We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Fairman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.
Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
Some of the biggest trending designs in the floral design world is that we are full on color and full on innovation! Neutral weddings and muted tones will always exist but I think this years’ design clients aren’t afraid to step out of the box. They want unique designs that are bursting with all different colors and they are looking for innovative installation designs to make their weddings stand out from their peers. Some of the installations I am seeing are using interesting objects to create unique art – it no longer feels like you are just designing for a wedding any longer. It feels like you are a true artist! Using milk crates, shopping carts, spray paint, disco balls, crystals…you name it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Jamie! I’m a self-taught floral designer and installation artist for weddings and brand activations. I split my time between Kentucky and Colorado but design all of over the US! I started in the wedding industry almost 18 years ago and have worked many facets of they industry until one day I wanted to learn florals. Back then there wasn’t much education opportunities out there like there are today with the many talented florists utilizing social media and master class programs. So I mainly fumbled my way through design, experimenting until I landed on my style(s) and target clients I wanted to pursue!
What I think makes me unique to the game of florals is that I have worked many different sides of the wedding and event industry so I truly know what the internal workings are for other people as well as the perspective from the client side. I think it bring a sense of comfort to folks that I am working with. Another thing is that I buck all the rules of florals. I don’t want to send a client with the same design that I did last week for some one else. Innovation is key! Lastly, my passion for sustainability in the floral world is huge! The floral industry is a dirty industry. Most flowers coming from South America are from 2nd world countries with horrible labor laws that aren’t great for the workers on the farms. I truly try to buy flower locally and from as many US growers as possible. The other thing about more commercial floral growers is the amount of waste that comes with packaging. From the plastic film sleeves and rubber bands. When I choose local, I can avoid consuming anything that might be harmful to the planet. The next part is choosing sustainable mediums to design in. I DO NOT use floral foam because it is so so damaging to our earth and full of micro plastics and materials that are harmful. I choose using chicken wire (and reusing it), Agra Wool products, reusable water picks, and self-made moss bricks that can be reused. The last part is that I try to forage a lot of my products if possible. Cutting foliage (that will grow back), using already dead/dried foliage that has passed its season and getting innovative with the foliage around me for my designs.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What I think that has helped build my reputation in my industry is truly investing in my craft and translating that into the end product for my clients. Most of my business comes from word of mouth referrals from clients and industry professionals whom I have built a relationship with. Running a business for me isn’t just about creating floral designs, it’s much more than that. It is building long last relationships.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
You don’t have to do what you think people want you to do. Any outside influence pushing you to box yourself in or not be proud of being innovative in your work should be ignored. The most freeing experience was when I left a business partnership where we disagreed fundamentally on operating our business together and what kind of designers we wanted to be together. That person very much wanted one type of client and I wanted to expand my range and hit many audiences. After COVID pushed us into a break from florals, I started up my own floral design business and it has made me so incredibly happy to design how I want, for who I want and chase clients that excite me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamiefairmanfloraldesign.com
- Instagram: @jamiefairmanfloraldesign
Image Credits
Personal photo: Avistoria 1: Firm Anchor Photography 2. Crystal Ludwick Photography 3.Shining Light Photography 4. Made by Moonlight Photography