Yvonne's Blog

Mayesh At Event Solutions Idea Factory

yashton@mayesh.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:29:00 GMT

Early Sunday morning I will be boarding a Vegas bound plane heading to the Event Solutions Idea Factory (ESIF) event! Like the last event I attended, The Special Event (TSE), I will be squeezing in as many seminars as possible that I will use for future blog posts, and our team will be running around capturing videos and pictures to share with you. Now that I have my feet wet with this whole show thing, I feel more organized and confident. I hope that you have been enjoying all my TSE recaps and I can’t wait to share with you all that I see at ESIF!

Not only will Mayesh have a booth (#463) at the event, but Mayesh’s wholesale flowers will be seen at several venues within the event:

MONDAY

12:30pm: Wedding Luncheon/The Wedding Gallery
Monday 2pm: The Wedding Gallery – we are sponsoring the flowers for Angelic Grove’s gallery
2:15pm: David Everett of the JDK Group is heading a session, “Not Just Your Ordinary Black & White Event”

TUESDAY

1:30pm: AFR’s Design Divas Contest – the 2 teams will visit our booth to pick out their blooms for the design battle
4pm: Preston Bailey will be creating floral sculptures using Mayesh blooms

WEDNESDAY

8:00am: Culinary Design Face Off – Decorative Centerpiece category
10:45am: David Everett of the JDK Group is heading a session, “Seasonal Centerpieces that Will Make You Profit”
TBD (Mon, Tue, or Wed): Our Mayesh Design Star, Mandy Majerik, will be at the event representing Accent Decor and participating in the Xperience Stage Presentations

TRADESHOW – Tuesday & Wednesday

Accent Decor’s Booth: #1349
Tradeshow Floor – Table Top Competition:

KG Events
Bisili Events
LouLoudi
Couture Soiree

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Tags: event solutions,idea factory,ESIF,ESIF2012,wholesale flowers,show,seminars,las vegas

TSE 2012: Customer Testimonials for Mayesh Wholesale Florist

yashton@mayesh.com — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:45:00 GMT

We were lucky enough to chat with a few of our current customers who buy their wholesale flowers from us at The Special Event. Find out what they have to say about Mayesh Wholesale Florist.

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Tags: the special event,customers,testimonials,wholesale flowers,wholesale florist

Interview: Barb Oehlerking of Artistry Desgins Group

yashton@mayesh.com — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:39:00 GMT

About a week and a half ago, I blogged about the four season event scenes that Barb Oehlerking of Artistry Designs Group created for The Wedding Galleries at The Special Event show. If you didn’t get a chance to check out that post, click here. I thought it would be a nice compliment to follow-up with an interview so that you could get to know Barb a little more. Enjoy!

Connect with Barb & Artistry Designs Group:
www.artistrydesignsgroup.com
Facebook
Twitter

Photo Credit: Limelight Photography

When did you realize this was the career for you?

There is nothing more gratifying than to see my clients expressions when they walk into the ballroom. To hear them say "we've exceeded their expectations", makes me love what I do. Being a part of such a special time in a person's life and to know that I helped make their vision come to life doesn't compare to any other career.

How did you start your business?

After many years as a wedding planner and designer I decided to expand my business into florals and decor. I wanted to be involved in every aspect of designing my clients wedding - from creating their floral arrangements to selecting every detail.

How would you describe your design style?

I tend to gravitate towards romantic traditional lush arrangements.

What or who inspires you?

Preston Bailey has been a great inspiration and influence to my design style. His creativity and design empowers me to go beyond what's expected.

[Photo Credit: Limelight Photography]

What floral tool can you not live without?

Floral clippers.

If had to pick just one (I know it is nearly impossible) what would be your favorite flower and why?

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower. I love the fullness and volume that it adds to any arrangement.

Tell us a short floral story. Have you ever had a strange floral request?

I had a request to design a floral arrangement shaped as a monkey.

[Photo Credit: Limelight Photography]

What is your favorite color combination right now?

Blush pink and pewter gray.

