Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Zines.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Before Studio Fleurish was even a thought in my mind, my first taste of flowering came as an opportunity to work at a high-end retail flower shop in Rancho Sante Fe. When I say “opportunity” I mean an internship. This internship was barely paid, but I was a person who needed a job. At the time of that “internship opportunity,” I had two young girls, and my husband had just started a new business. I needed a job, but not just any job would do. I needed the flexibility to be a hands-on mom, to pick up my girls from school and shuttle them between sports and piano practice. You know, that after school suburban-mom-trek all over town. The flower shop internship was the only job opportunity that fit the bill, and I felt grateful to be considered since I had no formal floral design experience. Somehow, the shop owner took a chance on me (or more likely pity), and I was offered the internship. Turns out, it became a job I loved!
The owner initially asked me to shadow each position in the shop – everything from delivery truck driving to ordering flowers – and in doing so, I was given the opportunity to absorb so much knowledge about the industry. I soaked in all the experience within those walls. We had some of the most sought-after clientele and a team of extremely talented seasoned designers and industry professionals. It was the birth of my flower family.
To say I fell head over heels in love with flowering is an understatement. I became obsessed with floral design and spent all my spare time honing my craft. After a few years in the shop, I knew I was ready to take the entrepreneurial plunge. I wanted to purchase the flower shop where I was working, but the owner was not ready to sell. Therefore, I took an enormous leap of faith and Studio Fleurish was born. I shifted my focus from retail flowers and gifts and dove into the creative industry of wedding and event design. I got hooked on wedding and event design, and today, I believe I have found my niche. I am passionate about the creative process of building environments that evoke a memorable feeling. It is a privilege and a joy to make a couple’s vision come to life for their wedding. What an honor to have a role in the most important day of their lives!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to admit that the last few years have been a blur and not without some bumps in the road, but it is the inspiration from my amazing clients and a passion for creating beautiful memories through flowers that keeps me going.
When you are passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. But eventually it can take its toll. Floral design is a challenging industry for entrepreneurs, and there is a high burnout rate. The job can be emotionally stressful and physically demanding. I had doubts if I even possessed some of the qualities necessary for success in the wedding and event industry, such as nerves of steel, the ability to problem solve with everyone watching, managing cash flow, keeping your team not only motivated but also challenged, the list goes on. Small business ownership comes with so many challenges, and sometimes I feel as though I am wearing every hat in the closet. However, in the midst of all these challenges, I have the absolute best team to carry me through. I attribute the success of my business to my Studio Fleurish flower family. When you have a group of committed individuals, true artists who treat your brand as their own, success finds its way.
In a stroke of good fortune, the floristry opportunities for Studio Fleurish have come effortlessly. I am grateful that we have grown consistently over the past six years at a manageable pace. Growing too quickly can be a problem, and I have been cautious in that regard. Initially, we took everything that came our way. We worked crazy hours and learned lessons the hard way. It is difficult for me to turn down projects, but I now realize that for me to be fully present, to enjoy the process, to be intentional about my craft, I have to limit the number of events we take. My priority is to be the best florist I can be for my clients, even if that means turning away new projects so that I can give existing clients my full attention.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Studio Fleurish provides full service floral and event design showcasing premium flowers and a carefully curated selection of luxury decor items. We specialize in transforming venues and spaces into unforgettable environments. Every project we take is uniquely customized to our client’s individual expression of style. We specialize in weddings, social events, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, wedding proposal design and coordination, engagement parties, and corporate events. We also offer weekly, monthly, and seasonal floral artistry subscriptions for home and business accounts, as well as floral styling for editorial, bridal and commercial photo shoots. Additionally, we provide Holiday décor installations in private homes and businesses.
Our client experience is what sets the Studio Fleurish brand apart. Our personalized process allows us to develop a relationship with our clients through an in-person consultation prior to our decision to collaborate together. I like to instill confidence in our clients from the very first meeting. I want our clients to feel comfortable and trust that the vision for their wedding or event will be flawlessly executed. I’m excited to share that for all upcoming bookings, we are only taking one project per day so that we can provide impeccable, dedicated customer service on your special day.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I’m excited to share a few big updates from Studio Fleurish! First, for all upcoming wedding bookings, we are only taking one project per day so that we can provide impeccable, dedicated customer service for our couples on their special day.
We are also accepting new weekly accounts catering to the hospitality industry, specifically the San Diego hotel and restaurant industry. Our weekly floral services can elevate a business to the next level by creating an unforgettable aesthetic that is sure to leave an impact on customers.
Finally, we are committed to finding creative ways to design with sustainability in mind. This occasionally requires that we change our mechanics and the process of how we have been designing over the past decade. I welcome the opportunity to find solutions that are not only beneficial to our environment but also elevate our design process and our brand.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3095 State Street, Suite F., Carlsbad CA 92009
- Website: www.studiofleurish.com
- Phone: 760-535-9149
- Email: nadine@studiofleurish.com
- Instagram: @studiofleurish
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiofleurish
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-fleurish-carlsbad-2
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/studiofleurish/
Image Credit:
Cavin Elizabeth Photography
Blessed Wedding Photography
Chrissy Gilmartin Photography
Garrett Richardson Photography
Devon Donnahoo Photography
Brett Charles Rose PhotographyB
Erica Streelman Photographer
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