It's been less than a week since Valentine's Day and I'm sitting at home on my couch feeling happy and exhausted. The adrenaline rush of a busy holiday and physical labour involved when designing hundreds of bouquets and arrangements have taken their toll and my body is still recovering!
This Valentine's Day was entirely different for me as it was the first Valentine's at our new retail space. I pulled out every last ounce of wisdom and experience I possess to ensure things would run as smoothly as possible, and while there were some stressful moments, I'm happy to report that this holiday was success! I'm humbled by the hard moments, yet feel incredibly proud of myself - I have known for a long time that this was my destined career path and I'm honoured to be pursuing it successfully!
I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who pre-booked their flowers, placed an order through our website, called us at the Studio, or who dropped by in person to shop. Supporting local businesses is something that I absolutely adore, and I am incredibly grateful to all of you who chose to support mine this Valentine's Day. When I founded TwinFlower Studio, I wanted to create a space where people can connect through a shared love of flowers. I have felt that love since Day One, and truly felt that love this Valentine's Day.
I also want to give my family shout out. As a solo-preneur, the support of my family has been an immense source of happiness, love, compassion, and freedom. I wouldn't have been able to take time away from the Studio, make appointments, or keep a sane state of mind if my parents and sister didn't step in to assist with product pick ups, deliveries, shop upkeep, and more.
I'm excited to begin the slow shift from Winter to Spring. Warmer weather is coming and spring flowers are already on the market. With St Patrick's Day around the corner, expect to see shamrocks arriving at the Studio, and with Easter following up shortly after, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, and more will be in abundance!
Today, on Family Day, the Studio was closed. Spending time with my loved ones, and giving myself a day off are crucial elements in my work-life balance. I'm sure that those of you who run businesses or have busy schedules understand the importance of rest and taking time for oneself! I was able to spend time with family, outside in Nature, and finally got that mountain of laundry tackled...
I hope you had the chance to spend time with family or friends this long weekend, and found some time to do the things you enjoy! I'm feeling refreshed and am looking forward to a new week with new possibilities ahead!
With gratitude,
-Nicola
]]>Valentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates love and relationships, but there's also a lot of pressure to pick the right thing to gift to your sweetheart. We've created a list of our top picks for Valentine's Day to make this decision easier!
1. For the Refined Romantic:
Our Romantique Arrangement is a luxe combination of unique tropical flowers and timeless lush red roses. Carefully arranged in a brushed gold pedestal vase, these blooms will be sure to make an impact on your partner's heart.
2. For the Flower Obsessed:
What's better than one bouquet? Multiple bouquets delivered throughout the year! Purchase a Flower Subscription for your Valentine to give the gift that keeps on giving! Select your first delivery to be on Valentine's Day and surprise them with a continuous floral order at the frequency of your choosing
3. For the Classic One:
What's more timeless than a classic rose? There's a reason they're so popular at Valentine's Day - they're the international symbol of love and adoration. Our Classique Bouquet will be the perfect gift - a dozen long stem roses arranged with luxe greenery and dainty accent flowers. True love in flower form!
4. For the Unconventional Valentine:
Not everyone is a fan of roses, or the colour red, and for those who like to keep things different, our Fleur Arrangement is the perfect pick. With a dreamy, wildflower vibe, this arrangement feels fresh and gardeny without being overly romantic or "Valentinesy".
5. For the Artistic Soul:
Floral Design is an art form, and for those who love to colour outside the lines, our Trésor Arrangement will surely appeal. Unique colours and a stylized design instantly cause a double take. We love that it incorporates purple tones - a highly prized pigment amongst royalty. Ooh La La!
6. For the Foodie:
If you haven't tried them already, Kin + Pod chocolates are simply the best. Made in small batches in Vernon, BC, these chocolates are award-winning delicacies. We're always obsessed with their Sponge Toffee, but for a little extra fun, the Hazelnut Chocolate Lollies are a sweet treat!
7. For the Dreamer:
While it might seem cliche to give jewelry at Valentine's Day, when it's locally made and as dainty as the Eloise Hoops from Haiku Lane Jewelry, we say DO IT. These whimsical hoop earrings have beautifully detailed butterflies on them, making them the perfect gift for the person who loves daydreaming while planning their next adventure.
8. For the Plant Mama:
We carry a variety of indoor houseplants, plant pots, and plant accessories. Our top pick this Valentine's Day is a Thai Constellation Monstera. These rare plants have natural white variations on their leaves, and as they mature, the leaves develop the large fenestrations (splits) that Monsteras are known for. You could say it's written in the stars with this one!
As always, our team is more than happy to offer assistance to help you select the perfect flowers and gifts this Valentine's Day.
For inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us at 587-982-8882.
Much love,
-Nicola
]]>With a busy wedding season wrapping up in the next few weeks, we can all finally begin to slow down and get cozy! It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, we were still in summer-mode, and now we're dressing in layers, waking up to darker mornings, and witnessing the bright colours of autumn around us.
