Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Mullaney.
Jill, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
So, my story (and that of Platinum Petals) is a bit different than most floral designers. As a kid growing up on a farm in South Dakota, I was super involved in both 4-H and FFA where I first was exposed to floral design and the larger world of the green industry.
Many successful FFA CDE contests (you guys may need to google that one!) & fairs later, I become interested in horticulture as a career. I received my BS in Horticulture at the University of Nebraska and then started my career in the botanic garden world. I managed greenhouse operations for over a decade, growing millions of plants along the way, but in the process became a little itchy for something more creative. I was bored and I needed a new challenge. I already knew how to propagate and grow the plants from seed or cutting to bloom, but always enjoyed playing around with color and design–all stemming back to my childhood and then added on by the floral design classes I took in college.
Therefore, four years ago, I decided to take a leap and start a side business in floral design while still working my intense greenhouse job during the week. It was exhausting to get where I am today–closing in on wedding #100–but so worth the feeling of holding my own future and success in my hands. I was able to walk away from that full-time job last year to focus more fully on cultivating the future of Platinum Petals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It certainly is never a smooth road when taking on a challenge such as owning your own company. Gosh, navigating the world of taxes is a strenuous task in itself! But, I totally enjoy constantly learning (I’m kind of a nerd that loves learning something new every day!) and improving. I always tell people that owning a business is both the most terrifying and exciting thing one can do!
The largest struggle by far is attempting the work/life balance and trying to figure out what the means. I want to be available for my clients all the time, but I have learned to take care of myself a little better. Which I think, in turn, makes me a better designer for them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Platinum Petals – what should we know?
Platinum Petals specializes in weddings and special event floral design (showers, rehearsal dinners, parties, etc…)
Sounds generic, right? Obviously, there is so much more involved. I think what sets Platinum Petals apart is my educational background. I truly understand the flowers and plants I am using (and can spell all the scientific names, too!), I believe knowing the flowers like I do gives a special attention to detail and deeper understanding of the product. I also pride myself on being really flexible, available, and helpful to my clients every step of the way.
Nothing warms my heart more than to read my client reviews saying how comfortable I made them, or they appreciated my interest in them as a person, and especially that I surpassed their expectations. I strive to be known as a genuine person, and one that my clients can 100% trust with important life milestones. I definitely think Platinum Petals is known for an organic, natural look. Garlands and lush, organic bouquets are some of my specialties. That being said, I still execute and enjoy other design styles, too.
I am truly proud of the strides my business has taken over the past four years. Being a transplant to Dallas without an extensive network of connections meant I had to make my work and customer service extra perfect in order to succeed. I am so thankful for the clients I had in the beginning that referred–and continue to refer–me to others. It’s pretty cool to have built a ‘flower-family’ without doing expensive advertising.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband for sure deserves a medal for putting up with the semi-constant state of chaos in our home. And the crazy tear down hours. And nearly no holidays. And vacations scheduled so, so far in advance during the offseason. He was super instrumental in helping with wedding set-ups in the early days.
My parents and sister, even though they aren’t nearby, are terrific cheerleaders. They love receiving photos from my events and learning what I have going on. I’ve even had my dad offer to move to Texas to help out! lol!
I also was extremely blessed to have a huge support system of volunteers at my previous job that cheers SO loudly for me. I know if I ever needed an extra set of hands, they would come running. I also have the coolest friends that don’t mind when we don’t talk for months. Always supportive all the time.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1910 Pacific Ave. #16850Dallas, TX 75201
- Website: platinumpetalsfloral.com
- Phone: 6053104887
- Email: platinumpetalsfloral@gmail.com
- Instagram: @PlatinumPetalsFloral
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlatinumPetalsFloral/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/platinum-petals-dallas-tx-982518
Image Credit:
Convey Studios, Lindsay Davenport Photography, Nicole Leone Miller, Elizabeth Bristol Photography, Megan Kay Photography, Jennefer Wilson Photography, Havi Frost, Andrea Elizabeth Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
