Bailey loves the fun plus work atmosphere at Randy Neal Floral Design.
“We're always laughing and joking, even when things are crazy busy. I enjoy the positivity here.”
This talented floral designer took time from the busy Overland Park florist shop to answer questions about color palettes, bringing customers’ ideas to life, and how wreaths aren’t just for winter.
What’s your journey?
How did you become a Floral Designer in Overland Park?
I studied art, journalism, and design in college in Minneapolis, but after getting my degree I still wasn't sure where to head, career-wise. I spent some time as a festival coordinator with a nonprofit theater while I started learning floral design at a small shop in Minneapolis. I traded my marketing skills for floral training while working a few other part-time jobs.
Designing—What do you love about it?
My favorite piece of the design process is choosing the colors and textures that will fit with the idea or style I'm trying to convey. Colors have such impact on our moods and how we perceive things, so it's fun to try new combinations.
How did you come up with this bouquet?
When I start a bouquet, I try to think of my color palette first, and then work from there. I love to work with the more muted colors, so I chose the peachy zinnias and the indigo hydrangea first. I like the elegance and contrast of the light yellow stock with the darker hydrangea, and the fuchsia roses gave the whole thing a pop of bright so it isn’t too somber.
Got some seasonal floral ideas you can share?
I think that there are tons of fun ways to decorate for the specific holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc., but it’s also fun to incorporate seasonal items that are less holiday-specific. Garlands and wreaths aren’t just for winter holidays! Make a cool wreath with bright red/orange leaves and berry branches, or a swag of magnolia and bittersweet for the mantel to bring in those warm seasonal colors.
Every florist has a favorite flower, what’s yours?
Sunflowers! They remind me of my grandparents and have a strong connection to family for me. I love the geometry of their centers; farmers plant them to replenish nutrients in the soil for crops. I just think they're very special flowers.
How do you make the customer part of your creative process?
Most people who order flowers come into the conversation having at least an idea of what they want, but many times people don't realize how many options there are out there. Designer's choice arrangements are always great because there's so much freedom there, but it's also fun to work together with a customer's more specific ideas to make their vision come to life.
What’s your best piece of floral advice?
I think people often have a picture in their mind that certain flowers mean certain things: red roses=love, yellow roses=friendship...While these meanings and their histories are fascinating, I think it's easy to get too hung up on them. Don’t be afraid to be original!
Randy Neal Floral Design is a Kansas City based, full service floral design company located at 4030 Indian Creek Parkway in Overland Park Kansas. Providing a broad variety of floral decorating and design services, our floral design team is ready to assist you with any of your interior floral design and decorating needs.