About a month ago, I had a chance to attend the Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC) 20th anniversary conference, with featured speakers included Meg Whitman and Congresswoman Jackie Speier. It’s really a pleasure to meet and be inspired by female role models. One of the sessions I attended was about turning your passion into business and this is one of the most frequently asked questions I got from friends and clients. I, honestly, do not think I am the best example. But if I have to give you one tip and one only, it would be “help and you will be helped.”
When we first started, we were lucky to have Lisi Su, a renowned designer, as our mentor. She graduated from Lyon Formafleur (France) and was the Chairman of World Flower Council Asia Pacific Mini Summit 2006, the honored advisor of Evergreen Elderly Centre Trust of Australia, the art consultant of British Vacation Village Development Co.,Ltd, and the list goes on and on. We never thought she would give us a chance as we were a newbie in the floral design industry. Yet, she gave us advices, shared tips and encouraged us to explore the unknown.
The hand holding experience is invaluable. In return, we learned to help others to get into the wedding industry. In 2007, one of our interns started her own company and it is a thrill to us!! I still remembered we brought her to the flower mart in San Francisco, showed her how to make her first bouquet and the smile she wore on her face when she saw the final product. And we shared our experience, struggles, design and tips, hoping she would have an easy start. You probably think this is crazy to share business information, but it is way more silly not to share. Creativity can only be grown if we exchange ideas. We can only be better if we learn from others’ mistakes and successes.
So for those who are interested in finding out more about the wedding/ floral industry, check out the workshop by Nancy Liu Chin, who is the most sought after wedding designer in the Bay Area. Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by.
“Helping others reach their business goals through coaching, mentoring, and sharing my secrets is a dream that I’ve had for a long time. What I hope to accomplish is to entry level wedding floral designers grasp solid business ideas along with exceptional floral skills. ”
Nancy Liu Chin
Wedding Floral Academy: Design & Business Development Workshops
Date: November 7 -10, 2009
Location: San Francisco, California
Space is limited.
Investment: $1250 for 3 day course.
Including materials, lunch, snacks, takeaway binders, & tote.
Details:
{ Design Modern Classic Table top Arrangements }
{ Design Hand tied Bouquets, Flower Girl Accessories, Groom’s Boutonnieres }
{ Learn Nancy’s inside Floral tips and tricks }
{ Develop a Proposal }
{ Learn the benefits of Marketing – Website, Sponsoring Events, Advertising}
{ Discuss the importance of Branding}
{ Find out how to get your work Published }
{ Learn how to Create Meaningful Websites and Blogs }
{ Learn tips on Building a Strong Portfolio by taking your own photos}
{ Create a Picture Perfect Wedding – More than just Flower Design }
{ Visit San Francisco Flower Market to see what is available}
