What do magic, flowers, and a bubbly personality have in common? Denise Levien, Tres Belle’s senior floral designer! We recently had a chance to sit down and chat with Denise and learn more about her likes, dislikes, and insights into the world of floral design and event planning.
First off, tell me a little about yourself.
I liked to be creative, but I was actually very shy. I was the one who hung out with my parents while everyone else hung out with each other. I competed in figure skating, horseback riding, tennis. I started participating in theatre. I had always been a singer but theatre was a chance to sing around other people. I then went to school for vocal performance and business law.
I thought about being a litigator; being in a courtroom and giving all the speeches. But I wanted to perform. I went to theme parks and worked with magicians. I started working with a magician full time. I then started getting into into sales with the magician, and as a result we tripled his sales. I then found a new interest in sales.
I’ve always tried to combine my gift of gab with my love of sales and creativity, and here I am :).
How would you describe yourself?
Introverted extroverted! Being around the right people brings out the best in me and the outflowing of creativity. I thrive in that environment and become more extroverted, but down time is important to recharge my batteries.
What got you into floral design?
Well, a friend of mine desperately needed help with her wedding. It became obvious that no one knew how to DIY anything. My friend had four sisters under the age of 18 as her bridesmaids, and I was the maid of honor. The idea was to get silk flowers from Michaels and everyone would make their own bouquets. But I soon knew that the idea wasn’t going to happen successfully. So I took all the flowers home and did all the DIYs. As a result of helping with that wedding, I got several other events off of that event. I enrolled in classes to know better about the business and got certified in floral design. And I’ve never looked back since :).
What is your favorite thing about floral design?
While I love the sales aspect of it, the actual design and playing with the flowers, freeform, is my favorite. I like the way it looks. It brightens up the room. Some would say: “Oh, you don’t need flowers.” But you always need flowers. Saying that you don’t need flowers is like saying you don’t need sunshine.
What is the best wedding you’ve worked on?
Probably my friend’s like I talked about before. It was all so new and exciting! But, I didn’t know what I was doing. Cut to three years later, to my first wedding as a certified wedding designer, that was also a favorite. Those two definitely rank up there. Oh, and I also did one with feathers in the bouquets. That was different and everyone loved them.
What is the best thing a client can do for you?
Be decisive! I don’t care what the design choices are. If they can be decisive that is the biggest help in the world.
What’s a tip for an aspiring floral designer?
No matter what your creative talent is, get certified. It’s like ballet. It’s a good foundation for everything else in your life.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It was a sales rep that I know, and her piece of advice was: “Don’t let the sales pick you. You pick the sales. And know your product inside and out.”
What are the unique things you carry in your bride emergency kit?
Essential oils, facial powder, a measuring tape, and bobby pins!
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We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Denise as much as we love working with her! Interested in floral design services for your upcoming event? Check out our website for more information.
Lauren H. – Executive Assistant and Assistant Designer for Tres Belle Weddings & Special Events
Tres Belle Weddings & Events Blog 