Behind the Scenes: Here today, but gone tomorrow?

It makes me sad that quite a number of friends in the industry have closed shop this year. A few took me by surprise while others were expected as I noticed their dwindling presence at the flower market.

About a year ago, I knew that 2009 and 2010 would not be kind to my fellow floral friends. Many have done the right thing and thrown in the towel despite great buzz and terrific portfolios. Many scaled down, moved out of the expensive Bay Area, and have started new career paths.

Regardless of how it happened or why they decided to leave the market, we are all left to wonder....

what went wrong?

Some might say that the economy hurt them, others would say that bad reviews and difficult clients drove them out, or some would assume that higher overhead drove them to close their business. We will never know the whys but as a floral designer who has seen hard times, I am learning that sometimes it's not a difficult client, economic woes, or a bad review that forces a business to reexamine their reasons for being. Some might have just given it away for too long and when the economy came to a sudden stop, the bills finally caught up.

So, my question is....

Are you giving it away?

As Sean Low wrote in an article recently,"they(the clients) need to know how you derived the cost of your goods and/or services and how it is that you will deliver them. You do not have to be the lowest cost provider or apologize for what you charge. ". To have integrity in this business doesn't mean you just hand it over to your client at the lowest cost or at wholesale if that doesn't work for your business. You should be willing to defend it. And more importantly, you need to show the benefits. If you don't get what you need, move on.

Yes, we still have to be transparent and acknowledge that our clients and other vendors can determine the cost of goods. That's fine. I accept that and you should to. But service beyond the cost of goods have a value that you can and should not give away.

For instance, if any wedding designer or floral designer goes to a market or online, they can find a box of 2 dozen, 3 inch votives for $15.00 at wholesale. Let's say you choose to sell them for $25.00 a box and your client disagrees. You could just say, " sorry, that's the price " and thus, the end the conversation. Or you could tell them, that you have to locate them, pick them up, open the box, check for stickers, repackage them, load them on the truck, place them on the table, and at the end of the night if you have to strike, you have to re box, and give them to the client. Now, that $25 for a box sounds like a great deal. No?

However, often I see that vendors cave in when they are challenge.

I have been guilty of this.

I'm equally ashamed of my own behavior and that's why I am writing about this.

Shame on me for not defending my position. Whether your client is a bride or vendor or venue, I say, if your clients or other vendors don't get it, let them do it themselves.

In this business, we have to do what is right for our long term goals, not just for the moment. It's our responsibility to ensure that our business is here for today, tomorrow, and the future. A small discounting or diminishing of our service or products today could mean that in the future, we might have to "throw in the towel". Don't work with clients or vendors who don't get the principle that your time is money and that your service is worth something. Move on and find people who will be team players, who will watch your back, and accept your worth. Find clients who will appreciate your talents, time, and creativity.

Bottom line: If you give it away today, you might not be around long enough for tomorrow.

Inspirations: Y. U. M.

This delicious table personifies the word EYE candy. Sunshine, royal blue, strawberry red. Oh My! Yum Yum Yum. Kudos to Jessi Haack, the fabulous event designer behind this lovely spread.  To see all the images, you've got to go to Wedding Chicks! 

For those who aren't familiar with Wedding Chicks, it's a wedding blog that knows a thing or two about chic and fun weddings that aren't your typical DIY or Classically sweet, ya' know what I mean?

Behind the Scenes: Adapting to Change

Some of the best ideas and inspirations come when I have lunch with one of my wedding buddies(who will remain nameless). Vendor BHS and I have quarterly lunches.  She is a very successful wedding vendor and we've been helping each other from day one.  When BHS and I get together we talk about our lives, our business, and our challenges.  Plainly speaking, we listen (aka vent) and also try to give good advice.  Though we don't always see eye to eye(I tend to be more reactionary, she tends to be more analytical), we do agree on many things.

During this lunch, Vendor BHS mentioned to me that a very high end, high quality vendor was possibly going out of business.  Isn't that such a recurring theme?  It's like the BP oil spill, it's just plain old news.

