We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaclyn Pline. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaclyn below.
Jaclyn, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
In 2018 I wrote an article for a New Zealand magazine titled, ” Unleashing Your Creative Energy” so I’m happy to share a few of my tips with you. The article, however can be found online through my website www.theskinnyvase.com under my free ebook and on my social media accounts. My first tip is to make space and disconnect from daily tasks; emails, texts, phone calls etc. Even grocery store runs and laundry. Take the time to walk outside and to breathe in fresh air allowing yourself to think outside the box gaining inspiration from your surroundings. When I write down a clear focus on what I want to be creative on, things become easier. For instance I may write down be more creative in floral design bringing creative flair to my designs and then figure out what that means. Your creative power and intuition will help guide you to where you want to be in the creative world.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a professional floral designer and owner of The Skinny Vase, LLC in Raleigh, NC. My business focuses more on weddings, events and teaching floral design classes at venues and country clubs. I was just named and earned the title “Designer of the Year” for 2023-2023 through North Carolina. I competed in a floral competition with other designers and took first place so I’d say that was one of the most exciting events in my carrer this year. At the end of September I will be taking an installation workshop with another well known and established designer to broaden my skillset so I can bring fresh ideas to my clients and become more confident in large scale installations.
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?
Three areas that I feel were most impactful in this journey getting me to where I am today was my drive to study with others and put things into action in order to reach my goals. Last year I did not become Designer of the Year so I took a whole year to study and attend workshops which in the end paid off. Secondly, discipline. I’m rather hard on myself because I want to be the best version of myself that I can be. With grace, of course, I developed habits and routines that helped contribute to my success. Lastly, willingness to learn and be open. By reading up on the latest floral trends, elements and principles then putting that into reality helped me become a better designer. Studying and surrounding myself around the top leaders in the industry contributed to this.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
That’s simple. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. I’m waiting on the Third Edition to arrive in the mail, but the previous edition is gold. I love reading it as it talk about the history of floristry, different eras, styles of design, business and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theskinnyvase.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskinnyvase/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinnyVase
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-pline-076270103
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSkinnyVase
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcPqYyYpBd6njl5rskVezeQ
Image Credits
Kaylyn K Photography Woodman Portraits Katey Vaughan Photography Whitney Chase Collective Cliche’_NC
