What is your role at Kim Starr Wise Floral Events? I’m the head honcho, flower slinger, ladder climber, creative director, owner, boss lady, visionary and designer of all beautiful things.
What events do you design in addition to weddings? Bar and bat mitzvahs, private dinner parties, debutante balls, birthday parties, corporate events, micro-weddings and micro-events. I do it all!
What else do you offer along with flowers for your designs? Linens, candles, table rentals, plant rentals, chair rentals, event coordination, furniture rentals and large installations.
What is discussed in a design consultation? Color palettes, design styles, personality, design of your home (for insight into your vision), favorite flowers, least favorite flowers, favorite scents, inspirations – pretty much anything that I can glean about who you are and how that will impact the overall design.
What is the difference between floral design and event styling? A floral designer will put flowers in a vase (still a highly skilled trade) but an event stylist combines the many facets of “design” to create an overall look for a space. Event styling involves the curation of color palettes, linens, chairs, candles, flower varieties and vessel types, and controls the overall look of the event so that it’s a cohesive and immersive experience.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business? I’m getting ready to open a flower shop on Magazine Street! I’m going to sell unique flower arrangements that you can pick up curbside or have delivered. I’ll also sell beautiful pillar and taper candles, hand-painted vases, locally made candle holders, flowers harvested from New Orleans farmers, ceramic containers, plants and all of their derivatives. The shop will also sell local artwork from Thread Paper Glue and I’m stocking some other floral-driven products like perfume, floral pins, books and scented candles. There is a need for unique flower shops in New Orleans that sell beautiful containers and unique vessels. It’s Paris-inspired, but with a twist on tradition. I’ll also feature petite nosegays that are fragrant and monochromatic, and can sit on a nightstand or on your desk without any fuss. I’m also designing direct-ship boxes of flowers from California farms so you can share the flower love and keep American farmers in business.
Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, 437 Philip St., 315-5607; KimStarrWise.com
Flower shop, 2036 Magazine St. – slated for opening August 1