As we treated ourselves to a delicious Japanese lunch, both of us were trying to figure out what is the secret to mastering such crisis.  Both of us attribute good business practice and good word of mouth for our stable business but we also recognize that we are both very classic designers, never too rock n' roll and edgy, never too complex to require huge staffs, never too far from our roots that got us where we are at today.  We are trendsetters and innovators but never too far from what our clients want.  And mainly, we both have very simple and straightforward approaches. Plus, we becoming very comfortable with saying the word, "no".   We have seen enough changes that we know that we have to

Adjust  &  Adapt to Change

Don't you think that a tiny flaw of many small business operators is that they are fatally focused on their OWN business that they don't look at what is going on around them.

When our country was faced with one of it's most terrible financial crisis since the Depression, did many business adapt quickly and adjust their business so that they were well positioned?   Many probably continued to stay it's course hoping that the crisis would blow over.  More optimistic folks probably thought that the dust would eventually settle and things would get back to norm.  But have they?

I don't believe that the way we do business today and tomorrow will be the same.  I'm definitely going to say that I can't just let my website remain as is.  I can't just write the same proposals over and over again.  I can't deliver the same arrangements and designs.

Nor can I go spend frivolously on new props for just one event.  Nor can I swallow another floral order below margin.  Nor can I give things to other vendors as a favor.  Nor can I work with vendors who need a "kick back" to get their client's business.   It's just not a good way of doing business.

Though our business principles are still rooted in the same values( our style remains Modern. Classic. American.  Our staff values remain untouched -  people matter, safety comes first, walk with purpose, best products, best results.  And our motto - exceptional flowers, exceptional events still holds true.  ).  We've been working harder as team.

That means that

 -Every person has had to pitch in.  Our staff has had to make adjustments due to stress on the payroll

- We've had to work with other talented floral designers in the area on things like sharing, borrowing, and renting props from each other so that all of us can benefit

- We invest in better equipment so that we can get things done faster.  (I just bought me first rose stripping machine and new computers)

- We continue to do things that sets our business apart like tweeting, writing our blog, and creating an Apple APP for the iPhone.

And

-We've ordered more things in bulk so that we can get some volume discounts

What are you doing to adapt?  What are you doing to adjust?  How have you made changes?  We'd like to hear.

Press: Classic Wedding, Classic Bride!

Once again, we can't thank bloggers enough for being our champions! This wonderful wedding which was originally printed in the June 2010 issue of Brides Magazine was recently featured in (great) detail on Classic Bride Blog(there is a part one and two, so don't forget to read both!) You've probably heard me say that it's one of my favorite weddings from 2009, but I'll say it again.

Much of the credit needs to go to an amazing team including Gertrude and Mabel {photographer}, Jubilee Lau Events {planner}, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering {catering}, Classic Party Rentals [rentals, tables!} and Chewing the Cud {paper details}. Thanks to our couple, Julie and Nathan for being one of those clients who just always believed in their vendors. I really live for "projects" like this - filled with heart, filled with soul, filled with gorgeous details that weren't overwhelming but authentic to them!

Thanks Classic Bride - what a treat and honor!

Floral Inspiration: From the Trash IV

You are expecting house guests any moment. You rush over to your studio to see what's left over in your "junk" bucket(don't we all have one). I pull out all the white flowers I have and I rush home.

And voila, this is what I could do with less than 15 minutes to spare.

Taking a group of tall Calla lilies that had dark brown spots on the stems, I cut them short. I placed them horizontally because(well, just because) it's not expected. We had some Phalenopsis in the cooler that we used for boutonnieres and corsages. Cutting them short and placing just one to two focal stems, I created this modern, grouped arrangement.

Remember, you don't need a lot of stems to do these modern arrangements but always keep some very narrow rectangular vases like this one. It makes for something dramatic.

Tell me what you think!

Press: Tips on Style Unveiled SF Edition

We count our blessings all the time! Why you ask? Because out of the blue, we get asked to contribute our opinions and tips on great wedding resources like Style Unveiled to name one of our favs. Who doesn't just blush at such honor?

