Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Nielsen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I took a Floral design course at Brigham Young University in January 2019 to fulfill an art credit after finding my previously selected ceramics class was filled. To my surprise, I fell in love with everything about this class. Although it had very few hands-on design opportunities, it was so informational in intriguing to me. During the final class, we have a project to create a bridal bouquet. I was one of the last students to finish and said a quick thank you to my teacher.
She told me she believed I had talent and that I could really make it into the industry. Before, I left she gave me an arm full of additional florals and greens to create another bouquet. I was SO grateful and excited that someone believed in me. After creating my second bouquet I had spread the word on social media if anyone wanted to hire me as a florist I’d love to get into it. I was lucky enough to have a friend who just 3 months later got engaged and asked me if I’d do her wedding. I started researching more and more and would purchase flowers to continue practicing.
After her wedding on November 23, 2019, I was EXHAUSTED but had never felt so fulfilled. I knew this needed to be more than just my side job. In January 2020, I decided to withdraw from BYU and focus on Floral design. Although I felt a degree was important, they didn’t have any programs similar enough for me to feel worth my time to continue. I took a 5-week course from a floral shop in Springville to get a little more hands-on experience and then began my personal floral company. In my first year in business, a worldwide pandemic was going on.
You’d think that would be bad for business, but people were still getting married! The pandemic did change how a lot of things were done but I still had an opportunity to grow! I owe a lot of my success to referrals from friends and social media. By the end of 2020, I had completed 45 events! The year 2021 has been even more incredible. I’ve learned so much more about floral design, running a business, social media, accounting you name it!
At this point I’m still focused on weddings, trying to find ways to make the process easier for brides and helping each element of the florals be one of a kind.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Taking the leap to leave college after spending 2 years working for a degree was very hard. Especially growing up in a family where traditional education is very important, but I truly never felt like school was the best fit for me and I’ve been able to prove that through my success.
Not every career is dependent on a 4-year degree. In November of 2020, I opened a full-service shop with a family friend. But I learned very quickly that a traditional 9-5 brick and mortar store wasn’t the best fit for me either.
I’ve found I’m most effective working from home and having a specific clientele (brides) rather than trying to be someone for everyone I am a designer who is a special fit for a unique personality and style.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a florist! Specializing in weddings. I am known for my unique, textural, and free-spirited floral arrangements and installations. I am most proud of the reputation I’ve built for myself and my company. I’ve had so many opportunities to meet other vendors in the industry and have felt too grateful to know so many other talented individuals.
What sets me apart from others is that I grew up in the wedding industry. I understand it in a whole other way than anyone else. When I was 4 years old my mom started working for Allyse’ Bridal and managed all of their events and marketing. From a young age, I watched how all of the little parts made up the whole.
Venues, caterers, photographers, planners, florists, etc. When I was 18, I started selling wedding dresses at the same company and had even more of an experience to work one on one with brides understanding what common stressors are, what similarities I have with them and it helps me to be a better communicator and coordinator on their big day.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Take the problem and find a way to make it work to your benefit! This year florists are seeing major shortages of flowers due to effects of the pandemic. This means most times we pick up an order from the wholesaler we have to make substitutions to maintain the color schemes and visions of our brides.
This has helped me to reclaim creative freedom. I’ve chosen not to give my brides too many concrete details on what I’m ordering and this has helped me to have creative control and create something they couldn’t have ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Email: Delaflor.studioco@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.delaflorstudioco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaflor.studioco/
Image Credits
@Sadie.photog, Lauren Zufelt @laurenzufeltphoto, Summer Rae @summer_rae, @yibiphotography, and @Jessicaajemanphotography