What is your best piece of advice for new comers into the floral industry?

Never compromise quality and always try to exceed your client's expectations!

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Tags: mayesh,wholesale flowers,the special event,tse,barb Oehlerking,artistry designs group,wedding inspiration,event inspiration,season

TSE 2012: New Products from Design Master

yashton@mayesh.com — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:46:00 GMT

During The Special Event 2012, Gretchen Sell, Director of Education at Design Master, reveals 2 new colors for their COLORTOOLS Sprays line available this Spring - Turquoise and Tangerine! COLORTOOLS Sprays can be used on everything from concrete to fresh flowers and everything in between. Get your first look here!

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Tags: the special event,design master,colortools spray,floral supplies

2012 Great Lakes Floral Expo

yashton@mayesh.com — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:44:00 GMT

Mayesh will be at the Michigan Floral Association’s 2012 Great Lakes Floral Expo March 2-4. Visit us at booth 216! Below is the press release from Michigan Floral Association:

-------------------------------------------------------------

MICHIGAN FLORAL ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCES 2012 GREAT LAKES FLORAL EXPO (GLFE)

It’s a Sell-O-Bration at the Michigan Floral Association’s 2012 Great Lakes Floral Expo,
March 2-4, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI. Every year at the Expo; MFA offers attendees invaluable Business and Hands-On Sessions and awe-inducing Main Stage Shows. The Retail Shop Dinner Tour always sells out, and the floor is always crowded at the Designer of the Year Run-Off. The latest and greatest products line the aisles on the Tradeshow Floor, and your floral friends toast the industry’s finest and induct the newest class of Certified Florist at the President’s Reception and Recognition Banquet. MFA is offering all that in 2012, and giving you so
much more to Sell-O-Brate, where you’ll learn how to outperform, outmaneuver and outsell.

Industry experts will share their knowledge all weekend with programs on wedding, prom and sympathy designs, Internet and social media marketing, and much more, starting off with the ALL NEW Friday night Main Stage Show: Move, Shake, Drop: The Kinetic Show! Presented by Derek Woodruff, AIFD, CF, MFA’s 2011 Designer of the Year, this performance-style event showcases flowers in ways you’ve never thought of, presented in an unheard of way. Let’s just say the performers aren’t the only things in this show that can Move, Shake and Drop! And open for the FIRST TIME on a Friday night, hit the Tradeshow Floor and enjoy the cash bar, and throughout the weekend, take part in the Scavenger Hunt on the Floor! Get your game card filled at each vendor, and once you have visited all participating booths, simply return your game card to the registration desk and you will be entered for a chance to win cold hard CA$H! And for a chance to win a pass to the 2013 Expo, bring some canned goods, non-perishable items or cash for the Grand Rapids Food
Bank Basket at the registration desk.

The Design Contest is ALL NEW in 2012: new categories, new themes and new prizes!
Sponsors Teleflora and Smithers-Oasis are bestowing $5,000 in awards and prizes! The MFA Designer of the Year will travel to represent the MFA at the National Alliance of Floral Associations Design Contest and the 1st place Academy winner will advance to represent the MFA in the SAF Sylvia Cup competition. In the Student Division, high school students will create a fresh flower arrangement to say ‘Happy Birthday,’ while college/professional novice entrants will design a tribute ‘In Loving Memory.’ Professional Division designers create a bridal bouquet to walk ‘Down the Aisle’ or use flowers to say ‘I Remember You’ while depicting the career of the deceased. The
third professional theme will be announced Friday night near the Expo registration desk: it’s the ALL NEW first-ever Surprise Package theme! It will be just like filling an order at the shop! All contestants will be given identical flowers and hardgoods to create their design. And don’t miss the “Iron Chef” of floral competitions, the Designer of the Year Run Off, presented by Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI, where the top five floral designers from the professional design contest will go head-to-head, flower-to-flower to win the prestigious title of MFA Designer of the Year.

