great in the end, so making that choice to let go of that struggle was a good one.

 

10. What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs in the art field?

Be careful who you accept advice and criticism from. Know who your end customer is – most of the time, it’s your family, your friends, or even yourself. Pay attention to your inner instincts when it comes to making decisions. If you’re not quite in touch with that part of yourself, work on making that connection through meditation, physical activity, and/or therapy. You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. Don’t let anyone stand in the way of what you know to be true and right for you and your business!

11. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story! If anyone is interested in a free hour phone consultation, please get in touch with me at marlo@creativeartsconsulting.com and mention this podcast. I’ll send over my quick questionnaire and then we’ll set up a day and time to chat. I look forward to meeting some of you! 

 

Learn more about Marlo Miyashiro by following her on social media:

WEBSITES:

The Handmade Showroom

Bezel & Kiln

Creative Arts Consulting

INSTAGRAM:

@thehandmadeshowroom

Join Quynh and Jessie as they chat about the tools in their toolboxes such as their favourite cutting tools, glue, and paper shaping tools. The bottom line - use what you have and what works for you. Take a listen as they share their inside tricks and tip, including their “Golden tool”.

Wondering where to get the items mentioned by Quynh and Jessie?

Here are some of the items they mention in this Episode (**As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com and the links below):

• Kai Scissors

• Fiskar Spring-Loaded Microtip Scissors

• Westcott Guillotine Paper Trimmer with Wood Base, 12" Base

• Aleene Tacky Tube or A Variety of Aleene Tacky Glue in different forms

• Needle Scriber Modelling Tool aka The Golden Tool

Today, we talk to one of our dearest friends, Kelly Lemon of Kelly Lemon Photography! Based in Seattle, Kelly travels all over the world as a wedding and lifestyle photographer to document her client’s special life moments. Her passion for people defines her art and her life.

In her words: "I am the photographer for the adventurous couple that values real connection."

As a one-armed photographer, she has faced many challenges in her life. Her perseverance and her faith have helped her push through these hardships with dignity. She was recently on King 5 a local Seattle network sharing her story - and what an inspiring one it is.

 

We will let her share this with you in her own words:

1. Who is Kelly Lemon?

I’m a talkative extrovert, a hugger,  inspirational speaker, wife, dog-mom, Jesus lover, chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, and a Seattle-based wedding + lifestyle photographer. I am also a mom to be! We have a baby girl on the way via surrogacy and we are due this January!  I feel at home when I’m near mountains and I’m an enneagram 2w3.  Simply put - I love people and am excited about the challenge of capturing someone’s story - either through a wedding/elopement or my women empowerment photography. 

 

2. How did you get started in photography?

It’s actually a great story!  I loved photography from a young age but was in a serious car accident when I was 12 that paralyzed my right arm. So after adjusting to life with one arm and learning to use my left arm - I approached a high school film photography teacher and asked if I could join their class and they told me that photography was a “two-armed” art and that I wouldn’t be able to do it, so I should try something else.

So I took that as a challenge and joined another class the following year and learned to roll film with my feet!  Just after that experience I studied abroad in Ecuador at the age of 16 and learned that I was much more drawn to photographing the people I was meeting more than the landmarks of the cities I was visiting. 

When I went to college I thought I would just do photography as a hobby or maybe a side job, but joined the college newspaper photography team.  I was sent to a photojournalism conference at the age of 18 and was way out of my league. But in between sessions, this man came over and saw my photos on my laptop over my shoulder and started flipping through them.

I was so embarrassed because they weren’t edited or sorted but we started talking about photography and at the end of the conversation he said something that changed my life. He asked, “So let me get this straight…you spend all of your free time doing photography, you spend your money on equipment, you are only 18 and these are your photos…remind me why you don’t think this should be your career?”  That really stuck with me. 

I went to the next session at the conference and he walked out on stage and was introduced as the photo editor of the New York Times!  I was inspired that he saw something in me, so I switched my degree to fine art photography, studied for 4 years, and started my company the year I graduated in 2010, and here we are almost 10 years later!

 

3. Tell us about your photography business, Kelly Lemon Photography.

I am primarily a wedding and elopement photographer and I have a heart for the community - like real, let's hang out and do life - kind of community and that is the heart behind my business.

The KLP couples are laid back, adventurous, they are people who value people more than things, they believe in marriage, don’t mind getting their dress dirty, and like to push the limits!   I love being out in nature so when I can be in the beautiful outdoors and celebrate a couples’ love story - my heart is happy!

I also photograph women empowerment and I have recently started to branch out into lifestyle shoots and photography for business owners and that has been a fun project - to tell the story of someone’s business.  For me, it comes down to storytelling and that's what excites me! 

4. How would you define your style? How did you find your artistic style? How has your style evolved to what it is today?

I would say my style is warm, emotional, and natural. I strive to create photos that make you feel something. 

When it comes to tones and editing -  I think your artistic style is often a reflection of you.  I think it’s important to not just look at the trends because they come and go but trust your gut and how you see the world and explore that.   My style began to evolve as I really took the time and examined what I was drawn to artistically - not just with photography, but with other types of art.  

If you are trying to figure out your brand style for your business and you aren’t sure where to start - look at your closet. What colors are you drawn to? What type of interior design inspires you?  When I was in the process of rebranding my business 5 years ago - my designer encouraged me to really dig into the things that I love - across all art mediums. 

I created a Pinterest board of photos that I was drawn to and started seeing a theme.  My closet, brand colors, and photos all have a similar vibe of earth tones and natural textures and that is naturally what I began to create with my photo style once I learned to ignore the trends around me and focus on the art I want to create. 

