Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Woods.
Elise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have small town roots, but you may be shocked to learn those small town roots came with a conservative community and strict Southern Baptist home. It wasn’t until I moved away for college that I started to discover my own voice. My collegiate studies of Rhetoric and Journalism introduced me to liberal and feminist views. While I do not consider myself a feminist, I am a dedicated advocate of female empowerment.
In college, I learned that I could keep my faith in Christ and also actively participate in the female empowerment movement. ( I went to a Christian college.) I had very strong professors, and I would say that I learned my work ethic from them. For me, getting out of my comfort zone and expanding my knowledge allowed me to grow personally and professionally. When it was time to leave Conway (my college town), I decided to move to Dallas, Texas. Holy cats it was scary. Moving from a small town where things were simple and slow-paced to a huge, fast-paced city was scary and somewhat overwhelming. I was able to blend in after the first two months… well… kinda. My accent and word choices always give me away.
In my sophomore year of college, I began working as a Design and Editorial Assistant for a wedding designer. I was on Cloud Nine! Not only was I designing weddings and special events, but I was also writing and taking care of all of the content for the magazine publication. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a toxic work relationship, That experience made me realize how important it is for women to support and empower other women. From then on out, I was a voice on behalf of women empowerment and women in the workplace. Of course, I also wanted to start my own floral design business, move to Dallas, and have a fresh perspective and start.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. It’s really scary being a busy woman. Some people want to invest in you and help you out- they see your vision. But some don’t. They don’t want you to flourish or be happy and in fact, it roots from jealousy or a part of them that is sad that they aren’t pursuing their dreams. How I know this?- because I used to be one of them. And then, I knew how terrible it was, so I decided to help women as much as possible in their dreams and aspirations and decided to start and begin my own dreams.
Starting a business comes with frustration, intimidation, feeling alone, and uhmmm, well… debt. To make money, you have to spend money, and I didn’t like that at first. But when you see your business as an investment, then you realize what it all needs to take to get this baby up and going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Prim + Lovely – what should we know?
I am a floral and event designer and have been doing this for 6 years and have owned my own business for two. I specialize in weddings and special events. I do floral design as well as the entire event design. (NOTE: I am not an event planner nor do I coordinate) I am known for my organic, and garden-like style when it comes to floral.
I am most proud that I did this THANG!! It is tough being a business owner, but it is so worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears (and rashes from foraging for foliage). I believe what sets me apart is the client-driven process that I have branded to my own. It involves bringing the clients’ personality and bringing in what they love into the design of their wedding. This shows off their love story throughout every aspect of the event.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh, man. So many people. My parents, my sister, Jesus Christ. I have made some amazing friends here in Dallas who have stood by my side and have worked tirelessly for my vision. I have an awesome productivity/business coach, Alyssa Coleman out of Toronto.
There is an extremely long list of friends who have poured into me and have inspired me, but they definitely know who they are.
Pricing:
- Yes. You can go to my services page that lists everything. I am not sure if I can put it into bullets, but here are 3!
- Floral Design- 2k+ (just floral and compotes)
- Floral + Event Design- 5k+ (floral + full design of wedding. ex: seating, linens, design, and layout of ceremony)
- A La Carte- At least $500 ( for the bride who just wants wedding party designs. ex: bouquets, bouts, greens)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.primandlovely.com
- Email: elise@primandlovely.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primandlovely/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisewoodsfloral/
Image Credit:
Alexa Vossler, Rebecca of Beckley Co
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