MEET LESLEY FRASCOGNA OF TULIP DESIGN STUDIO
Happy Friday Guys….and you know what time it is…it’s ‘Bouquet Friday’ and we are opening the cafe with our ‘Meet the Designer’ series…..today, say hello to the oh-so-beautiful and sweet and talented, Lesley Frascogna of Tulip Design Studio….Lesley’s beautiful studio is located in Jackson, Mississippi and her floral designs are GORGEOUS….she is such a lovely lady…I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with her and I can’t wait to meet her…now, you owe it to your self to spend some time on her beautiful floral site and on her blog…both are filled with an abundance of beautiful blooms and tons of inspriation….but before you make a trip over…check out our interview with Lesley as she lets us into her world…well, just a little of it!! Enjoy!
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| TBC: What’s a typical day for you?
LF: Since Frank (my nine month old) came into the picture, I really don’t have a typical day. Every day is a little insane. I am trying really hard to find some balance between being a mom, a wife, and a business owner, but most days, life is a little chaotic! TBC: Where do you find inspiration? LF: Oh so many places! As a floral designer, nature and flowers are obvious answers, but I find it in other places as well. Textiles, interior design, fashion, color, a certain location or venue, and of course the many designers who inspire me on a daily basis.
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| TBC: What wedding trend(s) would you like to see disappear?
LF: I’m pretty bored with the rustic, vintage, thrift store, anthropologie….. whatever you call it trend. It’s not that I don’t think it’s beautiful, I have just had two long wedding seasons of it and I’m just burnt out. This year for me is all about less is more and really just focusing on the beauty of the flowers and not so many little details. TBC: To date, what has been the highlight of your career? LF: I recently took a trip to NYC with a group of amazing designers led by the amazing Holly Chapel. It was such an inspiring, life changing trip for me. Meeting those women and experiencing some of the things I did while there was absolutely priceless. I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. You better get your butt there next year Janie! |
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| TBC: Describe your design style.
LF: I don’t necessarily think I have a specific aesthetic. It really changes with my mood….. which is often! One day I might be in the mood for something simple and modern, and the next day it may be natural and romantic. I get bored very easy. Right now I’m into loose, textural, and wild. I’m having so much fun with my designs at the moment. TBC: What advice would you give to upcoming floral designers? LF: The most important piece of advice I can give is to be confident in yourself and believe in what you’re putting out there. If you don’t, no one else will. You can make a living doing this. It’s such hard work, but it’s so worth it! Don’t be afraid to take the next step in your career. Also……. please, please, please learn how to properly take care of your blooms and treat them with respect. If you’re going to work with flowers, you should know flowers. I mean come on….. these guys are our friends. |
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| TBC: Who is your favorite floral designer?
LF: Ahhhh…. This is such a tough question Janie! There are so many amazing designers that inspire me on a daily basis. I just took a class with Ariella Chezar so she is obviously at the top of my list right now. I adore her work and her attitude towards flowers. Once again, it’s always a mood thing with me. The more organic, whimsical side of me adores the work of designers such as Ariella, Amy Osaba, and Joy Thigpen. The modern, clean line side of me is in love with the work of Jennifer McGarigle, owner of Floral Art. I dream of her shop in Venice Beach, CA. Oh my gosh…… there are so many others I could name! |
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| TBC: Describe your client?
LF: I work with all different types of people, but my ideal client is someone who is creative, loves flowers, outgoing (I love to chat!), and not afraid to be different. Here in the South, people are so rooted in tradition. It is always so refreshing when a bride comes to me and says, “I want something different.” My eyes light up when that happens. |
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| TBC: Name one of your favorite “vendor” sources that you just can’t do without.
LF: I would have to say Jamali Garden…. They always seem to have what I’m looking for, and their inventory is constantly expanding. |
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| TBC: When I’m designing, I love to light my candles and play “old school” music. Do you have a ritual that you like to do when designing?
LF: I definitely have to have music on. Speaking of…. I need some new music Marty. That’s my husband. He will be reading this and he is in charge of my music. I don’t really like to talk either; I just like to be in “the zone”. Lighting candles sounds lovely; I think I will try that! |
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| TBC: If you had to make a career change, what would you do?
LF: In my dreams I would be a dancer (I love to dance…. It’s kind of my thing), or I would work with chimpanzees like Jane Goodall. In real life, I would be an interior designer. I like to think I would be really good at it. |
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| Lesley, thank you so much for hanging out with us at the cafe today….we love your work and we are excited for all the wonderful things ahead for you…and, we’re checking out the dance moves above so you know when we meet up, we have to include ‘going out to dance’ on the to do list…xoxo
Photo Credits: Images 1, 6, 8, 9, and 11 courtesy of Beth Morgan |