Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Lilley.
Alisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in the 2nd grade my Mama decided to make 250 corsages so no little girls at my school’s annual Father-Daughter Dance were left out. We learned how to wire, tape, and construct them together and I was hooked. I realized the joy that those little pink carnations with babies breath pin-on flowers brought my classmates, and knew that I would continue to bring joy to others through the art of floral design. I played and practiced on my own for family and friends until I was old enough to work at a flower shop at age 16. I’ve been on this journey ever since. In this ever-evolving industry, I am continually learning and growing through the use of new trends and techniques. There are always new challenges to be met, and I thrive on mastering the mechanics behind the beauty to make my clients’ visions become a reality.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any road worth traveling is going to have bumps. The most growing experience for me has been transitioning from working for someone else in a brick and mortar store to exclusively taking on weddings and events from my home studio. Like all mompreneurs, I face challenges in finding a balance between home and work. Event floristry is very intense in the days leading up to, and the day of the events. Working with perishable products leaves little margin for error, and there is only so much prep you can do ahead of time. I’ll admit there are many late nights and early mornings. In floral design, we try to predict nature and rely on a large variety of factors from farms all over the world having good seasons, to airlines properly handling fresh cut flowers, to wholesalers pulling aside the right product. Then we hope it blooms in time and stays fresh! There are almost always surprises, but when it all comes together (and it always does) it’s all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lilley Custom Florals – what should we know?
Lilley Custom Florals provides wedding and event florals in DFW. As a small, home-based business each and every client is extremely important. I am known for providing stunning florals complimenting my individual clients’ personal style. Exceeding expectations is standard. Exceptional service is my approach, and my clients know me to be easy going and able to quickly adjust to any changes or challenges that may come up throughout the process. Planning weddings and events can be very stressful, and my goal is to not add to that. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “the Earth laughs in flowers”. I believe in preserving the positive energy that mother nature provides and sharing that energy with my clients from our first contact through delivery.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am very much an optimist and I bring my positive outlook to all situations. I easily connect with couples in this joyous time in their lives. This outlook also helps me in challenging situations to problem solve with ease as needed. Weddings are one of the happiest days in a person’s life. You want your vendor team to have cheerful hearts, cool heads, and do whatever it takes behind the scenes to make your vision come to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lilleycustomflorals.com
- Phone: 214-609-0140
- Email: alisha@lilleycustomflorals.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilleycustomflorals
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lilleycustomflorals
Image Credit:
Elissa Marie Photography, Texas Sweet Photography, Danny Campbell Photography, Lexie Krug Photography, Lutz Studios, Eleventh Avenue Photography, Michelle Lippert Photography
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