I love this time of year - fall is a rich tapestry of colour and texture woven together throughout the landscape. I love incorporating autumn elements into my designs with the use of grasses, pods, foliages, and dried florals. One of my favourite textures of the season is dried wheat. It instantly creates a harvest theme when placed into an arrangement or bouquet, and it looks beautiful on its own in a pottery vessel. Our wheat bunches are locally grown by Busy Bea Farms (SHOP HERE)
Another fall favourite - pumpkins! We joke about "pumpkin spice everything", but truly, pumpkins are one of the easiest decor items! A low-cost investment with major impact, pumpkins can be displayed inside or outside your home or office, and last for the entire season. We love having a cluster on a kitchen island, or groupings by front entryways. Check out our pumpkin selection HERE
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we have curated a selection of Autumn's finest blooms for your gatherings. We know that not everyone can visit each other, due to distance or multiple engagements, so we are more than happy to help select the perfect arrangement to best spread some love and show your friends and family how grateful you are for their presence in your lives. Our Fall/Thanksgiving collection contains thoughtfully designed arrangements, bouquets, gifts, and more. Shop the entire collection HERE
A big change at the studio, our new front counter!! We can finally see all your smiling faces without standing on our tippy toes, and our clients can watch us design without craning their necks to look over the Great Wall That Once Was. This custom design was made by Sense Five Wood Coatings right here in Edmonton. I gave Adam a rough idea of what I wanted, and wow... did he deliver! It's better than I imagined it would be - look at that rad pattern Adam came up with! Check out Sense Five's website HERE
We are always willing to accept custom orders, and offer same day delivery within the Edmonton area. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
-Nicola @ TwinFlower Studio
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2. Botanical Bath Soak
Who doesn't love a good soak in the tub? A botanical bath soak is a perfect gift for the mom who needs some relaxation and self-care time. These luxurious blends of natural salts, essential oils, and dried flowers are perfect for creating a spa-like experience at home. Choose a blend that includes lavender, eucalyptus, or rose petals for an extra calming effect.
3. Seasonal Cut Flower Bouquet
If your mom loves variety, a mixed cut flower bouquet is the perfect gift. This arrangement includes a variety of flowers in different colours and textures, creating a stunning display that will brighten up any space. Opt for a seasonal mix, including tulips, daisies, and ranunculus for a springtime feel, or let our design team create something extra special for your mama!
4. Lavender Plant
A lavender plant is a wonderful addition to any gift for Mother's Day. Lavender is known for its calming properties and soothing scent, making it a great choice for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Plus, it's easy to care for and can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Your mom will love having this fragrant and beautiful plant in her home.
5. Flower Subscription
Why not give the gift of flowers that keeps on giving? A flower subscription is a perfect way to surprise your mom with fresh blooms every month. At TwinFlower Studio we offer subscription services that allow you to choose the frequency and type of flowers you want to send. It's a gift that your mom will look forward to every month.
5. Orchid Plant
For the mom who loves plants, an orchid is a perfect choice. These elegant flowers come in a variety of colours and can bloom for months at a time with proper care. Plus, orchids are low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any home.
6. Macarons from A Worthy Cookie
Macarons from A Worthy Cookie are a delicious and unique addition to any Mother's Day gift. These delicate French confections are made with almond flour and come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to raspberry rose. A Worthy Cookie is a local Edmonton business, so you'll be supporting a small business while treating your mom to something sweet and special. It's a win-win situation!
In conclusion, Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to show your mom how much you appreciate her. Whether you opt for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a luxurious bath soak, or a monthly flower subscription, any of these gifts is sure to make her feel loved and appreciated!
With much love & gratitude,
-Nicola @ TwinFlower Studio
As always, feel free to contact us at 587-982-8882 or twinflower.yeg@gmail.com
]]>As the quotes start coming in, you begin to get a better understanding of how much everything will cost. You may feel relieved, or you may feel stressed out at the numbers you see before you. In both of these scenarios, the one missing piece of the event-puzzle is a budget.
Typically when I meet with clients, about half have an idea of how much they want to spend on their florals, and the other half has no set budget in mind or are unsure of how much to budget for. I get it, flowers aren't typically something that we buy for ourselves frequently and it can be intimidating to ask for pricing on large scale items like floral installations or large arrangements.
Once your florist knows your budget and list of "Must Haves", they can work with you to find the best solutions by making suggestions to ensure you get the look you want without going overboard.
When I discuss an order with a client, whether it's an entire event or a single arrangement, I will ask if they had any budget in mind or if they need some suggestions. I do this to ensure we are both on the same page, that I'm not suggesting something wildly out of their budget, and to ensure that my client feels comfortable with hiring me for their event.
If you're planning an event and need some guidance on budgeting for flowers, I'd be happy to help! Send me an email and let's get the planning started!
With gratitude,
-Nicola
Planner: Fresh Look Events
Photos: OM Storytelling
Rentals: River City Events
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