This week the dynamic duo of Everything Beautiful OKC hijacked our Instagram feed & filled it with two days of floral goodness! Owner & founder Heather Hayes took some time to answer a few questions so we could get to know a little bit more about this Oklahoma City based floral design company. Enjoy!
PC:
I know you talked a little bit about how Everything Beautiful came to be during the takeover, but can you elaborate on your story a bit for us?
For sure! I’ve always treasured the notion of owning a floral shop, but bypassed it as being unviable. In college that reverie grew when I discovered Birdie Blooms. Katie, owner of Birdie Blooms, had a shop on campus corner in Norman, Oklahoma and it was kind of like my safe haven. Something inside me would come alive every time I stopped by on my way to class. In the fall of 2014 I was fervently looking forward to graduation (with a BA in English-Writing of all things) when my sweet friend Koby asked if I would be willing to do the flowers for her wedding and I agreed before I could talk myself out of it! It was single handedly the best yet most terrifying experience. I had the honor of working with Koby + Eric’s photographer, Magnolia Adam’s who had established a reputable brand and from there it was really an ambition advancing. I always jest that Everything Beautiful found me, not the other way around.
Tell us a bit about working with Jodi, and how the two of you collaborate & work together when it comes to vision & aesthetic?
I’m ecstatic about Jodi being a part of Everything Beautiful! Jodi has contributed to Everything Beautiful for over a year but formally became the first assistant designer to our growing team in March. In part, I think we’re still figuring out our dynamic, but she is keenly intuitive with the personality // style of Everything Beautiful. Jodi is the archetype of integrity and diligence. Usually, we will meet over coffee the week of an event and review aesthetic // vision // schedule // etc. From there, I trust that she will execute each project delegated to her with excellence.
PC: @kaileyconquers
I know this is such a cliché question, but I always LOVE the different words & phrases people come up with when they answer it! So get your creative juices flowing ;) how would you describe Everything Beautiful’s style?
Haha // No, I love it! The word whimsical appears a lot in our style. I arbitrarily started identifying arrangements by Dr. Seuss characters one afternoon. Ultimately, we aim to fulfill the style of our bride, but have a pretty candid awareness whether or not we will be a good fit for a bride. We gravitate toward style that tells a story, utilizes movement, and sparks that feeling of magic.
I’m always so fascinated by learning about the floral industry and creative community in general in different regions & cities. What is it like for you as a floral designer & small business owner in OKC?
Honestly, competitive + supportive. I think people hear the word competitive and think it’s a negative quality, but I think it can be inspiring. I feel like Everything Beautiful was set up for success from the very beginning and I am tremendously grateful. Let me clarify, it has been a process of acquiring knowledge, trying innovative concepts, and asking countless questions along the way. I was fortunate to work with and learn from brilliant designers // photographers from the beginning and I understand the significance of having those opportunities. Overall, the local community in OKC is ridiculously talented and supportive of one another. As a floral designer, living in a land locked state can be challenging, but that’s where Mayesh has been valuable- allowing us the opportunity to order blooms we wouldn’t be able to grow locally. There are definitely objectives to learn and progress to be made, but I think that is universal. We are progressively cultivating a community that is collaborative and growing takes time.
We know the natural, garden style is here to stay (thank goodness!) but are there any other specific trends you see happening now or in the near future for flowers?
Oh wow, that’s a tough call. My equivocal answer would be I think we will see a lot more designers thinking outside of the box when it comes to floral and utilizing it in innovative ways. For instance, elaborate wall installations, storefront designs, and fellas rockin’ floral pieces. Why not?
PC: @bulgerjoseph
Let’s talk tools - favorite florist tool, and favorite app you use in your business, but it social media or business organization? Instagram counts, but if there’s anything else you’re using we’d love to hear about it!
I have shears stashed just about everywhere, but for design I really love the structure chicken wire creates. Business wise, I am old school. I still do everything by Xero and Google Drive // I know, I know… // I might be slightly crazy. Adaptive Creative does all of our branding and I’m really proud of how well they represent our character!
What is your favorite or most memorable event or shoot you’ve been a part of?
I recently drove to California for a 1:1 session with Siren Floral Co. I mentioned it in a few of the Insta posts but it really was a game changer! I learned several techniques regarding composition, depth, color theory, and movement. Being a land locked state, it's easy to envy coastal wholesale markets, ranunculus the size of your face, and the ability to tangibly lay everything out and see it before taking it. The whole trip was a dream!
PC: @ashleykelemen
What is one piece of advice you'd like to go back and tell yourselves during your first year as a floral designer?
Looking back, I would tell myself to extend my vision. To think beyond what I thought was possible. To push boundaries and ask hard questions that are not necessarily hard just courageous because you’re asking for what you want. And sometimes it will not work and that is okay. Don’t overthink it. Follow your instinct. // For the love, stop comparing. // Work hard. Stay humble. You’ve got this!