 

5. What are some of the challenges you've faced during your career as a photographer and as an entrepreneur?

Self-care.  I think like an entrepreneur - for most businesses you are a one-person show - so everything falls on you - and that can be really exhausting.  I have found it hard to create boundaries around work life and make time for your family and friends. 

So blocking off weekends to be work-free, consider outsourcing the projects that don’t require you directly, and scheduling in time for you.  It’s a continual struggle but so important for the long term. 

 

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other photographers?

I think the community I have built with my clients and the overall client experience is something really unique.  I host events 3x a year  - where past and present clients are loved and given a pretty special experience that goes beyond the wedding day.  My Sailing Soiree event is something really special and you can see a peek at it in my recent promo video! See it here: https://legacy.mediazilla.com/cphk1s1R1

 

7. You are incredibly passionate about your Empowerment Photography project. Tell us about it.

I would love to!  I am really passionate about empowering women to love the skin they are in! We live in a culture - where the beauty standard is so narrow and it causes women to think they aren’t skinny enough, or curvy enough, or fill in the blank and I have loved creating a space to break those beauty standards and celebrate women of all shape, size, and color! 

I also love empowering women with physical differences - because when I was growing up I had a lot of surgery scars and people told me they were disgusting and I needed to cover them up and that really impacted how I saw my body. So I love encouraging women to see their scars or physical difference as symbols of what they have overcome.

It’s a part of them that we don’t have to cover or hide but it also doesn’t define them.  We have had women who have battled cancer, organ transplants, amputations/limb loss, vitiligo, Cerebral Palsy and it’s been such an honor to share their stories. But all women are invited to our Women Empowerment Events - where we photograph 5-7 women and have their sessions back to back and it's a really special time of community!

 

8. Give us one tip that would improve our images/photos of our paper flowers.

Learning about natural light! If you can learn how to use natural light to show off the depth in your flowers - that will be the ticket! 

 

9. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Just want to encourage you as Paper Florists - if you are starting your business - remember to serve and love people well. It sounds simple but it’s easy to forget when there are so many other things you are trying to learn. And have fun with it! Try crazy ideas! Meet other people in the industry and create just to create for fun! 

 

Learn more about Kelly Lemon by following her on social media:

WEBSITES:

Kelly Lemon Photography

INSTAGRAM:

@kellylemon

@kellylemon_empowerment

As paper florists, we ultimately found our artistic medium in paper. Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes found her perfect medium in gum paste. Based in San Diego, California, but internationally renowned, Jacqueline specializes in creating and teaching sugar flower art. She teaches around the globe and is the author of “Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 1” (which Jessie owns and believes every paper florist should have on their shelf).

In it, she generously shares her experience, tips, and tricks. Her style is forever tasteful and stylized; her techniques innovative and applicable across disciplines (like our’s!). In addition to being a generous teacher of sugar artistry, she is also incredibly personable and humble.

Now, Jacqueline is publishing her second book, “Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 2”, available for preorder on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and Amazon CA. It will be released on November 1st in the UK and November 19th in North America. We are so excited to get our hands on it!

 

Listen to Jacqueline as she talks about how she go started making cakes and sugar art, how she found her artistic style in the gum paste medium, and her new book, “Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 2.”

 

First, let’s get to know Jacqueline:
1. Who is Jacqueline Butler?

Sugar flower artist, former wedding cake designer, baker, author, dog lover, red wine and burrito lover (not together!), trail runner, world traveler, and wife to my wonderful husband Keith!

2. How did you get started in sugar art?

I had a great dollhouse when I was young and used to buy miniature kits and make all the furniture and accessories for it. I also modeled tiny plates of food and desserts with polymer clay for the dolls’ kitchen and dining room tables. I think this is where I learned to love using my hands and making little things.

As an adult when I was baking and making cakes as a hobby, I found a small book that featured simple sugar flowers, and I was immediately drawn to the art form! As I learned more about sugarcraft, I was fortunate to take classes with a few great artists I admired (Colette Peters, Scott Woolley, Nicholas Lodge, and Ron Ben Israel) and I learned a strong foundation in sugar flower making techniques.

This gave me the confidence to try making sugar flowers on my own, and over time these flowers became the signature style for my business, Petalsweet Cakes.

 

3. Tell us about Petalsweet Cakes.

Officially founded in 2005, I created my wedding cake business after being a longtime hobby baker outside my day job at a national non-profit organization. I finally decided to make the leap to building a business and knew I wanted to focus on wedding cakes with sugar flowers.

I created cakes full-time for about 6 years, servicing San Diego and a bit in the Bay Area where I’m originally from. Around that time, I began getting a lot of inquiries from colleagues in the industry who wanted to buy my sugar flowers or learn how to make them. I started teaching a few classes and sharing the results on Flickr and Facebook (remember this was before Instagram!).

Because of social media, I had a lot of interest from lovely folks all over the world and started saying yes to invitations to teach overseas. I was enjoying the teaching so much I cut back on making cakes, and really the rest is history! I rarely make any cakes these days, spending almost all my time developing content and focusing on instruction.

 

4. How would you define your style? How did you find your artistic style? How has your style evolved to what it is today?

When I started my business, I was making stylized sugar flowers in soft pastels. My “formula” was to mix them with green and white for a fresh, modern look and feel. Everything was light and soft. The flowers also came together quickly because they didn’t need much work to finish before going on a cake.

I interpreted flowers in my own way, getting rid of parts I didn’t find pretty or useful, or that took too long to create. I considered sugar flowers a “confection” since they were going to be placed on a cake, so my style was not botanically correct. Much of my style was born from functionality. I wanted to create (and teach) sugar flowers that were achievable and profitable for someone who was running a business, including me!

