We recently connected with Shanique Lanier and have shared our conversation below.
Shanique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The story behind my business is more complex, than baking homemade banana nut bread from scratch. I’ll break it down like this, If we don’t create a habit of celebrating life’s blessing or be willing to sacrifice our time for others, we’ll lose what’s left of humanity. My business’s slogan is “putting your occasion on a pedestal” although decor is my jam, I find beauty in the unthinkable. I listen to my customers during consultation and I’ve managed to create a unique process to help people organize their occasion, I call it the P.O.S.E. Method. During the pandemic I got engaged to the love of my life and while planning each intricate detail, it dawned on me how bridezillas , cancellations and even fights can occur. Let’s be honest, it can get overwhelming. While some only have to worry about the right shoes or the best sunglasses, someone is confirming time, vendors, deposits and much more. And combing through the blueprint with a fine tooth comb can cause some medical diagnosis Allow that someone to be Flossy Decor, the middle lady you never knew you needed. Here’s a snapshot of my method, The P in P.O.S.E is for planning. I’m an experienced planning expert. I cover 7 main elements that should occur or be covered during your event. The O is for Organization, I’m not Santa but I definitely check our details three times for accuracy, changes and updates. Next is the S for supplies, some customers like to provide particular items, while others trust me to provide each item necessary. All items are viewed by the customer prior to purchasing. There are deadlines and check in communication from start to finish. Then there’s the final part, E. Not the end but for executing, here’s where I stop breathing till the customer takes it in and give feedback. You never know what the customer may notice or mention as their eyes scan over the event. After all the planning, organization, supplying and executing what’s priceless are the memories created that can’t be recreated. This is the meaning part that isn’t always announced, but always felt. The improvisation that occurred, the people who showed up and experienced a grand time, the expression of joy between generations, all those warm and fuzzy moments that made the event worth happening. The pandemic challenged humanity, it forced us to be creative with connecting and made us determined to make better choices. While I was happily engaged and staying up wee hours in the night to create the best party for our friends and family it didn’t hit me until 3am one morning how we hadn’t seen some people in years, almost decades. For my growing family I didn’t want tragedies and deaths to be when we’d see family that live miles away. I didn’t want funerals to be the normalcy when I’d see people I miss. Flossy Decor elevates occasions for this purpose ; to elevate and enhance how we spend our time together and to make it more meaningful.
Shanique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
What doesn’t Flossy Decor do should be a million dollar question? I actually haven’t discovered the answer yet. Let’s start here with some basics, I’m more than an event planner, I’m an artist, a crafter, an engineer and a BMW (boss, mom, wife) for sure. Although I’ve been coloring and painting since I was 2, professionally I’ve been a creative director for over 20 years. I can recall some phenomenal projects that deserve reintroductions. My resume is impressive, one thing I enjoy most is being a lifetime student. I’m fortunate to have earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, I enjoy working for the military, my favorite travel crew is my spouse and children, but I take pride in being able to showcase my art. I truly learn something each and every day. Something I do that others don’t is I listen to solve my customer’s dilemmas. I notice how sometimes I’m their outlet, their safe place to get the their wants, needs, requests and wishes out their mind. The entire process is quite simple, once I secure a deposit to lock in the date after a free 30 mins or less consultation session. It’s go time!! Flossy Decor provides an affordable luxury according to the customers budget. I’ve been able to pull off some occasions that some may not think is possible. I’ve helped single mothers provide celebrations for their kids, I’ve been apart of several surprise engagements, I’ve had the privilege of helping raise funds for the Dayspring Center Homeless Shelter, I’ve even created a special advertising to offer a one price package to customers. Although the details are itemized, the collection of one lump sum helps clarify busy details for customers. As I flashback to being a homeless child myself, I remember attending many funerals, but I don’t recall family reunions or celebrating my own birthday. Fast forward to being an adult with a healing kid inside of me I try to consider my own experiences when discussing options with my customers. Not everyone is able to spend thousands of dollars on memories. Venues and vendors experience inflation just like everyday businesses ,Flossy Decor does the research to provide options that are outside the box. Complex clubhouses, hotel ballrooms, community centers and more are just a few locations, that are still affordable options when wanting to host memorable occasions. Or something like a list of games, special songs, unique theme related items and more are creative things I like to focus on when applying my P.O.S.E method. Finally, I’m most proud of how creative others become from being inspired by me. I ignite a fire in some areas of people’s lives ,that they never knew existed. You may not have Disneyland money at the moment, but it’s a proven fact, that Flossy Decor will elevate your occasion to fill your memory with more love than mascots and amusement rides can.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Life be life-ing excuse the poor grammar, but I think when readers read that they can pause and appreciate the understanding of that phrase. In 2022 exactly 1 year and 18 days after I buried my best friend who happens to be my maternal grandmother that raised me,I lost my favorite first cousin. She was my cheerleader, she was only 39, she was a beautiful mom to five and on the day before my first son’s 7th birthday I got an unbelievable phone call that left apart of me numb. It was Friday January 13th and in less than 14 hours, I was due to be in Kokomo,IN to decorate for a surprise engagement party. Then on that Sunday ( my son’s 7th birthday) I was hosting a paint party in my home. The CEO of Flossy Decor had to pivot like no other. At a time when life was crumbling under my feet I had to rely on some deep strength I didn’t know exist. Canceling wasn’t an option and crying was all I could do. Overwhelmed with emotions I executed one of the best aesthetic theme engagements and one of the best kid paint parties ever. I’m grateful for the grace both events allowed for me to mustard through and provide great services when at that moment I wanted to cry in a dark place and hide. Looking back I needed that busy weekend to unlock my new super powers I rely on today; resilience, encouragement and tenacity for myself and others.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
My first party was interesting. The budget didn’t cover all the needs, the internet and electricity went out 5 mins before set up. The ice melted and the salad welted. Overall the party was still a success and the customer was satisfied. I’m still not ready to chuckle about this. Truth is I learn and unlearn something at some capacity everyday. Whether it’s learning a simpler way to do something or finding a clever way to create something, I’m always shifting between teacher and student. One thing that sticks with me daily, is not to take things personal. I use each and every customer interaction as a learning experience. From how to answer questions briefly and more efficiently to how to advertise to various types of audiences. I mentioned being a BOSS, mom, wife, working for the military and basically painting a picture of how loaded my multitasking can get. Well along the way I’ve learn to also manage my expectations and anxiety. There’s some days life is running like a well oiled machine and there’s weeks that feel like I’m being pulled thinner than tissue paper. With business comes lessons and one lesson I’m grateful for is separating business from personal feelings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Flossydecorllc.com
- Instagram: Flossydecorllc
- Facebook: Flossydecor
