We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelley DeHaan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelley below.

Kelley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful has many meanings to me. Building a personal client relationship is very important to me, learning about my client will allow me to personalize their day and make it even more special.
Communication is huge! Being available within a timely manner lets my couples know I am there for them, if they have questions or concerns, they have them answered quickly.
My long-time relationships with my flower vendors allow me to provide the freshest product and hard to get product.
Providing a quality product and design on my couple’s day and seeing their tears in their eyes and being told it’s even better than they ever imagined. That is success!
I know that my client, their family and friends, their vendors… they will hear about their experience with A Flower Chick. They will know that my couples are not “just a job”, this is what I love!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Being a florist was something that just happened. My first job in high school was working for a family-owned flower shop. I loved learning all about the flowers and the industry so young, I never knew how much went into flowers! From that High School job, I went on to work for a much larger shop where I learned a whole other level of the floral industry! I feel learning every part of the floral industry is a necessity, this is definitely not always a pretty job. Working in an environment that had so many elements in one business was just what I needed to introduce me to what I love, weddings and events! I fell in love with creating beautiful bouquets and floral dreams for these clients most special day! 35 years later, here I am still creating weddings for the most amazing couples! When I meet clients whether on the phone or in person, I love to find out about them, their story, their family… a peek into their lives. Learning about my couple helps me to personalize their day and make it so special! I want them to know me and who I am as their florist and as a person, I want them to be comfortable in the planning process with me and know that they are not “just a job” to me.
Through my 35 years in the industry, I have learned to be very diverse in all design styles. This is something that is very important as all brides have a different vision and I want to make it everything that she dreamt of!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Majority of my new clients are by referral from previous couples and from Industry Vendor referrals. It is the best feeling to receive an inquiry from a couple and find out that my bride from last year referred them to me. I am very blessed to work with some of the best wedding vendors! Building relationships with vendors and seeing each other work firsthand is great, you see their professionalism, their personality and their talent. To be referred by industry professionals is such a compliment!
Social media is an amazing source of my new clients as well! With of course the help from all of my very talented photographers and videographers who provide me with the gorgeous photos of my brides and their florals!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When you find the right team… keep them! Do what it takes to make them happy! Even with the most stressful wedding week happening, if you treat your team great, keep them happy and fed, some upbeat music and positive attitude, your wedding will get done quicker and with some positive energy! Stress and bad vibes are no good for anyone and it shows in the work that is produced. Be the boss you would want to work for!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aflowerchick.com
• Instagram: @aflowerchick
• Facebook: A Flower Chick
• Other: Pinterest- A Flower Chick

Image Credits
Heather Anderson Photography Jaxlens Ashley Baye Photographer Corrie Lynn Photo