Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Brooks.
Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love of flowers started in a dream. I had recently been laid off from my job. I was in the process of looking for a new one. One night I had a dream and the next morning it was so clear. I wanted to do flowers and in my mind overnight I had come up with a plan. The flowers were initially something on the side that I did for extra money. I continued to work in the non-profit field and completed my Master’s degree in business. My business started in Maryland. For about 10 years I did flowers in my spare time.
When I got married in 2011, I took a break to move around with my husband. My husband, Eric, at the time, was active-duty in the military. South Carolina was our last duty station. Before South Carolina, we lived in Germany. When we moved to SC, I decided I wanted to start my flower business again. I have always loved flowers. I love the many varieties and I love to create. One of my favorite things to create is floral installations. First, I started out doing weddings here and there. No one knew who I was. The culture in South Carolina was very different. I had to adjust to being in the South and also living back in the United States. It took time to build my name. My style is slightly different. I think my style is eclectic, I love a lot of styles and I like to mix them at times.
The more photoshoots and local vendors I was able to partner with the more I was able to introduce my style and my company to South Carolina. As I was having fun with the photoshoots, I started growing my following for surrounding areas as well. Xpressions provides floral throughout all of SC. We are often contacted for weddings in SC. In addition to SC, our following in Charlotte, Savannah, and GA began to grow.
This past year we have worked with 39 couples. We love it! This year we are booked with over 40 weddings. Once my husband retired from the army, we decided it was time to lay down roots. Our first studio was located on Two Notch Rd… We have since relocated to Charlotte. We are now located right at the border. We are halfway between the two areas we were constantly serving.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new business in a new area can be hard. I have learned that if you stay the course and if it’s what you are meant to do the doors will open. The clients that are meant for you will come. It took a long time for me to understand this.
In the beginning, I felt that I always needed a full-time job. I continued to work while operating my business even while in SC. My business continued to grow until I no longer could do both. I was working two full-time jobs.
I am glad that I wasn’t discouraged. When I first moved to SC not everyone was accepting of my style. I didn’t want to do typical looks. I am so glad I didn’t give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Xpressions is a full-service bespoke floral & design company. We specialize in weddings and events. We also do customized retail installations and corporate events. We service all of SC, NC, & parts of GA. We love to travel. We are known for our installations, the variety of flowers we use, and the color combinations we use.
Our designs are customized to each client. Even with our everyday arrangements each design is different and designed with the client in mind.
Our new studio is located at 4420 Taggart Creek Rd., Ste 110 , Charlotte, NC 28208
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?
The sky’s the limit. We are growing and I love it. We are in the process of bringing on two other designers’ full-time. We have a lot of clients to reach out to us. Unfortunately, we are not able to service everyone. As we bring on more designers, we are able to work with more couples.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hello@xpressionsfloraldesigns.com
- Website: www.xpressionsfloraldesigns.com
- Instagram: xpressions_floraldesigns
Image Credits
Logan Jay Photography
Crystal Cofie Photography
K hice Photography