There are some incredible sugar flower artists out there who make truly jaw-dropping sugar flowers. I am blown away by their talent. Not everyone can replicate that type of work, nor can they make money doing it. So, it’s always been important to me to have a balance between pretty and cost-effective, and I think my students have appreciated that. 

Today, with the constant exposure to IG and other social media, I can’t help but be inspired and influenced by so many amazing real flower florists AND paper flower artists such as yourselves (Quynh and Jessie). The trends in cake design have been shifting towards more realism in sugar floristry and towards fine art mediums and textures for cake finishes.

The result is the cake industry has been beautifully elevated, which makes me so happy, but that can also mean much more time and work for makers to meet those levels of artistry. So, it’s both exciting and stressful at the same time. I’ve been expanding my color palette to include deeper and brighter colors, and I’ve been creating a lot of new flowers or re-tooling older flowers to include more details.

All while still trying to balance the time involved in making them. I also started using darker backgrounds for some of my photography, which initially made me nervous. In my head, I thought I had to stay with soft pastels on a light and bright background to fit my brand.

I thought anything else would be rejected by my students and followers. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! I’ve felt incredibly encouraged by so many lovely messages and comments about the changes, and I’m feeling more open to trying new things than at any other time before in my sugarcraft career.

 

5. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced during your career?

Being a creative person running a business (even with a lot of leadership experience from my previous career) has been very challenging. I don’t have a lot of natural business acumen and it’s hard for me to see the big picture. My strength is in the details. 

I’ve struggled with all aspects of my business, from finance and growth to marketing and now scaling. I’m grateful to get great help from my brilliant husband and a few wonderful mentors, but I’m still very much a work in progress. I spend a lot of time learning things that have nothing to do with sugar flowers, and I’m only recently learning to welcome it instead of fighting it! 

I also really struggled when I first began teaching internationally. I didn’t know anyone doing the same, so I had to figure it all out myself. I was thrilled for the opportunities to teach in Australia, Europe, and Asia, but there were so many other things to figure out beyond the actual time spent teaching the class.

Preparation and organization at home, the exhaustion of travel, schlepping tools and equipment, cultural differences, and not having access to similar supplies were all part of the adventure. And while difficult at the time, they did hone my problem-solving skills quickly and forced me to become better at asking for exactly what I needed and standing firm in those expectations. 

 

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other sugar artists?

My brand is well established within the industry, but a lot of that is simply some luck mixed with good timing. I created Petalsweet at a time when there weren’t many known sugar flower artists in the world, and access to them or information about learning sugar flowers was very limited. It was a great time to build a brand.

Also, my style is very clean and achievable, so I think a lot of artists starting out find my work a good starting point for them. I’m one of the more “seasoned” sugar artists now, and a lot of the younger artists today kindly point to me as their initial inspiration when they started their businesses. It’s very kind, and the OG status isn’t lost on me, ha ha!

I do my best to continue to work on the content that reflects what I think is pretty and what I think students will enjoy making for their cakes and clients. I also pride myself on being kind and helpful to anyone who is looking for information or wants to learn more about sugarcraft, and I think that goes a long way. I was fortunate to have a few amazing artists help me, in the same way, years ago – it’s a great honor and pleasure to pay it forward.

 

7. What advice would you give to an artist who is starting out today? And one that is about to give up?

Don’t try to be everything to everyone and pay attention to the art you enjoy creating most. When you are starting out, many times you must take on a wide range of orders to pay the bills, but that doesn’t mean you have to do those things forever.

One of my favorite exercises with my students is to give them a blank 4 tier wedding cake and tell them to decorate it however they wish. And to pay attention to the decorations they choose. It can tell them a lot about a direction they might want to pursue, as well as the types of cakes they DON’T want to make. 

If someone wanted to give up, I’d suggest stepping away for a break, and then trying a completely different art form. I always enjoy my work more when I’ve exercised or spent an extended amount of time outdoors. A break could mean a vacation, or a hiatus, or both. Everyone needs something different to stay motivated. Trying a different art form also helps your brain problem solve in new ways. And getting your hands on different textiles can spark new creative joy. 

I’d also ask them if the reason they wanted to give up was founded in comparing themselves to someone else. I’m guilty of doing it and it always makes me feel poorly about myself and my work. It’s not easy to get out of that headspace, so the more you can focus on your own path the better.

Easier said than done these days when we are surrounded by beautiful photos of outstanding work. It’s hard – you must focus on what is in front of you and make that meaningful. And the more you can enjoy the process of creating over results, the better. 

 

8. Tell us about your books, Modern Sugar Flowers and MSF Volume 2.

Both books are sugar flower how-to instructional manuals with added inspirational photos and cake projects so readers can learn how to use their flowers once they have made them. Filled with tips and techniques that have worked well for me all throughout my business. 

Writing a book was a longtime dream of mine, and I was thrilled for the opportunity to share my processes for making and finishing flowers with the folks at David & Charles. And to do it twice! Turns out my brain is good at breaking things down into achievable steps, so the technical writing came easier than I expected. The cake projects and the creative design for all the flower chapters were quite challenging for me, but I loved the process of styling the photos. 

The books are a true set. We carried over the fonts and layouts to the second book so they can sit side by side on the shelf. The flowers and cake projects in Volume 2 are different from the first book but are all broken down the same way. The only overlap from book 1 to book 2 is the hydrangea and filler flowers which are staples we use in many cake designs. We wanted to include them so the second book could stand on its own, and readers could learn my arranging skills without having to start with the first book. 

It’s been an incredible amount of work over several years now, and a lot of highs and lows. But I love hearing from students who have used the first book and seeing them get excited about making sugar flowers has been amazing. I hope the second book is well received and that everyone enjoys making the new flowers!

