Brea McDonald Photography
Your name: Emily Carter
Your Business name: Emily Carter Floral Designs
Your Location: Freeport, Maine
How did you start your business?
I had been in the floral design industry for well over a dozen years when I decided to start my business. My floral design career stemmed off from my artistic portfolio while in college in my early twenties. I trained with some of the best floral designers and found that designing flowers was yet another great form of artistic expression. I fell in love with mother nature and the ability to work with color and an organic medium like I had never known.
For over a dozen years I had worked in various aspects of floral design: hotel, retail, private events, and weddings. I finally decided to branch off on my own as I found that my true passion was always in weddings, private and corporate events more so rather than some of the traditional floral holidays that you inevitably get pulled into when working for a retail shop.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
How many years have you been in business?
6
What is your design aesthetic?
I love doing various styles of design; however I truly love working with the flowers when you see their organic lines. I also love working within tonal color palettes where the flowers blend together in a soft and romantic look and design.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my clients, their style in everyday life. I draw inspiration from attire, the surroundings in which their event is taking place, but most of all, the season in which their event is taking place.
Brea McDonald Photography
What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
In terms of flowers, in New England we are so fortunate to be surrounded by some really wonderful growers. There is a phenomenal peony grower right here in Freeport and some beautiful dahlia growers that do a stellar job just up the coast. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such great farmers and I draw great inspiration by watching them work and all that they do to grow the stems that I work with.
I think that in years past, a lot of people that came to Maine for events thought more in a direction of mason jars and wooden boxes, but with a little encouragement a lot of clients are starting to think outside of the box (no pun intended). I am really enjoying helping my clients to see the other styles of design and how they can really complement the overall design aesthetic for their wedding.
Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
Studio/warehouse.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
I actually pride myself on just focusing on floral design. I pour so much time and energy into the design aesthetic, floral budget and overall cohesive design of the wedding, as well as ensuring that the flowers integrate appropriately and beautifully, that I know that that is where my energy needs to be focused the day of as well. I do offer a great deal of consultation along the way to my clients in terms of feedback on linens and other rentals as well as the layout, but I keep my focus within the aspect of floral design.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
Joyce Chens…. love those! That and a good spool of wire.
Alante Photography
What’s your favorite flower?
Peony, poppies and anemones tie for me
Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
As a designer that has a true passion for the artistry of floral design, I did get frustrated with the amount of time that it was taking me to create estimates for clients in years past. I founded Lobiloo, the most amazing floral design resource for florists, which has cut my time for creating estimates in a third. I promise any designer out there that if you give it an hour of your time to play with the program, Lobiloo will save you time and in the long run money as it has made a great difference to my company. I now have more time to dream up new designs and focus more on my clients, not just the computer and their cost outs! It has been a life saver for me and many other designers that are using Lobiloo. I would encourage any designer, new or old, to give it a try.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
Your contact information:
{ring} 207-865-4021
http://www.emilycarterflowers.com
www.emilycarterfloraldesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/EmilyCarterFlowers
www.lobiloo.com
https://www.facebook.com/lobiloodesign