Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammie Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tammie, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
The topic of unexpected problems or issues is very raw for me, because the biggest and most damaging problem happened just a couple of months ago. I worked with a client – I will refer to as the Smith Foundation – a year ago who vowed to work with no other florist and event designer for their annual event. Fast forward to this year, Smith Foundation contacted me requesting that I “do as an amazing job as last year.” Over a series of telephone conversations, texts, a meeting with their CEO, as well as a 20% discount on anything that I could not provide at cost to meet their restricted budget, the 63-table event was approved and I went to work. The event was less than a month away; their products were procured from vendors from coast-to-coast; and the threat of a UPS strike was still looming. I worked diligently to ensure that their theme-specific, nonreturnable hard goods and nonperishable flowers would be received in time to fulfill my obligation. The very day their event supplies started to arrive, and a week after receiving their payment, I received an email – not even a telephone call – requesting a refund because they “decided to go a different route.” After realizing they weren’t entitled to a refund, they resorted to a chargeback through their credit card company. This left me with products I didn’t need nor wouldn’t have ordered, will take time to use unless someone else has the same theme, and more importantly, with a bank account that has a deficit in the thousands for which I am still recovering. Needless to say, this has left me untrusting and apprehensive about accepting credit card payments.
Now reflecting on last year’s experience with the Smith Foundation, there was a situation that I dismissed as an oversight but remedied to make their event a success. A request reminiscent of the situation that transpired last year resurfaced as their approach to event planning practices for this year, but I vehemently rejected it citing last year’s experience as an example. Perhaps this was God’s forewarning that I missed but an unfortunate lesson learned nonetheless.
Tammie, 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?
Exquisite Ensembles and Gifts by Tammie started more than 20 years ago as a gift basket and party favors business with a touch of florals. By the grace of God, Exquisite Ensembles has evolved into a thriving full-service retail florist, event curating and managing, and professional officiating boutique. I like to describe Exquisite as an atelier for all things floral and special occasions. I pride myself with getting to the heart of my clients’ specific desires and turning them into a manifestation of their needs driven by my passion to create and serve. It’s an artistic eye, listening intently, and working tirelessly to curate a design for one client at a time. If someone comes to me with a picture, I acknowledge the beauty within the picture. However, I would never dishonor the artist or short my customer by replicating what I was shown. I inform my clients that the picture serves as a springboard for what will become their own, unique design for others to gaze over and that I accomplish this by pairing the image with their vision and my artistry to produce an Exquisite design by Tammie.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
It’s a bit selfish because my work is therapeutic… I get lost in almost every creation and sometimes lose track of time, but at completion, God has given me something to be proud of. The rewarding aspect of what I do is completion, smiles or tears of joy, and most importantly, a satisfied client! I take a step back and look what I have created. With the big picture in mind, I ask myself, “will my work make some happy, smile, or shed a tear of joy” as they remember a loved one and note that my design contains a favorite color, flower, or artifact? Knowing that my finished work will bring joy to others whether I have been engaged for a happy or sad occasion, motivates me and makes it all worth it.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media can be consuming and requires emotional security. If you are on social media just to solicit likes or gain acceptance, it is likely to destroy you. Followers will fluctuate. With this in mind, I approach social media using old adages preached by my parents… “put your best foot forward,” “treat others the way you want to be treated,” and “you cannot please anyone unless you are pleased with yourself.” I apply these adages to my social media presence by sharing what I’ve done, acknowledging others and their efforts, and posting to show my truth, evolution… growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ensemblesandgifts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exquisiteensembles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExquisiteTam/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@exquisiteensembles5629
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/exquisite-ensembles-and-gifts-by-tammie-tucson
Image Credits
Tara Leinen and EM&M PHOTOGRAPHY