We were lucky to catch up with KATHRYN BLANKEN recently and have shared our conversation below.

KATHRYN, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability in floral design is charging appropriately for the amount of time it takes to create and execute a concept. For example, in addition to the cost of the flowers and vases, there is a lot of time that goes into a floral design that many people are unaware of. For my corporate designs, I sketch my concept onto paper which takes time and thought. I have to determine a color scheme and seasonality followed by selecting flowers, greenery, branches and vases that create a harmonious look and feel for the setting. I also have to select flowers that that will be long lasting. The next step is to find a floral vendor who has the flowers in the colors that I need, this takes time on the phone and computer. Once I receive the flowers, I have to prep and condition the flowers and vases, this takes hours and often I hire assistants to help me which adds to the cost of the overall design. There are also fuel and time costs associated with delivering the flowers. To be a profitable floral designer, time has to be taken into consideration. Charging appropriately for my time is my biggest challenge. 

KATHRYN, 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?

I have always loved flowers. After working in the medical field for many years, I decided it was time to follow my floral passion and to go to school to become a florist. I currently provide flower arrangements for hotels, restaurants, local businesses, small events & weekly flower subscriptions. I also conduct workshops on flower arranging, terrariums and holiday wreaths. One of my passions is to create statement pieces using flower and plant materials for photoshoots. What sets me apart from other florists in Park City is that I specialize in corporate floristry instead of retail. Through the use of flowers and plants, I help local businesses create a welcoming environment for their customers.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a floral designer is when people tell me my work makes them happy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a floral designer and or a creative, our work is constantly being judged, especially on social media. We put a lot of thought, study, and heart into our work and never know if it’s appreciated. For example, if I make a flower arrangement for a client and they do not respond, I often wonder do they like it?  What could have been better? Should I have used a different flower? A different color? Our minds continually wonder what could have been better. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.flowersbyyou.net
• Instagram: flowersbyyouparkcity
• Facebook: Flowers By You – Park City Floral Bar

Image Credits
Jess Gruneisen Photography