In honor of our fearless Expo Chairwoman, Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, the Academy Division will give a ‘Hats of to Bobbi,’ by creating a floral head piece/hat to be displayed on an equally creative and appropriate hat stand. Ecker-Blatchford and Norma Chapman, along with five featured panelists, will host an ALL NEW Idea Swap Breakfast Sunday morning, where attendees will learn the strategies this group uses for success in today’s economy.

And don’t miss the Retail Shop Dinner Tour, where Kathy Petz, AAF, CF, PFCI, will serve as host one last time. A deluxe motor coach will take you to visit Grand Haven Garden House, Picket Fence Floral & Design, Eastern Floral & Gift and Don’s Flowers & Gifts, where you will wined, dined and have a great time.

Pre-register to the Expo by February 24 for a chance to win an overnight stay at the beautiful Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and a gourmet gift put together by Russo’s. Call the MFA office at (517)575-0110 or visit www.greatlakesfloralexpo.com to register today! See you at the Sell-O-Bration!

The Michigan Floral Association is a full-service trade organization representing more than 400 florists, growers, and wholesalers. Located in Haslett, MI, MFA offers group savings on insurance, financial services, retail bank card processing & supplies, office supplies, and fleet fueling; is the sponsor of the Certified Florist (CF) program; creates
and hosts the annual Great Lakes Floral Expo; conducts educational seminars though out the year at the association headquarters and various other facilities; publishes the Professional Florist magazine; hosts the MFA web site, and interacts with state / federal government agencies. For more information on MFA, visit their web site at www.michiganfloral.org.

# # # #

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Tags: wholesale florist,Michigan Floral Association,Floral Expo

TSE2012: New Products from Smithers Oasis

yashton@mayesh.com — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:07:00 GMT

During The Special Event 2012, Smither Oasis gave us a tour of their booth and some of their new products - giant spheres and garden stakes (round and rectangular). Plus we received an inside scoop on their upcoming floating wreath forms that will come in 3 different sizes - look for those this Spring!

Enjoy!

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Tags: wholesale flowers,floral supplies,oasis,new floral products,tse2012

TSE Session: Top 5 Marketing Design Secrets That Help Get You Noticed

yashton@mayesh.com — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:58:00 GMT

I decided to mix it up a bit and take a session at the 2012 Special Event show that didn’t have anything to do with flowers and more with what I do for Mayesh Wholesale Florist – marketing! The session was called “Top 5 Marketing Design Secrets That Help Get You Noticed” and was given by Laura Cave, the Director of Partner Promotions at theknot.com.

I wasn’t sure if I would learn anything new and in the beginning, it wasn’t looking too promising, but in the end I did learn a few new things and was reminded of some knowledge that I already knew, but haven’t thought about in a while … so for me, it is a win!

I’m not really sure where the “top 5” part of the session title came from because I didn’t detect a top 5 per se so instead of trying to figure it out I've outlined what we reviewed:

Photos

Only use pro shots – you can often barter with a professional photographer as long as you give credit and link to their site.
Stay current within a year or two.
Keep images clean – here’s what makes a good photo:

sharp focus and detail
good lighting
natural setting
shows off your work – have a mix of photos that show detailed/close-up shots and wide shots

Do not show “work in progress” types of photos.
Context is king – choose photos according to where they will appear. I guess for photos this is true, but in my world, “content is king”. You need to give the viewers what they want to see.

Clean web design – often your site may be your first impression for a prospective client and you want to put your best foot forward.

Be user friendly … “why play hard to get”?

use clear calls to action
make it easy for the user to contact you or find your contact info
NO flash intros … In my humble opinion, flash intros are pretty, but usually have no value, so why waste your visitors time?
Edit your copy by cutting it down by half. Trust me, I know that is difficult, but necessary because people don’t read.
Use easy to read font. Please do not put your main content in some funky font that looks cool, but is hard on the eyes.
Make sure all of your link works. I know this can happen from time to time, but be vigillent.
Use video – if done properly, people love video and they can get a great sense of your business. Here is an amazing example of how a video can really sell what you and your business is all about. I viewed this video for a different session, but thought it really fits in well here. Not only does this video show off Darryl & Co’s work and gives the viewer a good sense of the owner, but it portrays emotion. I got all teary eyed watching it for the first time and isn’t that what you want from your prospects? To be emotionally engaged with you before they even contact you? https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2197871946862

Example

http://www.affinityseattle.com/ – is a great example of a website trend – big photos and clean menus.
http://www.3womendesserts.com/ – use the texture of their products as the background.
http://frillsconsulting.com/ – there a rotating banner and it has a “moment in time” type of pictures (bride and groom with donkey and flower girl) .