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Just so grateful to both of you for inviting me to talk with you on your podcast, and to share the news about my new book, thank you so much! We didn’t have a chance to chat about the tools and processes that might be shared across our two mediums, so I’d love to come back another time to talk about it! Thank you again! 

 

Jacqueline’s books are now available for purchase worldwide!

Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 1

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Book Depository

 

Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 2

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Quynh first got to know Caroline Tran of Caroline Tran Photography when the photographer shot her sister’s wedding a few years back. Fast forward to today and Caroline and Quynh are frequent collaborators on many projects together across the United States from workshops to photography sessions.

She, along with Kelly Lemon, was one of the photography instructors at The Paper Florists Collective Masterclass in Seattle back in April 2019. Caroline first got her feet wet in photography when pursuing a creative side hustle. Eventually, she discovered that her ultimate love was photography. Known for her airy and bright style and her ability to create beautiful images of intimacy, Caroline is based in Los Angeles, California.

 

Listen to Caroline as she describes how her creative side hustle turned into a business, how she stays inspired, and her decision to offer online education.

 

First, let’s get to know Caroline:

1. Who is Caroline Tran?

I am a Los Angeles-based photographer who is constantly working on the art of balancing running a photography business and being a mom to two young boys. I started in weddings and portraits, and have since expanded into content creation, branding, and commercial photography. I have also started to offer online education as well to help creatives run a successful business.

 

2. How did you get started in photography?

I always knew I wanted to own a creative business. While doing market research for one of my businesses (I was designing and sewing doll clothes), I realized that brands with better photography were able to charge up to 100 times more! While learning how to better photograph my designs, I found my love for photography. I started photographing my co-worker’s children and my friends after work for fun, as a hobby and that’s how I started my portfolio.

 

3. Tell us about your photography business, Caroline Tran Photography.

What I love most about what I do is that I become my client’s lifelong photographer. I photograph them from engagement to wedding to babies, and for the past few years, I have also started to do more commercial work, including content creation for brands, and branding/lifestyle shots for people’s personal brands as well. I love telling stories so these are all so much fun for me.

 

4. How would you define your style? How did you find your artistic style? How has your style evolved to what it is today?

My photos tell stories. They’re romantic, emotional, and freezes a person’s legacy. I found my voice when I stopped comparing myself to others… when I stopped doing what I THOUGHT I was supposed to do (based on what everyone else was doing) and allowed myself to do what I FELT. I eventually attracted more people who connected with what I did, which further strengthen my voice.

 

5. What are some of the challenges you've faced during your career as a photographer and as an entrepreneur? 

Growing pains… everything works until it doesn’t. For example, if I up my game in marketing and get more leads, I might not be able to keep up with the increased volume and become susceptible to unhappy clients. So many growing pains, but it’s a good problem to have.

 

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other photographers?

By not looking at what others are doing and just focusing on my own art.

 

7. Give us one tip that would improve our images/photos of our paper flowers.

LIGHT! LIGHT! LIGHT! Bad light is bad light! You can’t fix bad light later. Use good light to take the photo and you’ll be more than halfway there.

You can read more tips on lighting on my website: https://carolinetran.net/photography-tips-for-perfect-indoor-lighting/

 

8. Tell us about how you got into teaching photography.

Backtrack a few years, the inspiration for where I came up with education. I used to be a high school teacher, so that’s where my educational background is from. I love mentoring, inspiring, and helping people in general. I left teaching to pursue photography. When I started photography, I used to have small cohorts where we would meet up at industry events over the years.

One thing that occurred to me was year after year, I would need to form new groups because many of my colleagues were no longer in the business anymore. I started teaching photography and education to help others to succeed.

 

Learn more about Caroline Tran by following her on social media:

WEBSITES: Caroline Tran Photography Caroline Tran Education

INSTAGRAM: @carolinetran

PINTEREST: Caroline Tran

Join us this week as Quynh and Jessie have a frank discussion about how they preserve their paper flowers to minimize the effect of fading and damage.

This is a common topic among paper florists and one that is much talked about on The Paper Florist Facebook group.

Join us this week as Quynh and Jessie chat about Quynh’s recent appearance on a local television segment. With some help from her friends (Kate of @cobralilyshop, Kelly Lemon of Kelly Lemon Photography, and Angela Evans of @makeupartist.angela).

Quynh was able to pull off a thrilling 10-minute segment on King 5’s New Day daily talk show, while also plugging the paper flower community.

 

Watch the TV segment here!

https://bit.ly/3EBEKsu

Eileen Lim of Miss Petal and Bloom has been on the paper flower scene for more than 5 years and she has truly made a stamp in our paper flower community. Her Instagram feed is filled to the brim with bright and colourful blooms and high-end collaborations with designers (like Ferragamo, Coach, and Olivia Burton) and stores (like Mamonde and Keds).

It’s no surprise that her recognizable style is also a true reflection of her bubbly and friendly persona. She works out of her home studio in Singapore and regularly teaches workshops. Now, she’s on Teachable as well, offering paper flower online courses. We always look forward to viewing her Monday Bloom Crush on her Instagram Stories where she shares posts of other artists that inspire her! We love paper florists who support each other!

 

Listen to her talk to us about the paper flower community in Singapore, how she found her brand and style, and her upcoming collaboration with The Body Shop.

 

First, let’s get to know Eileen:

1. Who is Eileen Lim?

Hi, I’m Eileen and I’m just a girl who loves crafting and making pretty things in my home country - sunny little Singapore.

 

2. How did you get started making paper flowers?

The quick answer - Instagram!

I’ve always loved crafting and while exploring flowers on Instagram, I somehow chanced upon the amazing crepe paper blooms by Margie Keates. Needless to say, I fell in love instantly. I did my research, sourced for Italian crepe, and started experimenting on my own as a side hobby.

