Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Burbank Majors.
Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Not long after I graduated high school I considered a career in floristry, but blew it off thinking it wouldn’t be practical for me. Instead I worked odd jobs until landing in the world of hospitality and while I was able to work my way up to an office position at a nice hotel and gained valuable experience, I craved something more personal and creative. I though that weddings would really suit me and I started occasionally assisting a friend with coordination and florals, soon taking on my own weddings. After planning my own little mountain wedding, I decided to pursue my business full-time and threw myself into connecting with the network of local vendors, an intimidating thing for this introvert! Some of us industry newbies worked together on some styled shoots, which got those creative juices flowing and solidified some wonderful relationships. I truly owe the success of my business to this supportive community and the beautiful friendships I’ve built in the last 8 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha! Bumpy would be an understatement. As though starting a business from scratch with almost nothing to invest into it isn’t daunting enough, there have also been other challenges which I’ve encountered. Though it is not unique to me, the pandemic and inflation have thrown the whole industry for a loop and I could go on and on about it, but it also kind of speaks for itself. Like many other entrepreneurs, I’m mostly a one-woman show, but once I was able to hire on a bit of help, I went from constant burnout to finding joy in it all again.
On a more personal level, I’m the partner of a firefighter, we bought a house with lots of projects, and I birthed our two beautiful children, all since starting my business. Though I am immensely grateful for the privilege of having all of this to juggle, it is also a roller coaster, in many ways.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Frances Loves Francis is an art-centric, mindful wedding planning and floral design company, providing imaginative, intentional design and thoughtful, bespoke support, and celebrating ALL love stories. I create a comprehensive vision and ensure that all the ducks are in a row, to put it simply. Consider me a wedding bestie, a guide through all the things, a creative eye, and even a shoulder to cry on!
I passionately believe that weddings should be super personal and that nothing should be forced, so I treat each wedding as unique as the couple themselves.
The best compliments I’ve received are that I have a calming presence through planning and wedding days, and that my designs were even better than expected. These always make me do a little happy dance!
Overall, I want people to know that working me is to feel a sense of peace in a sometimes overwhelming time, and also hyped for the work of art that I can create for them!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Get connected with other vendors that you vibe with and most importantly, foster those relationships! Get your creative juices flowing and show your skills by doing some styled shoots – offering up your services to existing shoots, collaborating with other newbies, or hiring established vendors to work with you. Something I wish I had done more was freelance as much as possible because it is the best way to learn. All of this will help to find your own voice, vibe, and place in the industry.
Pricing:
- Wedding Management $4000
- Event Design $1000
- Microwedding Bundle $5000
- Floral Design: Full Service $6000+
- Floral Design: À la Carte $1500+
Contact Info:
- Website: franceslovesfrancis.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/franceslovesfrancis
- Pinterest: pinterest.com/franceslovesfrancis
Image Credits
Emma Lauren Photos Alternative Standards