Print materials

Above are example of Queen City Cookies business cards, mailers which all coordinate with their website. The postcards do a great job in making your mouth water – beautiful print work.
American Club Resort – created a print brochure showcasing the bride’s day from start to finish on the day of the wedding with beautiful print photography (below).

Email Basics

Don’t put important messages in an image because if a user looks at a text version of an email or one with the images stripped out, they will be missing important information.
Theknot.com people have found that text on the left with images on the right perform better.
The maximum width of an email should be 600 pixels.
Do not use background images.
Have a strong call to action. The picture below is pretty blurry, but you can clearly see what the company wants you to do in both examples - “enter now” and “RSVP Now!”.

Logo Basics

As with your photos, web design, print materials, your logo should also be examined every so often. You need to ensure that you logo works well:

on both white and colored backgrounds
large and small sizes

If you decide to reconsider your logo, here are a few items you should consider:

readability (simple is always better)
multiple versions for multiple uses
no animations
have several vertical and horizontal versions

Use vector art of your logo (e.g. Adobe Illustrator) because it is infinitely scalable from business cards to billboards without having to make any edits.
Never delete or save over your original files.
300 dpi (high resolution) is perfect for printing.
Below is an example of a logo in which was reduced in size, picture A. But upon examination, one will notice that although the font had not been changed the line looks much lighter. So the designer knew that she needed to increase the heaviness of the line so that it looks the same as the bigger logo.

Create an asset library – an area to keep key files you will need to create marketing materials or to provide to third parties.
Copy document – create a document with all of your key business copy (business description, bios, key marketing language)

edit the copy and keep for marketing use that way you know you will not have any errors in your copy.

Great tools

Dropbox – a great way to share files, store your digital assets and copy documents.
Need a new, updated site? Check out:

SquareSpace – you can build your own website and customize it without the help of a developer. From the reviews that I saw, this seems to be THE place to go right now for a beautiful and professional looking site. Remember, even just using a basic template, but having gorgeous and professional photographs will make all of the difference.
WordPress – this was once used for blogs, but not any more. You can build an entire website using this site.

I found out about moo.com from a photographer friend of mine and love their site and their products. Be sure to check them out for your printing needs or for inspiration!
4by6 is another service to create and order your printed materials from. I don’t know much about them, but looking at their site they have a ton of great educational material about photography, color & art and also some great inspirational goodness!

The moral of the story is that you need to invest in your marketing so that they truly fit your brand. Think of what your brand should portray and really examine your materials to ensure that they align. If they don’t, then this article outlines some easy steps to get you where you need to be so that you can make the best impression on your prospects and current customers.

Have any questions or comments? Have you gone through a business marketing makeover with success? I want to hear all about it. Hit me up in the comments below!

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Tags: the special event,marketing,theknot.com,photography,web design

Mayesh Inside the Latest Flowers& Magazine

yashton@mayesh.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:01:00 GMT

I wanted to share with you the latest “Fresh Focus” article found in February’s issue of Flowers&. This month’s article is all about Anemones and you will be able to read what our very own, Tricia Tang (Mayesh Miami General Manager), has contributed, among others. Here’s a quote from the article:

At Mayesh, Tricia notes that demand rises during the most popular wedding months, such as October and June. That’s when she’s more likely to reach out to Holland or Chile to meet the needs of her customers.