At that point in my life, I was working in the education team at a local museum. It was great working with students and being in that art scene, but it wasn’t as fulfilling as I would have liked it to be - my fingers were still itching to craft and create. So, I took that leap of faith and left my job to start Miss Petal & Bloom.

I have to add, Margie was a big reason why I decided to take that leap of faith, I had reached out to her asking if she could spare any advice, and she replied with so many helpful tips and such kind words that her generosity blew me away. I don’t think I would have started my paper flower journey without her and I really think she’s such an inspiration and role model!

 

3. Tell us about your business, Miss Petal & Bloom.

MP&B is really simply about making pretty paper flowers and spreading the joy of crafting. I make every bloom to order, so usually I’ll have customers reach out with their ideas and requests and I’ll do my best to create something beautiful and lasting for them. I also enjoy teaching - it is so fulfilling to witness someone learning a new skill and unlock that sense of pride within themselves.

 

4. How would you define the style of your flowers? How did you find your style?

I like to see my flowers as vibrant, happy, and whimsical. My style is a reflection of my personality and aesthetic preferences - I’m just naturally drawn to bright colours and cute fluffy things. I’m not so keen on achieving botanical accuracy, I simply want my blooms to be pretty, haha. It definitely took a lot of time and experiments to solidify my style though.

5. How did you find your brand? How has your brand and style evolved to what it is today?

Honestly, when I first started out, I had no experience building a business so I did not really think too much about branding. I just knew I wanted to stay true to who I am and I wanted my flowers to reflect that. My brand name “Miss Petal & Bloom” was a random thought I had and it stuck because I felt like it sounded whimsical and cute and had a nice ring to it. Of course, after 3+ years I’m more aware of the importance of branding and I do try to be consistent in my artistic style and how I present my flowers - I always want my blooms to have a cheerful and vibrant feel to them.

 

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other paper florists?

Oh, this is such a crucial question and I think one of the more important questions for any new paper florist starting out. For me, this links back to my style - I really want my blooms to look unique and reflect my personality. I feel that's one of the biggest compliments you can get as an artist when someone instantly recognizes your bloom. Hence, I was careful to avoid watching too many tutorials and reading too many paper floristry books (I’ve bought so many books though because I’m such a big fan of those artists! I, however, avoid reading them because I fear I might subconsciously copy someone else’s stylistic choices).

I think that is very important to me - having a unique artistic voice. And I do hope that makes me stand out from other paper florists? I’m not sure how successful I am, haha, but I am happy to get occasional positive feedback from the online community!

 

7. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business and/or art?

Oh, I think the biggest challenge is dealing with my own insecurities - my business is my biggest pride and joy (it’s like my baby) but also my biggest insecurity at the same time. In Singapore, crafting is not exactly a career choice that is highly regarded by the general public - in fact, I would say a great deal of Singaporeans still look down on freelance artists/ crafters, there’s that misconception that freelancers have lots of “free time” when in fact, we might be working as hard, if not harder, than most people with regular 9-5 jobs.

Honestly, I think the people in my country are so accustomed to measuring success by the size of your pay-check, hence I wasn’t taken very seriously when I first launched my business. To this day, I struggle sometimes with being steadfast in knowing my own value and worth as a small craft business owner, and such insecurities and public perception inevitably trickle down to things like how I price my items, how I price my time, etc.

I’m actually really glad I got to spend 4 years in the U.S. when I was in university - that really opened my eyes to how amazing the crafting culture was there and how supportive and non-judgemental the general public was towards crafters and artists. It truly inspired me and showed me that it was possible to be a full-time crafter and creative.

Now that I’m more established than I was when I first started, I do feel more confident and comfortable with my career choice. I’ve accepted that not everyone will accept, understand, or support my business, and at the end of the day, I don’t need everyone’s validation, and it’s up to me to define what success means to me.

 

8. What advice would you give to a paper florist who is starting out today? And one that is about to give up?

Oh, there is so much advice I could share, but I think one big thing I’ve learned is that you have to be true to yourself. If you’re just starting out, don’t rush into it, give yourself time to develop your artistic voice, which will help you stand out from the rest! Be patient, you’re not going to grow your

following overnight, you’re not going to get all the orders overnight - it takes time. Have patience and faith in your skills and your creative voice.

If you’re feeling tired, jaded, and about to give up, give yourself a break! Try a different craft, do something outside the box, pick up a new skill in a different medium - this always helps to remind me that there is such great joy in making art - I don’t think I will ever tire of that sense of fulfillment and achievement that comes from creating something truly and uniquely yours. Even if you’re frustrated with the business end, just doing something new might be refreshing and reinvigorating, and remind you of the true purpose of your craft business.

 

9. Do you have any tips that could be helpful to other Paper Florists?

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Haha. This was something Margie shared with me in her first email to me, and I’ve kept it close to my heart all these years. You shouldn’t compare your first step to someone’s 100th step, everyone is on a different path, it’s not a race!

 

10. Is there anything else you'd like to share with the listeners?

I can be a pretty shy person and I’m easily intimidated when I meet people face to face! Haha which means I can be pretty awkward, especially if it's a big group setting, and I’m usually not the one who takes initiative to meet people. So if you’d like to chat with me or fan-girl with me over other amazing paper florists (like Jessie and Quynh and Priscilla), or if you’re ever visiting Singapore, please don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello! I promise I’m not as shy or awkward once we get to know each other.  

 

Want to learn more about Eileen? Follow her on her Instagram @misspetalandbloom and check out her website/classes at https://www.misspetalandbloom.com.

