We were lucky to catch up with Debbie Ellison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Debbie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
I have done the “regular” job for many years and love being a business owner, although it is not without it’s own challenges. My regular – after being involved with the interior design and furniture industry for over 25 years and working regular retail hours for many years I made the jump and launched my own design studio. When conversation comes up about my business – I always get the response that “I would love to do that” – And I truly do. However the perception of our work is all daisies and play is far from the day to day challenges. My business is my passion and I love that my work is creative in so many different oulets. Growing an idea into something that transforms someones day or home is such an amazing feeling. But it comes with a lot of weight of getting it right, not only nailing my task – but the emotion and feelings of a client. Also meeting the grueling time sensitive nature of both industries we work within is very intense. Whether it is home design, wedding flowers, or just working on a fun accent for something seasonal – the most rewarding part is bringing the projected full circle to the stage that clients are in love with the selection and design process. That is my favorite part. That makes the long hours and intensity of the design process worth it. The hours are long and unpredictable. There is nothing regular about handling all of the tasks of a new business – but I love being my own creative director.
Debbie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
FLORAL AND CREATIVE INTERIOR SPACES ARE THE PASSION BEHIND THE FOX AND WE LOVE SHARING THAT WITH YOU.
WE LOVE DESIGNING IN OUR MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY – STYLING FOCUSED WITH NATURE IN THE FOREFRONT OF OUR DESIGNS. FROM OUR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS – TO DESIGNING HOMES AND SPACES FOR THOSE WITH AN ACTIVE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE.
THE JOURNEY BEGAN BY GETTING MY HANDS DIRTY – AND GROWING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. MY BUSINESS AND HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION BEHIND SEVERAL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FLOWER SHOPS AND HOSTING LARGE SPECIAL EVENTS IS THE FOUNDATION OF MY DESIGN PATH. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY AN AWARD WINNING CAREER IN INTERIOR DESIGN. BEING A MEMBER OF CREATIVE ADVISORY BOARDS AND AN ASID ASSOCIATE ALL LED TO THE OPENING OF THE LAVENDER FOX IN FRISCO COLORADO.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Being open to a collaborative mindset has allowed us to connect with clients beyond our initial business scope. Connecting with other industry professionals has been a surprise along the journey of marketing to customers. 75% of our business is referral – and it isn’t just from past clients. It is from builders and contractors referring us directly to new prospects. We have also seen growth with new clients from related industry members and associations. We have made it a point to connect with caterers, venues, resorts, sales teams, entertainment, and rental companies as we are onsite. We were able to decorate for he Summit Foundaions 40h Anniversary celebration at Copper Mountain. We were also able to assist with the Summit County Parade of Homes as a judge for the SCBA. Small connections can lead to large projects and relationships ha continue to grow.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Listening to the voice – why not make my passion my business. Why not become an event florist – why not combine my creative passions and professions into one business. Why not focus on my design work under my own umbrella instead of through other channels. Seeing a business need and jumping when you hear that voice. This business is like opening two businesses at once, Being in multiple industries and marketing to multiple client bases in a unique resort community – but what a great journey this challenge has been.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavenderfoxfloral.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelavender.fox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554864864879
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-ellison-8a414727/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/the-lavender-fox-frisco-co-2087815
Image Credits
All over images ( send page – 4-8) I took. Last upload taken by Tyler Rebekah Wright