Check Out Shantea Denise’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantea Denise. 

Hi Shantea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having been fascinated with fresh flowers and floral design nearly my entire life, I started planning and decorating weddings and special events in my hometown of South Florida back in 2000 – as my sole hobby/side business. Advertising on MySpace and with business cards, I began to build a name for myself pretty quickly – mostly through word of mouth. Though I had no business sense at this time, I hit the ground running and dedicated all my free time (and even my own funds) to bringing my clients’ visions to life. Obsessed with pleasing everyone and making every event a passion project, profit never even entered my mind. As one could imagine, I eventually became burned out and even considered myself as unsuccessful (after making no money). Once my husband and I relocated to Tampa in 2012, I was actually relieved and happy to leave my “hobby” behind me. 

However, in 2013, I began working with a large healthcare provider; and, in my various roles, I had the opportunity to incorporate my planning and decorating skills for the many special events I was responsible for hosting for staff members. Accepting a promotion in 2018, which led me to relocate to Orlando, I began planning and decorating even larger events (for 700-1,400 employees) 1-3 times per month (in addition to my leadership, administrative, and project management duties). This time, I had creative control, staff/team members to assist me, and reasonable budgets. During this tenure is when I truly learned the importance of collaboration, emotional intelligence, efficiency, budgeting, and the value of time. 

Once the pandemic struck, like most other companies, all social events were halted or decreased tremendously. During such time, the importance of mental health and one’s true purpose resonated deeply with me. For the first time ever, I self-reflected and sought my peace, my purpose, and my true happiness. Low and behold, such reflections led me right back to my passion of floral design. I had been buying grocery store flowers (in bulk) just to arrange them – as a stress reliever. I was donating these freshly arranged flowers (to random people) as a means of giving back. I was envisioning my perfect world, in which floral design was 100% my art, my healing, my business, and my philanthropy. However, even with this, I was terrified to leave my comfortable, yet unfulfilling (and quite stressful) job. I finally asked myself why I was afraid. There was only one reason/answer that came to mind. Income! I had this healthy income, but I also had an insurmountable amount of stress, anxiety, and unhappiness – none of which I seemed to have control over. Finally, after many months of uncertainty, consult, prayer, and affirmation, I put my resignation letter in and stepped out on faith 4 weeks later. 

Hence, the birth of Floral Fate Design Co., my “designer’s choice” floral design company. Excitedly, a contributor to the beautiful world of floristry – full time and as my own boss, I believe this entire journey to have been my FATE. I am grateful to have been blessed with the tenacity to create a space for myself (and my future team) – where we can ultimately share my God-given gifts and talents of vibrant, unique color combinations, lushness, creativity, generosity, and attention to detail. A space “where imagination and flowers collide”. 

Has it been easy? Not at all, but believing in yourself and your gift is worth the chance. Aren’t there tons of other florists in Orlando? Sure, there are, but we all design differently and there is enough room for us all. 

I’ve learned to believe in myself and my art, as not doing so is like dishonoring what God has blessed me with. It’s not about being better than others or competing with them, it’s about being your best and challenging yourself to become the best you can be. Life is too short to not follow your dream or pursue your gift. A little faith over fear goes a long way. After all, it was written that our gifts will make room for us. And here I am. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So far, one of my greatest challenges has been consumer trust; and I get it. I do not have a storefront/brick and mortar and I do not have a set purchase menu. Customers cannot walk into my door to see what I have available or choose a set design online. My small, modern-day floral design business is home-based and my customers choose their florals by price point (and color palette, if they so desire). After finding me on Google or social media, they have to contact me to discuss their needs, note their requests on my website, or simply “trust the designer”. I understand this may be hard to do or uncomfortable for some, as I am a visualist myself. However, I will continue to provide excellent customer service and gorgeous, customized floral designs for those willing to support my business. My work will speak for itself. Truth is, even when we order set designs from the big-name online flower delivery companies, we are not always getting the exact design or flowers we saw per the online image. At Floral Fate Design Co., I personally guarantee that my customers will always receive more than expected with unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Flower deliveries are in the moment, and Floral Fate Design Co. delivers a floral experience rather just a transaction…even including free (texted) images of the finished designs prior to delivery to assure the customer they can trust their “new” designer going forward. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I artfully craft (and hand-deliver) “designer’s choice” fresh floral arrangements for all of life’s “everyday” moments and special occasions, from birthdays to small/intimate weddings or just about any occasion you can think of. I specialize in one-of-one, freelance designs. (I do not use recipes.) 

My customers know me for making the ordering process quick and easy, respecting their wishes, being kind and patient, and for designing creative designs (via floral foam and/or a variety of vessels) unique to their occasion, where my color combinations are vibrant, and my blooms are fresh, lush, and plentiful. 

I am most proud of my ability to engage and collaborate with my customers…Ultimately speaking intended sentiments to their friends and loved ones by way of their customized, artfully curated flower arrangements. 

I believe what sets Floral Fate Design Co. apart from other “florists” in the industry is that our creativity is not capped or controlled and we do not consider ourselves to be traditional florists. Whether a customer has a $75 budget or a $500 budget, their floral will be at the highest level of design, created with love, and unique to their story. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Very soon, I foresee floristry incorporated into the many spaces of health. In my belief that fresh flowers spread love whilst the beauty of nature, studies also show that flowers (and their colors) stimulate our mental health. Flowers can induce creative energy and positive vibes, change our moods, ease our stress, free us from anxiety, depression, and even the everyday worries of life. Not to mention, flowers organically lift and brighten any space and enhance any event or special occasion. 

Additionally, in the next 5-10 years, I foresee the world of luxury floristry shifting as more of an art gallery experience – where flower lovers, art collectors, and/or companies will have their favorite designers and take pride in purchasing or even bidding on their favorite pieces…from universities to fashion brands, from upscale restaurants to theme parks, from big tech to weddings taking place in outer space. 

Foreseen Trend Change #1: The average consumer will trust that the “traditional dozen” red roses (although beautiful and classic) are not the best or only option for Valentine’s Day, romance, or love. 

Foreseen Trend Change #2: Consumers will take a fresh look at the beauty and benefits of carnations and no longer deem them as “funeral flowers”. 

Pricing:

• Gift Certificates starting at $25
• Floral Subscriptions starting at $50
• Designer’s Choice Arrangements starting at $55
• Lush Floral Boxes starting at $70
• Bloom Baked Cakes starting at $85

Contact Info:

• Email: floralfatedesignco@gmail.com
• Website: www.floralfatedesigns.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/floralfatedesignco_orl
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/orl.floralfatedesignco
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FLORALFATE_Orl
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeEUCHFQIU905A9orRQUdw
• Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/floral-fate-design-debary-3?osq=floral+fate
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/floralfatedesignco_orl