Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsha Parker.
Hi Marsha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After two bouts with breast cancer I decided to throw myself a birthday party. I enjoyed planning it so much that I took courses in bridal consulting and event planning. and established Refined Gatherings as an event planning and design company. My friend, Claudia, owned a retail flower shop and I would ask her to design the arrangements for events. When she closed her shop here in Cleveland, I practiced with her a couple of times and looked at floral design correspondence courses. The beauty of flowers and the design process captivated me. As a result, Refined Gatherings transitioned to event floral design.
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 hasn’t been easy. Figuring out the ideal customer, learning how to price services appropriately, understanding what to do with social media and not having enough funds to support business expenses have all been some of the key challenges that I have had to face and seek to overcome.
Also, having to walk through a third bout with cancer and family illnesses has been challenging as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of Refined Gatherings. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a survivor owned event floral design company. Corporations, professionals and brides understand that they are selecting one of a kind floral beauty with Refined Gatherings, while at the same time contributing to our social mission. We host Flowering Events & Giveaways for cancer survivors. This year, we have added teen floral design sessions, which also incorporates social & emotional learning. Last year I concluded my international teaching career. with my favorite people, teenagers. We hosted our first teen flowering session last month and the teenagers were all smiles.
I’d like for your readers to know that when they order a bouquet, attend a workshop or use our floral services at their celebrations they are contributing to the growth and sustainability of Refined Gatherings, as well as the community outreach of our social mission.
Beauty is transcendent. It lifts us above our current circumstances. Through our #CONTENDFORPEACE Flowering Workshops for cancer survivors and our Urbane Youth Floral Design Sessions community members learn how to bring beauty into their homes as a regular way of life.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Because, I’ve had the opportunity to live and work internationally, I greatly appreciate the rich cultural & ethnic diversity of our city and our clients. I believe that we as adults could do a better job of demonstrating such value to the next generation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.refinedgatherings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinedgatherings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refinedgatherings/
