Fabulous Florists :: Yvonne Design

Your name: Yvonne Chapman
Your Business name: Yvonne Design
Your Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii

How did you start your business?
The sister of a friend of mine was getting married in Hawaii, where she lived, and she asked me to design her wedding flowers. I was living in Washington at the time. The wedding, which was at gorgeous hotel on the small island of Lana’i, ended up being published in a wedding magazine. I received many calls from brides-to-be, who either attended the wedding or saw the photos in the magazine, asking me to design their wedding flowers. Shortly after, I moved to Hawaii and started my business in a tiny little home, and, only one year later, I moved into a space that was six times larger.

What is your design aesthetic?
I design to please my client’s style, which I also feel let’s me have more fun in the design studio as I am not limiting myself to what pleases me personally. I’m quite fond of playing with textures, experimenting with colors, and incorporating unique elements and/or props into my designing.

What inspires you?
I find that I can become inspired each day just by having an open mind and allowing myself to be open to my surroundings. If an object catches my eye, I often find myself pondering on how it can be incorporated into an event.

What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
Being in Hawaii, and working with so many clients who travel a great distance to have a wedding here, client’s typically want to see a touch of Hawaii incorporated into their wedding decor, but at the same time still express their individual style. Almost every event I design I use phalaenopsis, cymbidium, or mokara orchids. Bold colors are always the current trend in Hawaii since the decor has to compete with a lush green landscape and deep blue skies and oceans.

Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
We have two locations: an office and warehouse space and also a design studio. They are about 15 minutes apart.

Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
In addition to floral designs, we also design events, provide lighting and fabric installations, rent specialty decor items like furniture, linens, and props, and we build custom structures like dining canopies.

What does your toolbox look like?
My tool box is so heavy it has to be on wheels most of the time! Always included in the tool box : sunscreen, mosquito repellent, deodorant, tooth brush & toothpaste, gloves, monofilament, zip ties, white & ivory ribbon, pins, 4 types of tape, half a dozen cutters and scissors, wire, rags, business cards, glue, and a staple gun & staples. I’m sure I could find much more if i took a look inside.

What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
Cutters and sunscreen

What’s your favorite flower?
I’ve always loved how unique orchids are. The detail in some varieties is quite breathtaking.

Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
Thanks for sharing a little bit about us with Flirty Fleurs followers! To see more of our work please follow us on Facebook or visit our blog!

Contact Information:
yvonne chapman
owner/creative director
www.yvonnedesign.com target=”_blank”

phone 808 234 0001
fax 808 234 0002
office:
46-178 kahuhipa st. unit K
kaneohe, hi 96744