Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Platt
Hi Margaret, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an artist and dabbled in fashion, vintage and antiques, crafts, but in 1980 found myself and my husband in an opportunity to acquire an abandoned flower shop. He had prior experience and to me it was just another medium. I incorporated my love for color, texture, and antiques in building my floral art. The store took off because at that time the concept was very unique. We called it “ Rainbows”. We were located in the two year old shopping center called The Marketplace in east Long Beach. It morphed into a combination of European style flower market , country store featuring multiple artist’s folk art creations, antiques, and was quite a unique gift shop Our children were toddlers when we started, but grew up in this family business., eventually helping to run it during the thirty years it was there. My husband and I parted ways in 1995 and I went on to open a small shop in the Atlantic corridor of Bixby knolls in 1997. When 2001 happened, there were no events, no celebrations, no business. I closed up shop and freelanced for a while. I also taught floral, crafts, and cooking classes for parks and recreation. I did craft shows and sold at the antique flea markets. The gypsy life was fun for awhile. These days I work from a home studio, doing what I love most…. Floral design. I create florals for all occasion and special events and love doing weddings. I’m going into my 45th year of designing and still love what I do!
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?
It has always been a challenge! When we first started we had no financial resources. We survived with lots of hard work and creativity. These days it is hard getting exposure. My work is very respected and my return customers are wonderful, but lately Google has dropped my listing because I don’t publish my home address, so those internet orders are just not coming in.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My designs are known for being creative and unique. I do not do the”l “dozen roses in a vase with baby’s breath” thing. My designs always incorporate unusual varieties of flowers and foliages and fun color combinations. I incorporate found items, vintage containers and lots of whimsy into my work. I like to ask questions about the recipient. Are they quirky? Conservative? Vintage oriented? Modern? I want the vibe to be a good fit. I love the smiles and squeals of glee when I present an antique lover with an old cookie jar with a garden fresh picked look bouquet! A minimalist would appreciate a glass cylinder with clean lines and orchids, and a grandma is thrilled to receive a vintage teapot full of garden roses and sweet peas!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My supporters have been my customers, who spread the word of my art. I’m always grateful to them. I love reading about what floral artists around the world are doing and am so grateful to my wonderful suppliers who work so hard to proved quality product.
Pricing:
- I work with my customer’s budgets
Contact Info:
- Website: margaretrosefloraldesign.com.
- Instagram: fleurtygal
- Facebook: Margaret Rose Floral Design
- Yelp: Margaret Rose Floral Design
Image Credits
Pictures all from my humble little IPhone 😁