We thank the editors at Style Unveiled for their willingness to let flowers have a voice. And it was an honor to share the article with Martha and Yasmin. Though we haven't met Martha, we like her advice and tips. As for Yasmin, she's a buddy of ours and who wouldn't want to share tips with that designing talent!

Thanks again. To read the full article, we invite you to Style Unveiled - where fashion meets weddings.

About Nancy: Big News Apple Iphone App

Never could I imagine that this day would happen.  Today, we are launching our 1st ever Apple Iphone App. Simply to go the Apple's Itune store(which you can click on this link).

Our Apps is called

Nancy Liu Chin Designs

It's a FREE App so please spread the news.

You will see images of our many events by some of the best Bay Area photographers including

Kevin Chin
Gertrude and Mabel
Lisa Lefkowitz
Anna Kuperberg
Annie X
Kirsty Edwards

In the months to come, we'll be adding more to our galleries so as it matures it will have more inspiring ideas and photographs to wet your appetite.

It's been such a wonderful process developing this Apple App.  Of course, we need your feedback to make it better.  Please send us a note and let us know if you were able to download the app.  Tell us what you think.

Floral Inspirations: Scented

Have you noticed in the past decade that flowers don't smell as intense or sweet anymore.  I remember as a child how wonderful the scent of my mother's garden roses were.  Today, when I put my nose near a flower, I can barely smell it's sweet fragrance.

And it got me thinking....are we trading perfection, quality, longevity for something so primitive and important as the scent of a flower?

More and more, we are culture of people who just don't like scents.  I'm totally guilty of that.  I want unscented shampoo, unscented candles, unscented tissue paper, and the list goes on.  Even my dear husband won't even let me wear perfume(circa 1990 Tiffany & Co.) because he isn't crazy about perfumed scents(and this is coming from someone who professes to have a weak nose).

When I meet with brides and their entourage, often the request that I get is no scented flowers.  No gardenias, no lilies, no tuberose, no scented anything.  No wonder all the roses at the market barely smell and it's the organic ones that still have their lovely scent.

To me a rose isn't a rose if it's scentless.  The sweet and delicate scent of a Sterling rose is magical but now, the replacement 'Faith' or 'Coolwater' just smell, well, blah.

I am copying an insert from The Flower Expert Blog to explain why fragrance isn't a bad thing.


The underlying biological purpose of flower fragrances is to advertise to insects;that food (nectar or pollen) is available, or to fool the insects into a hungry or amorous condition. The insect visits the flower, looking for food or a mate. If all goes well for the flower, the insect will take some pollen with it before it leaves, then serendipitously deposit that pollen on the stigma of another flower of the same species, thereby cross-pollinating the plants.

Why are so many flowers that use to have scent missing their sweet odor?  There are many articles and researching looking into this.  Mainly, climate, heat and pollution has some bearings.   Others that I have spoken to with regards to commercially grown cut flowers  say that when a grower is genetically altering a flower's characteristics the most important for business sake is 1) quality 2) color 3) shelf life.  Unfortunately smell is just not a key priority for hothouse flowers and those many of the nature scents are fading.

I'm so sad by this because a rose isn't a rose if it's scentless. The sweet and delicate scent of a 'Sterling' rose is magical but now, the replacement 'Faith' or 'Coolwater' just smell, well, blah. Yes, we have more perfect flowers in our markets at better prices.   However, I still like the organic roses that you will find at Brannan Street, Garcia's, or Torchio Nursery. And I applaud them for supporting local growers who don't strive for perfection but for organic flowers.  Yes, these garden varieties come with nasty thorns and imperfect stems.  But one whiff of its sweet nectar and you can recalls your mother's garden.

About Nancy: Success

Do you ever wonder what success is?  For me there are different levels of success ranging from financial freedom, power, fame, influence however, a measure of true success to me is when those you've mentored, trained, and developed have become successful in their own way.

The satisfaction one gets from seeing an inexperienced designer, intern, apprentice turn into an artist is completely gratifying.  You never know how a small tip, an hour spent teaching, or even heartfelt advice will ever translate and touch another person.  You hope that all your good intentions, hours spent training will not go to waste.

