I love designs that are rich, full, lush, and loaded with good stuff. I can't do inexpensive designs, I try and I just can't. My heart and my soul wants to help every single young lady that comes to me, but I can't create my look cheaply. I try to do inexpensive designs to help girls get on budget, but the good stuff costs. Lots of the good stuff really costs. Every time I discount my prices to help someone out, I create a design that I am less than happy with. In that instance, what do I do? I buy more flowers and I steal a little from one of my kids college funds. When I create a low price point design, I invariably have to put another flower into the design and then another to make it please me artistically. I can't let a design leave here profitable before wonderful, wonderful always come first. A piece or a design that makes my heart sing is far more important to me than a profitable one, it is simply who I am.
I am bringing this subject up because it is a common issue among true floral designers who are passionate about their work. I think it is important for everyone to know what the artist suffers if they are constricted by budget. My look the Holly Heider Chapple Flowers look can't be done cheaply, unless Holly takes it right out of Holly's pocket. Holly Chapple Flower designs are loaded in the yummy and need to be priced accordingly, not to mention the way we go over and over each piece. The time spent on a design in this studio is similar to the birth of a child. I have actually given birth to some of my babies faster than some of my bridal bouquets. Now that is saying something!! Not complaining, just changing, or better yet, just realizing completely who I am.
Beautiful photos… when am I going to get in there and help you with these designs?
OK…waits a second, it is strange that this mystery person is always around to take the photos…so it must be you? Do you even have time? LOL
Holly, Bravo to you. Bravo for saying this out loud, as it needed to be said. Again, it needed to be said. I hope that you will move forward (making things happen!) and price your BEAUTIFUL work appropriately, and stop leaving your money on the client’s table! You and your work is worth it. There is no need to give it away, when MANY will pay for it.
Very well said, Holly. I know a lot of really good floral designers would agree. At the end of the day, what you put out has your name on it, and you have to be happy with it. Cheers to not settling for mediocrity!
David,
I am so happy to see that you are still following me. I have noticed you dropping by quite a bit. I would love to chat with you again if you should ever have the time…
That mystery photographer really got to chance to shoot a ton of your yummy arrangements. Whoever they are they did a great job showcasing how amazing your work is.
Hi there!
I’ve never done this before, but I just had to comment. I have a small floral design business in Pennsylvania, with a similar design style, and I have struggled with this very same issue. It was just so good to see someone else verbalize it! It is quite a dilemma to want to accomodate everyone and do the kind of work we love, and it’s frustrating when you realize you’re essentially doing it for free! Your work is absolutely beautiful, and reading your post has given me a little boost, a reminder to makes me try to value what I do and charge appropriately, without feeling bad about it! Thanks for putting this out there… I’d love to hear more from you!
We haven’t met before, but I am a fan of your work – I am so proud of you writing this post and taking pride in your design skills. Clients that value what you offer know the worth of your price tag, those that don’t aren’t the right clients for you.
Bravo for being so honest!
Oh Holly – I LOVE you for saying this. The compromise gets in the way of the evolution to being even better. It’s a wonderful realization and healthy truth for your fellow artisans.
Wish I had heard you say this years ago! You perfectly verbalized my greatest struggle and frustration as a floral designer. I can’t count the number of times I’ve added stems or better quality ribbon to make a bouquet fit “my look” and be willing to put my name on it. Sure, the brides love it and you get referrals, but you can’t make a profit this way. In the end, you’re so right…I will always ignore the cost to me in favor of delivering a design I can be proud of. Thanks for your honesty. Love your work and love this post!
Your bouquets are delicious Holly!!! And I love the post of course. You always put my thoughts into words so well ; )
Really well said. I wish I had an unlimited budget when you did my wedding, I can’t even begin to imagine what that would have been like! Hey, a girl can dream… 🙂
Your comment was an encouragement to me! I LOVE making people happy, and it is usually at my expense but I was born to create. You truly have a wonderful talent and a unique design that is completely your OWN. The love of your artistry flows from each design. You have captured “amazing” and put it into everything you touch. You appear to be incredibly passionate about your work; your pictures speak volumes of your integrity. I couldn’t help but notice your beautiful family in the background……your honesty will have a positive impact on them. I can’t wait to see more pictures of what your imagination can dream. It is truly inspirational!
Thank you for the wonderful comments on this post. Having the courage to write this was the first step. I love knowing this blog is bringing pleasure to others.