Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Derman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
10 years ago signed up for a floral design class taught by Michael Gaffney just for fun! Class was taught at Kennicotts the floral wholesaler in the city. One day after class, I bumped into a friend who asked me to help with a wedding she had promised to do flowers for. I said YES, eager to try out my new skills and from then focused mostly on wedding and event floral design. I love to see the process through from beginning to end from Pinterest boards and photos to the actual wedding day. From the floral design, biz grew another branch of the business called Chicagoland Chuppah Rental and Design. I have different types of chuppahs for rent. I can custom design them as well. I decorate chuppahs, arches, and mandaps and I also am available to help out on the day of the wedding as a coordinator.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The business grew organically from a desire I had to be creative working with the natural product. Of course, there is a huge learning curve and working with weddings there is always a fairly short window of time to accomplish all that needs to be done. So the challenge is to keep the flowers and product looking fresh and deliver it all on time in keeping with the vision that the couple has without blowing a gasket!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ooh-Ahh Floral Design – what should we know?
I love to meet with couples to see what is their vision for their wedding day and to help to bring it to reality on their special day. I am proud that I have gotten feedback that I am able to take a bunch of not necessarily connected ideas and photos, amplify and embellish them for a signature personal look. I have no predetermined style or set minimum pricing and am able to customize and personalize.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My teacher was Michael Gaffney of the Design Schools of America. I completed both the introductory and the masters level classes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9463 Central Park Ave
- Website: www.ooh-ahhfloral.com, www.chicagolandchuppahrental.com
- Phone: 8473232002
- Email: miriam@ooh-ahhfloral.com, miriam@chicagolandchuppahrental.com
- Instagram: miriamderm
- Facebook: ooh-ahh floral design, chicagoland chuppah rental
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.
