We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Akiko Coats. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Akiko below.
Akiko, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Every day, I refresh my passion and excitement to create a new flower arrangement just as painting on a blank canvas. I also limit the amount of orders that can I take, so I don’t get overwhelmed.
That’s how I keep my creativity alive and get inspiration flowing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I custom-design flowers for weddings and events. I am a home-based business as I believe in developing a personal relationship with each of my customers, so I can provide the highest quality floral arrangements to actualize their visions.
I am always very excited to hear my clients’ feedback and reviews of my work and service after their weddings and events.
Here are some recent reviews that are published on Zola market place.
“Akiko was such a pleasure to work with! I had a very specific vision for what I wanted in regards to the style, type of flowers, and overall look of the arrangements. She was able to execute exactly what I wanted and on the day of the wedding I was in awe of how beautiful everything came out. The centerpieces and sweetheart table were better than I could ever imagine! I loved the bouquets and arch as well. It’s was truly a dream come true and you won’t be disappointed with her work! She is also very flexible and easy going which made the process as stress free as can be. My wedding guests kept complimenting how stunning the flowers were. I’m so happy I went with Akiko!”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Listening and understanding your client’s visions and requests. My job is to create their dream wedding flowers. Having the exact vision with my clients is the starting point for all of my projects to obtain the perfect blend of colors of flowers and materials.
2. Planning the details before your production.
I pre-order all the materials and fresh flowers ahead, so I can totally focus on production on the day before the event or wedding. Planning the project and securing materials before the events saves you time and relieves your stress on your crucial production day.
3. Being flexible.
It is so important to be flexible in your mind to manage your client’s last minutes request or come up with the alternative plans if there is a shortage of desired materials.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Either way is very beneficial, but I have the type of personality to go all in on my strengths.
I learned that polishing your strong qualities or skills can significantly benefit others. At the same time, you can get help from other people in areas that you are not as strong in.
My clients sometimes asked me if I do provide other services such as linens, candles, other tablescape items, or rental items. I could possibly do it if I wanted. But I’d rather refer other professionals who are specialized in dealing with the specific fields. By drawing the line what I can provide, I can completely focus on providing the best quality of flowers without taking care of other areas that I am not as passionate about.
I really enjoy working with other vendors on the day of events and weddings, and working together we provide the best quality.
That is why I think it’s better to go all in on our strengths and help out each other in other areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.akikosfloraldesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akikofloraldesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akikofloraldesign/
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists/akiko-s-floral-design
Image Credits
Autumn Rose Photography, Shoreline Weddings
