Today we’d like to introduce you to Macey Dooley.
Macey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love for weddings started when I was young. My mother owned her own catering company and mainly booked weddings when I was young. I remember trying to peek through kitchen windows to see a ceremony or first dance, and thinking each event was more beautiful than the last.
My love for flowers happened in college when I started working for a full service wedding coordinator in New Jersey, where I am originally from. I thought I wanted to be a part of planning the weddings I grew to be so fond of. This job was an amazing experience, I learned a lot on how to properly treat vendors, how to be personable and friendly with your clients, while also being professional. Best of all, I was trained in floral design. I was only trained to better assist, but I fell in love. From there, I just started learning. I would reach out to florists to see if they needed assistance, and a few either liked me enough to take a chance teaching me, or took pity on me. Either way, I started learning this beautiful trade all over New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In early 2016, I finished my formal degree, my internships, and was freelancing when my older sister asked me to move to North County San Diego to be with her through her husband’s deployment. Something I always loved about the wedding industry, is that it happens everywhere. So, I packed up, took my trade with me, and quickly started making connections in the floral community here in California. After living here for a year, and being seriously encouraged by the amazing community of entrepreneurs and creatives who became close friends, (mainly Esther of Wall Flower Inspirations) I came up with the concept of Region. A floral design studio with no fixed boundaries. I started booking weddings here in San Diego, and I’m hoping to continue booking anywhere, and everywhere.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I cannot say it has been a smooth road. For me, when I devote proper time into my talent, and then proper time into asking questions and developing skills as a business owner, I naturally grow, as anyone would when they practice. What has been most difficult is the emotional side of my journey. Leaving connections on the east coast to move west and learning to be a part of a new community of close knit creatives, with further developed careers, styles, and Instagram followers. The comparison game is never a kind one. I had to learn to say to myself “Okay, that person is seriously talented, what can I learn from them, and how can I be happy for them without putting myself down while I’m still developing as a young artist and business owner?” once I realized I could admire someone, and even learn from them without comparing myself to them, it was so much easier to start to develop my aesthetic, and map out what I wanted for myself and my business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Region Design Studio – what should we know?
I balance two passions at the moment. Aside from being a florist, I am a Bridal Stylist for BHLDN, which is the bridal line for Anthropologie- and I love it! Connecting with brides to create their aesthetic, and help them feel confident, body positive, and truly beautiful for their wedding day is so rewarding.
I think this is what sets me apart from other wedding professionals; I seriously believe in taking the time to listen to my bride’s ideas, understand her vision, and helping to guide my couples to finding the right design for their day. If it’s the gown that shows her just how stunning she truly is, or choosing flowers that will always remind her of the moment she said “I do.”
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I attribute most of my success to the way my parents raised me, and my incredible siblings. They taught me grit and grace. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Contact Info:
- Email: Macey@regiondesignstudio.com
- Instagram: @regiondesignstudio
Image Credit:
Sarah Maggie, Angela Mae, Mirelle Carmichael
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