This week, we talk to Heather Sauer, the owner, and operator of The Paper Place located in downtown Toronto, Canada. Being one of the few brick-and-mortar paper stores in Canada, Heather’s store carries a vast array of paper products, from crepe paper to Japanese washi paper, Rifle paper goods and kits, to birthday cards and origami products.

Everything you see in the store is a feast for the eyes! In fact, Jessie’s paper flower journey started here four years ago when she bought her first fine crepe papers, and soon thereafter, she began teaching crepe paper flower workshops at the store.

The Paper Place generously sponsored our German double-sided crepe paper for our 2-Day Paper Flower Workshop in Toronto in September.

Listen to Heather as we talk to her about how she got started selling paper, her entrepreneurial journey, and the challenges of operating a brick-and-mortar paper store.

 

Let’s first learn about Heather:

1. Who is Heather Sauer?

I am an artist, the mother of two incredible girls, and an entrepreneur with two retail shops on Queen St. West in Toronto, The Paper Place, and Curiosa.

 

2. Tell us a little bit about your educational and entrepreneurial background. How did you become the owner of The Paper Place?

I went to school for Archaeology & Museum Management. When I moved to Toronto I started working at The Japanese Paper Place and eventually, with my former business partner, purchased the business back in 2005. The Japanese Paper Place continued on in a wholesale capacity after that so we changed the name of the shop to The Paper Place. My business partner left in 2009 and I have run it ever since.

 

3. Tell us about your business, The Paper Place. What do you sell, where are you located, how long you've been in business, etc.

We are located in the art & design district of Queen St. West and have been operating as The Paper Place since 2005. We have a vast and eclectic product offering but specialize in paper, with over 2000 available at the shop. Beyond paper, we also carry a variety of art & craft supplies, greeting cards and stationery, party supplies, gifts and journals and so much more.

 

4. When did you start selling crepe paper? How did this come about?

We started carrying crepe paper in the shop back in 2013. A number of customers had been requesting it for several years as it was almost impossible to come by here in Canada. I had been trying to order it directly from Germany for quite some time, even going so far as to have a friend compose fax for me in German, but I wasn’t able to make it happen. Fortunately, in 2013, I met a supplier of German craft supplies who was just testing the waters bringing in crepe paper so I was thrilled to finally have access to bring it to the shop for our customers.

 

5. How has the paper business changed over the years?

We have definitely seen trends changing rapidly over the last few years in terms of what kinds of products our customers are looking for and also what they are using our papers to make. For instance, in our early days, the bulk of our business was people purchasing paper and envelopes to make wedding invitations, now that makes up a very small percentage of our business. Because of these changes, we are constantly adapting to what it is our customers are looking for now and trying to make sure that our product offering reflects what is new and exciting in the paper/stationery world.

 

6. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your business?

For us brick-and-mortar shops, there is a lot more competition from online stores that don’t have the overhead that retail storefronts do and/or larger companies who are able to negotiate discounts with suppliers and offer products at a lower price than we can. It is a huge challenge for us as we try to balance staying competitive with our pricing with making enough money to keep our doors open.

 

7. Who are your ideal clients?

Because of our extremely varied product offering, we don’t have a specific ideal client. Our first customer of the day may be looking for a greeting card, the next may be a conservator, then someone looking to make 100 paper flowers for their wedding, etc… It definitely makes our day interesting and inspiring because we get to work with so many different customers on such an amazing variety of projects.

 

8. What type of workshops does The Paper Place offer?

Our workshop offering is constantly changing as we try to anticipate what projects may interest our customers. Some of our most popular past ones include paper flowers, calligraphy, bookbinding, and jewelry making!

 

Learn more about Heather and The Paper Place by following on social media:

WEBSITES: The Paper Place
INSTAGRAM: @thepaperplace

We have all seen the incredibly helpful rose colour studies on the Flirty Fleurs blog that are scattered all over the web. In fact, if you have yet to check out the blog, you should do so immediately! The blog is written by no other than the internationally renowned florist, Alicia Schwede. It includes resources and workshop information for florists but is equally relevant to paper florists.

Back to Alicia - she’s has been in the florist industry for more than 16 years and runs her floral studio, Bella Fiori, out of Seattle, Washington. She offers floristry services for weddings and events and instructs floral workshops all over the world. Next spring, she’ll be in Tuscany for a week-long floral retreat, and in October (October 22, 23, & 24, 2019), with our very own Quynh in California for a Wedding Intensive Workshop.

Listen to Alicia as we grill her about how paper florists can work with florists successfully to better suit and meet our paper flower clients’ needs. In the meantime…

 

Let’s first learn about Alicia:

1. Who is Alicia Schwede?

Oh gosh, this is a tough question! Well, I am a person who truly cares about the floral industry. I want people to want flowers – flowers in all forms. Flowers bring happiness and calmness to people, and I think we could all use more of that in our lives! I want to share my passion with others, spread happiness, and encourage others to follow their dreams.

 

2. How did you get started in floristry and in the floristry business?

I did not start off ever thinking I’d be a florist. After college, I took a position with a software development company in San Francisco. I found sitting in front of the computer for 8-12 hours a day to be rather daunting and depressing – so to keep my hands and the creative side of my brain happy I took all kinds of artistic classes in the evenings and weekends. One day I signed up for a 6-week floral design class at the local community college. I was hooked by the third class, and the rest as they say … is history.

 

3. Tell us about Flirty Fleurs.

My wedding business name is Bella Fiori which launched in March 2003. I had been blogging for my business and found myself always wanting to talk more about the floral industry so in May 2010 I decided to launch Flirty Fleurs – where I could talk flowers all the time! At that time social media wasn’t so strong and having a blog was a great source of information and a way to share a passion and interest. Over the years it has evolved in many ways and now has grown to 9 years of topics saved in one place!

