Sep 21, 2020
"Before I know what flowers I'm going to use, I need to know what backdrop I'm going to create to show off those flowers." Listen, as Andy and his guest Lewis Miller discuss how he came to be in New York City, his process with clients, how he gets inspired for his designs, how he has been able to maneuver through the pandemic, and so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.
Lewis is a floral designer and founder of Lewis Miller Design out of New York City. His client list includes leading industry professionals in fashion, design, photography, art direction, and architecture such as Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Mayor Blumberg, Chanel, Tiffany, Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, the Whitney Museum, and more.
Lewis discusses how his pop-up flower flashes started and where he did his first one. He shares why he moved from Seattle, Washington to New York City and how he opened his small flower shop without fear or hesitation because he knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.
Listen, as Lewis shares his process when speaking with clients, a story about one particular wedding he did, in an unappealing ballroom, and the curveball he was thrown. Lewis also shares how he merges his company's business aspect with his creative side and how the pandemic has affected him both personally and professionally.
Lewis is a poster child for how to run a business that can tackle a pandemic and come back bigger and stronger. He believes that if you trim the fat every few years and watch where you spend money, you will still be around when others are not. He is an inspiring creative, and you don't want to miss this episode.
We are all experiencing quite a bit of stress and other issues during this pandemic. Andy has put together a list of the top ten tips for dealing with stress, which he has compiled from interviews with icons of the wedding and event industry. If you would like a copy, go to www.theweddingbiz.com/toptips.
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Show Highlights:
[01:52] Lewis, it's so good to have you back on the show!
[02:21] Lewis shares how he got the moniker, the “Banksy of Floral Design.”
[03:42] He discusses the pop-up flower flashes he does in the middle of the night.
[06:38] Lewis speaks about what led him to create the pop-ups and where he did his first one.
[09:25] Lewis shares his background and journey into floral design.
[12:20] Listen as Lewis discusses his move from Seattle, Washington to New York City.
[15:11] He speaks about moving to New York and opening his flower shop.
[17:25] Lewis didn't have any fear or hesitation when he opened his business and started small.
[19:24] What percentage of your business is weddings?
[21:15] Lewis speaks about his process and how he comes up with unique designs.
[23:46] "Before I know what flowers I'm going to use, I need to know what backdrop I'm going to create to show off those flowers."
[24:20] Lewis shares a story of a wedding he did the floral design for.
[27:01] He shares this story because there were so many battles to win and problems to solve, making it fun for a designer.
[30:04] When planning events with people who have money, you are dealing with many personalities.
[31:51] How do you balance the business aspect with the creative side?
[33:38] Lewis discusses what he believes has kept his business alive.
[36:38] Listen as Lewis shares how he is doing during the pandemic, personally and professionally.
[37:34] Lewis describes what flash boxes are and how he came up with the idea.
[40:35] He speaks about the flower design classes he is doing on his studio's ground floor.
[43:52] What are you doing on social media to get the following that you have now?
[46:37] Thank you so much for being on the show!
RESOURCES
Find Lewis Miller
The Lewis Miller Design Flower Class
@lewismillerdesign
Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook
@flowerflashnyc
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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PartySlate - the first website designed specifically for event professionals and venues!
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