Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Masiak.
Kate, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After many years of loving flowers and always buying them to arrange for my own home my partner, Matt, suggested to that flowers made me so happy, I should consider a career in floral design. I was honestly floored. It sounded so perfect and I couldn’t believe it had never occurred to me!
Everything went very fast from there – I took an 8-week floral design course, worked for a bit at a local floral shop and then started my own company in 2016. I’m a design studio and I focus on weddings and events. Luckily, I’m the right age where many of my friends are getting married and through their support, word of mouth and marketing I’ve been able to really grow my business in the last two years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, there have been obstacles. Starting your own business is no walk in the park! First, there’s the question of … where do my clients come from? I’m was so lucky to have supportive friends recommending me and helping me secure clients early on. Plus- my first two weddings were for friends!
There’s also such a learning curve. No matter how much you prepare yourself for something there is no teacher like experience. The logistics of the day of setup to figuring out floral recipe orders for events… these are things you learn best by doing. Early on they are pretty stressful.
Look, I won’t lie, one morning before a wedding delivery I was panicking because some hydrangeas had died overnight. You pick yourself up, you handle the problem and they know better how to avoid that situation in the future. (Also, there were no dead hydrangeas at that wedding and everything looked beautiful.)
The Flower Girl Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a floral design studio specializing in weddings and events. From bridal bouquets to hanging floral installations, I love every aspect of event floral design. Working with me is a very personalized experience. I’m the person you’re going to talk to about your design, I’m the person who is going to actually make your floral pieces, and I’m the person who is going to do setup at your event. I am there every step of the way.
I think being a small studio is a great advantage because it allows me to really get to know my clients. It’s my constant goal to give a client everything they want, even on a tight budget. I work directly with the client to discuss style and design and brainstorm ways to achieve their dreams without breaking the bank. Everyone deserves their dream bouquet, or centerpieces, or floral arch.
I’m extremely flexible and I think my clients really appreciate that. If you want to change your colors or style that’s fine! I understand how important your day is and don’t want you to feel “locked in” to your floral design. Clients have until 6 weeks before their event to tweak and change and adjust whatever they want.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is happy clients. This comes in many forms- a bride’s reaction when I present her with her bridal bouquet, sweet emails after an event raving about the flowers, or a new contact telling me they were recommended by a previous client.
I didn’t get into this industry to run a large operation with a dozen employees. I got into this industry because I love it and it makes me happy to play with flowers. I get to do what I love and I get to see the happiness what I do brings to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theflowergirlcompany.com
- Phone: 773-706-7297
- Email: kate@theflowergirlcompany.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theflowergirlcompany/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theflowergirlcompany/
Image Credit:
Sullivan and Sullivan Photography, Logan Rose Photography, Michelle & Yasmin Photography, WS Photography, KatsEyes Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