4. How did you find your branding style? How has your brand and style evolved to what it is today?

In some ways, I would say I’ve moved with the times and with how the look of weddings has evolved. Yet, the logo I use for Bella Fiori was created for me by one of my brides over 10 years ago! I like that it is classic. Flirty Fleurs has changed more – since it is my creative outlet I can follow my whims and give it tune-ups as I wish. At the base for both – I like feminine looks, cursive text, lots of pinks, greens, and whites. Bright and airy. 

 

5. What are some of the challenges you've faced during your florist career? 

It definitely hasn’t all been a walk in the park. I think often when people are first getting started they think it’ll be a walk in the rose garden, pun intended – ha! Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy. First is always putting myself out there to find new clients. That is one thing about weddings, the brides (are most likely) one-time customers.

Sure their sisters or friends might come along, but for the most part, it is a one-time business transaction. So as a business owner I have been marketing and putting myself out there for 20 years now. It’s a lot of committed work to keep marketing out there, keep fresh, keep the drive. 

As a fresh florist, there is always the challenge of sourcing fresh flowers week after week. Flowers are obviously very dependent on weather – one hail storm and an entire farmer's crop can be destroyed, and the florist won’t be getting those perfect dahlias that week! Gosh, one time I had ordered in flowers to come in from the Dutch Auction, well there was a volcano issue in Iceland which meant no planes flying between North America and Europe – that means no flowers!

6. How have you made yourself stand out in the crowd of other Florists?

There is a saying in the wedding industry – You are only as good as your last event.

Someone said that to me early on and I quickly realized that I could have a phenomenal wedding, but it would quickly be forgotten so I’d have to find ways to keep what I was doing out there and being viewed. I jumped onto all things related to websites, blogs, social media early on and have kept at it all for years. It probably helps that at that post-college job I had was cutting edge on websites back in the day and I learned so much while working there.

 

7. How would you define your style? How did you find your style? 

I grew up in Northern California, had my business  Bella Fiori in Colorado for 10 years, and now call Washington home. So I have had a good amount of moves in my life over the past 20 years. Yet, I find the style that appeals to me the most is the one that is found in the wine country of California – it’s full of puffy flowers like garden roses, peonies, dahlias, and branches of fruit. Give me the wine grapes, the fruit on branches, the vines. That’s still my favorite! I call it wine country style and I always seem to come back to that style when I design as I wish. 

8. What advice would you give to a florist who is starting out today? And one that is about to give up?

Tenacity is everything – for those who are just starting out and those who are about to give up. Tenacity to keep going even if one client gives you a rough time, or if you didn’t get one of the jobs you bided on. Take a deep breath, re-set, keep your head high. You know what you want to do and follow your dreams!

And if you’ve been doing this awhile and feeling drained – step back, take some time off and do what you need to do to get your energy back. For me, I love to travel and a trip to Europe is always good for my soul!

 

9. Do you have any floristry related tips that could be helpful to Paper Florists? 

Take lots of pictures. The majority of flowers are seasonal so get as many pictures as you can to draw inspiration from when the flowers might not be available. 

I also recommend the book by Robbie Honey – Accidental Botanist: The Structure of Plants Revealed. Robbie deconstructed all these different flowers, it’s so interesting to see the structure – and the perfect images for a paper florist who is building up flowers!

10. Do you have any advice for a Paper Florist who is working on the same wedding as a florist?

Communication is everything! Both paper florists and fresh florists are creative minds, and sometimes it can be difficult or forgotten to voice concerns and/or thoughts. So try really hard to make sure you are always communicating as a team.

 

Learn more about Alicia, Flirty Fleurs, and Bella Fiori by following on social media:

WEBSITES:

https://www.bellafiori.com

https://flirtyfleurs.com

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/flirtyfleurs/

https://www.instagram.com/bellafiori/

Welcome back to the Paper Talk Podcast! We're thrilled to have you join us for Episode 142, where we'll dive into the exciting world of creative businesses and introduce you to an incredible opportunity for wedding entrepreneurs - the Tri-Mastermind.

In this episode, we're all about empowering creative entrepreneurs, especially those in the wedding industry. Our aim is to inspire and guide you towards achieving new heights in your business journey. We're excited to share a transformative program that can play a pivotal role in your success - the Tri-Mastermind. 

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:

• Hear our personal experiences as creative entrepreneurs and how they've shaped our journey.
• Learn how the Tri-Mastermind program can transform your wedding business.
• Explore the benefits of joining a guided group of like-minded professionals.
• Find out how the Tri-Mastermind fosters genuine connections and lasting relationships.
• Uncover the key curriculum highlights, from website design to branding and beyond.
• Meet the expert instructors who will guide you through this transformative journey.

Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn all about this exciting opportunity. In the meantime, here are some details to get you started. 

The World of Creative Entrepreneurship

Creative entrepreneurship is a thriving realm filled with endless possibilities. Whether you're a paper artist, a wedding planner, or a floral designer, this industry offers a unique canvas for your talents. 

This unique program offers a collaborative and structured environment where you'll receive guidance, insights, and expertise from three industry leaders: Rebecca Grant, Alicia Schwede, and Paper Talk Podcast’s very own Quynh Nguyen. As they shared on the podcast, they know the joys and challenges of this journey. Their experiences have shaped their understanding of the industry and the need for a supportive community. Hear from them directly by listening to the episode!

• Rebecca Grant: A renowned wedding planner and industry leader, Rebecca brings expertise in organization, relationships, boundaries, and sustainable growth.
• Quynh Nguyen: An expert in paper floral design, course building, marketing, and social media, Quynh empowers you to leverage modern strategies for business success.
• Alicia Schwede: With a background in floral design, blogging, and education, Alicia shares insights on website auditing, photography, blogging, and building SEO.

