Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Stevanus.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started in 1985 during the silk flower craze. I was working as a neon sign designer when my company receptionist asked me for my color opinion for her daughter’s wedding since I worked with colors all the time. I had done crafts my whole life so I was crafty. I went to the florist and looked through a catalog the person put in the numbers, and we received a quote right away. There was no custom options back then lol. I looked at the quote and was shocked to see the pricing. I told the bride-to-be I could do it in silk which is what she wanted. She looked at me puzzled and said really/ Although I had never created a wedding bouquet before I told her I would buy some silk flowers and try it out if she liked it, I would do all the wedding flowers if she didn’t all that was wasted was a little of my time and some silk flowers I would use somewhere else. She loved the flowers, and I ended up creating all her flowers. Two weeks before the wedding she called in tears and said the wedding would need to be postponed her caterer was in an accident. I told her I could cater the wedding my parents had thrown many parties and I had good recipes. They picked a few appetizers and sides and I hit up a couple of restaurants for chicken and roast beef. I had a blast. After the wedding my coworkers started asking me to make flowers for their homes. I eventually quit and started working for a small flower company. I was trained by three lovely women who all had their expertise. one in fresh flowers, one in silk flowers, and one in dried flowers. a fourth woman who was an ikebana artist made me understand the importance of art and placement of flowers. A true designer can make just a few flowers look good and not require tons of flowers and greenery. Through all the lessons from the woman I was able to put my own flair and signature looks together and I am always adding to my repertoire by watching floral arranging videos from Europe around the world. I have worked in all aspects of the floral business. wholesale, retail, parties, and event shops, owning my own shop, and have been able to work internationally on weddings as well. I have worked with many presidents since Reagan, other politicians, socialites, and celebrities. I have worked with celebrity event planner David Tutera and was part of his design entourage on the east coast events for a few years… I moved after 28 years from The Washington DC market after deciding working for the White House as their full-time florist although a prestigious position it had too many rules for me to follow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As in every industry, there are issues and struggles. Being a straight male in a predominantly woman and gay-run industry has had its challenges. I have many gay friends and female friends; once they got to know me it was fine, but they were weary of my ideas or intentions coming into a new shop. I always like sharing ideas and what worked at the last place I worked as well as what did not. Most people are afraid of change, and it is sometimes hard for them to take the leap. When I started to teach floral design at the college, my intention was to keep younger people interested in this business and be able to hire and train employees for my company. I did that as well as helped to launch more than a few people in their own business always open to phone calls and acting as a mentor. I always am willing to help others and interact with other florists. A group of florists used to get together for tea at the Ritz or the Mayflower hotel to vent our frustrations and commiserate and help celebrate each other’s victories and achievements. Since moving to Ohio, I find shop owners stay to themselves and do not want to share information. It is very sad. There is plenty of business for everyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
First and foremost, I am a floral designer, however, I do all things creative. I am an abstract artist, I have written and self-published a magazine guide for the bride, I have written a screenplay complete with professionally arranged songs and lyrics written for the play, I have designed a fashion line and did a solo fashion show fundraiser for the wounded warrior project, I do wardrobe styling for other photographers and do photography myself. I love anything creative. My most recent wardrobe styling shoot has been selected for submission for Milan Weekly magazine in Italy. I think my vast interests in all things creative help me incorporate all things into the floral business by being able to do window displays that pop and creative merchandising and marketing for the store.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I have an ” I can do that” attitude and do not let any obstacle get in the way. If I get involved in a hobby, I want to be the best at it always. I am very competitive with myself to grow and continue learning. When I graduated high school, I knew I did not want to go to college. I gave myself twelve years (although I went over a few because it was so much fun lol) to do and explore whatever interested me. If I wanted to do Art, I did art and created enough pieces to do a show, I enjoyed music from a particular local group, I ended up managing the band and got them on MTV as best unsigned band in America. The following year another band I was working with got the award and signed to a major label; I started writing a novel but ended up writing a children’s book series instead. I did a fashion show with forty original designs of woman and men’s wear. I did a freeze-dried business; I did home styling for The Washington Post home magazine. And always had a foothold in the floral business. Running my own flowershop.
Pricing:
- Weddings custom priced
- Everyday arrangements start 55.00
- Corporate flowers 50 and up
- Restaurants 45.oo and up
- Designer choice best value of flowers
Contact Info:
- Website: 12thstreetflorist.com , Cscottdesign.com
- Instagram: @12thstreetflorist , @christopherstevanus
- Facebook: 12thstreetflorist
Image Credits
C Scott Stevanus