I could not be more proud than I am today knowing that many of those I have mentored are making a career in the wedding industry.  I'm especially proud of my former assistant, Karin Woodward of Haute Horticulture.  Karin is making a name for herself in the South but she's hit the big leagues.
SO darn beautiful and uber chic.  Well done.   All her arrangements have such simplicity beauty.  Karin was a great asset but now she's a great source of inspiration.   Take a look at the rest of this chic event at Style Me Pretty.  Congratulations, Karin.

Inspiration: Retro Pretty

Suddenly I'm in love with everything 80's from plaid,neon hot pink, vintage cherry red cars, black trimmings, and wallpaper prints.

Inspirations: Floral Prints

Saw this on EatDrinkChic's website today and I went crazy. What isn't there to love? It just reinforces that dainty, calico, floral prints that are in the fashion magazine can translate into weddings.

Inspiration: Summer House Board

I haven't done that many inspiration boards in a while but I found myself a little under the weather. What better way to spend a few hours in bed than to be creative. This Summer House board came about when I found the image from the Getty library of red buckets. From there I found small details like vintage yellow jewelry, rustic lemonade sign and the rest followed suit. I love everything in hues of lemon because I love that it's sweet yet sour.  The fire engine red to me gave the board a little pop.  Of course my high school colors were red and gold so it was probably about time that I created something that was inspired by my high school.

Press: Sophisticated Wedding on Project Wedding

A huge thanks to the folks at Project Wedding who are always very generous in featuring our work. This time I was equally happy to share it with Kevin, my hubby. Many people think we work together all the time but we rarely do on "real weddings". I'm honored that Jennifer and Garrett put their faith in both of us. It was a fantastic wedding and I love that ballroom weddings are back.

Thank you Project Wedding.

Inspirations: Sherwood Forest

The other night, I went to see the much anticipated Russell Crowe film, Robin Hood.

{Note to Brown Bag Fans: I only profess to love sensitive, artsy, intellectual types but am secretly obsessed with alpha males like Russell Crowe, Clive Owen, Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Colin Egglesfield.}

Okay, back to the post! Right.

The movie was great as I expected and it got me thinking.  I want to do a Sherwood Forest wedding.  And before I knew it I was looking for inspiration boards and came across one from my fav, Kathryn at Snippet & Ink.  If she weren't so nice, I would be green with envy.  Kathryn makes boards like no one else so I had to share my Robin Hood inspired board with you.

Lush, woodsy, fair, maidenly - beautiful, right?

Favorite Bouquets: Part two, A Highland Romance

Yet another one of my favorite bouquets.  It seems like white and green bouquets have been very popular requests this year.  But even though it's popular, each bouquet does look different and uniquely appropriate for each bride who carries the flowers.

There are a dozen reasons for why I adore this bouquet(and this wedding) but I guess it's mainly due to the inspiration that comes from the client.    The couple, Kristy and Christopher who are madly, deeply, truly in love, are people after my own heart.  Everyone knows that I read romance novels and when Kristy told me that she and Christopher were getting married at the Marin Headlands, I knew that this wedding was after my own romantic and sentimental nature.  The bouquet, most especially,  had to evoke a sense of old world charm, highland mystic, and feminine sensibilities.  If Christopher, the groom, was going to wear a kilt, I knew that this bouquet had to feel like an heirloom and not something modern or tailored.  Nothing glamorous. 

I started out with organic Helleborus then added Southern California Ranunculus, local variegated tree foliage, Sweet Peas, Tweedia, Freesia, and Lilac.  Even the boutonniere for the groom was unique - a simple, rustic thistle.  All the flowers for the centerpieces were locally cut like the fruit blossom branches above.  I appreciate that the couple wanted seasonal items that were locally grown and I think it made for such a sentimental and fresh wedding.  Who knew that the Marin Headlands could look like the Scottish Highlands? 

Thanks to Greg Slick of Once Photography for these charming images and Lisa McNichols of And Something Blue, the amazing coordinator who put the words and ideas into action.