While this world is full of opportunities, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From fierce competition to the ever-evolving demands of clients, navigating this industry isn't always a piece of cake. The Tri-Mastermind program can help you turn challenges into stepping stones.

The Tri-Mastermind Experience

Now, let's talk about the Tri-Mastermind - a game-changer for established wedding entrepreneurs who are ready to scale higher and grow their teams and businesses. Here's what you need to know:

• Ideal Student: If you're an established wedding entrepreneur with a six-figure income and you're looking to soar to new heights, the Tri-Mastermind is designed just for you.
• Duration: The program runs from January 2024 to June 2024, offering a structured and focused journey for your business.
• Frequency: Get ready for bi-weekly meetings that tackle specific topics, ensuring every interaction counts.

Now, you might be wondering, "What makes the Tri-Mastermind stand out?" Here's what sets this program apart:

Guided Group: We understand that your time is precious. Tri-Mastermind offers guided discussions, actionable insights, and focused sessions that directly contribute to your success. No fluff, just results.

Building Relationships: We're more than just a group. We're a community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other's growth. The connections you make here could last a lifetime and take your business to new heights.

Value of Investment: We know that genuine growth requires investment, both in yourself and your business. The financial commitment ensures you receive maximum value and tangible results.

Shared Wisdom: While our expert instructors bring their insights, this is a platform where everyone contributes. Your experiences, best practices, and advice add to the collective wisdom of the group, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Legitimate Value: We prioritize genuine value over unnecessary extras. Direct access to the minds in this group could lead to groundbreaking ideas and lucrative opportunities.

Positive Atmosphere: Leave the drama and negativity behind. The Tri-Mastermind is a space to uplift each other, learn, and support. It's all about fostering a positive and encouraging environment.

Join the Tri-Mastermind

We highly recommend listening to the episode to get a better idea of what Tri-Mastermind entails. If you’re ready to elevate your wedding business and connect with a network of driven professionals, don't miss out on this transformative opportunity. The group will start meeting in January, so sign up now. It's time to invest in your success.

[Click here to learn more!]

Have questions? Reach out to the team to discuss how the Tri-Mastermind can accelerate your wedding business's success.

“Our goal is to really bring a creative community together, to be able to learn from our failures and our successes, to be able to prevent people from having the same pitfalls that we had as we were building our businesses, which is important." - Rebecca Grant

For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

Join us this week as Quynh and Jessie say goodbye to their friend and confidante, Priscilla, as she embarks on a new path in September.

In this touching Episode, Priscilla explains why she’s decided to move on from her wildly successful paper flower business, when she knew it was time, and what she intends to do next.

The paper flower community will miss you dearly Priscilla!!!

 

You can learn more about us and our work by following each of us on social media:

Quynh https://www.instagram.com/pinkandposey/

Jessie https://www.instagram.com/jessieatcraftedtobloom/

Priscilla https://www.instagram.com/SophiaandRoseCo

We first met Jasmine Sing at our Masterclass back in April of this year and we were just captivated by her warmth and friendliness. Not only is she hilariously funny and frank, but she is also fiercely ambitious. Since moving from Singapore to South Korea, her adopted country, she is forging her own paper flower path and introducing crepe paper flowers to crafters in Asia through her workshops and online courses.

 

Let’s get to know a little bit about Jasmine:

1. Tell us a bit about your paper flower business

I am a craft enthusiast and I love making things with my hands. I started making paper flowers as a hobby and recently started conducting workshops in Korea and Singapore.

I am currently based in South Korea and I am very excited to be one of the first to introduce crepe paper flowers here. I have also started my online classes for a Korean app platform and planning to create more contents for English speakers as well.

I am pretty new to this industry but, I do have a big dream. I hope to become the bridge between the Western and Asian markets and share my knowledge on everything such as materials, tools, techniques, and different styles for this amazing art.

 

2. How would you describe your paper flowers and/or your aesthetic?

I am still exploring different styles but, I do enjoy and challenge myself to create flowers that are realistic looking.

 

3. What do you find the most challenging and rewarding about having a paper flower business?

That would definitely be placing and marketing my business in the Korean market as a foreigner. It is really challenging to fit into the Korean culture but very satisfying to know they love my work and enjoy my classes. 

 

4. What advice would you give to new paper flower artists?

Enjoy the process, love your creations, and try as many mediums as possible.

 

5. What’s one tool you unexpectedly fell in love with and now use regularly?

I don’t really have many to begin with. But I do love my Kai scissors and also skewers of all sizes to curl my petals.

 

Want to learn more about Jasmine? 

Follow her on her Instagram @merremade and check out her website/classes at https://www.merremade.com/.

Join us this week as Quynh, Jessie, and Priscilla talk about their passion: Hosting workshops around the world!

After the success of the Seattle Masterclass in April 2019, it became obviously clear that there is a growing interest in the art of paper flowers and more importantly, an interest in how WE made OUR paper flowers!

As a result, we quickly began to plan our next workshop and paper flower retreat. The culmination of all of our efforts is this Fall’s 2-Day Paper Flower Workshop in Toronto on September 14th and 15th. We have worked incredibly hard to jam-pack the curriculum to include our favourite skills and techniques that we have learned and evolved over the course of our paper flower journey.

Listen to us as we talk about how we plan and run our workshops.

 

You can learn more about us and our work by following each of us on social media:

Quynh https://www.instagram.com/pinkandposey/

Jessie https://www.instagram.com/jessieatcraftedtobloom/

Priscilla https://www.instagram.com/SophiaandRoseCo