Flowers& was kind enough to create a .pdf so that I can share the entire article with you:
http://www.mayesh.comhttp://www.mayesh.comhttp://www.mayesh.com/Portals/0/Content/PDFs/Flowers&FreshFocusFeb2012.pdf

Connect with Flowers&:
www.flowersandmagazine.com
www.facebook.com/FlowersAndMagazine

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Tags: mayesh,wholesale flowers,anemones,flowers&,tricia tang

Mayesh & Artistry Designs Group at TSE's Wedding Galleries

yashton@mayesh.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:36:00 GMT

During the TSE 2012 show, we were involved with The Special Event’s Wedding Galleries as we sponsored Barb Oehlerking of Artistry Designs Group by providing her with wholesale flowers. Again, as The Special Event was my first show, I had no idea what to expect. I was BLOWN away! The creativity of all the galleries was amazing and I will share some pictures in the near future, but think of everything from Buddha to chicken coops!

I loved Barb’s vision so much that I thought an interview was in order. So please watch for the interview early next week. I did take my own photos, but I was able to get my hands on professional pics from Limelight Photography.

The Artistry Designs Group’s gallery was split up by season – Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring. Continue down to get all the details by season …. enjoy wedding and event inspiration at its best!

Connect with Barb & Artistry Designs Group:
www.artistrydesignsgroup.com
Facebook
Twitter

WINTER

Filled with French tulips, hydrangea, roses, dusty miller and sweat peas, one couldn’t help to feel warm in this wintery setting. The bar was super “cool” because of how the lip of the counter was lighted. Love it!

SUMMER

This is what you first see when you walked into Barb’s gallery. And YES, that is real sand on the floor. No detail was left untouched. This scene was filled with driftwood (this must be a trend because I’m seeing it everywhere), hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, sea shells, star fish, and silver dollar branches.

SPRING

For all you Twilight fans, does this table remind you of anything? Edward and Bella’s wedding ceremony! I heard a woman talk about the linens and those are the actual linen’s used for the Breaking Dawn reception. Even if you are not a Twilight fan, you can surely appreciate the wedding in the movie, it such a beautiful setting that is will surely create its own trends, as depicted in photos below. The hanging wisteria are silk blooms, but I believe everything else is fresh – lavender roses, antique green hydrangea, and waxflower. Last but least, and I couldn’t get a good picture – the ground was covered in bark pieces to give the feel that you were actually outside in the middle of the woods. Swoon!

FALL

Last, but not least the fall table scene. Dark fabrics, gilded gold peices, candlelight mixed with dark red blooms. The fresh cut floral line-up included roses, garden roses, mini callas, cymbidiums, and antique hydranges.

All photographs are courtesy of Limelight Photography

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Tags: mayesh,wholesale flowers,the special event,tse,barb Oehlerking,artistry designs group,wedding inspiration,event inspiration,season

SHAKEN BUT NOT STRIRRED

yashton@mayesh.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:02:00 GMT

Author: David Dahlson

Last night I checked the last Valentine’s shipment destined for the United States for Mayesh Wholesale. It was a modest load, comprised substantially of Freedom and Forever Young as well as a large amount of pinks and hot pinks, and many special requests of rarer varieties. Roses are fairly scarce in Ecuador at this moment, with the exception of short-stemmed colors. Most reds have been harvested, but those farms whose crop came late decided to not even bother trying to cut tight flowers to ship for the holiday, and have decided instead to leave them in the field and will harvest starting the week following Valentine’s Day for the Russian Women’s Day holiday.

This morning around 5:30 am local time (9:30 GMT) I was awakened by an almost imperceptible movement of my bed, but having lived in Los Angeles for many years, I knew right away that this was an earthquake. I lay there as it barely trembled and after about 20 seconds it gathered strength and gave a few good jolts. I was on the 5^th floor of the hotel, and I was hoping that the building codes were adequate in Ecuador. For a couple of seconds all the light fixtures rattled and then it subsided. I jumped up and looked out of the window. Nothing of consequence appeared to be happening outside. Probably because I was higher up in an edifice I felt it more than people at ground level. Not much to worry about, but whenever the ground literally moves under your feet it is quite disconcerting. It certainly puts one existence in the big scheme of things in perspective, and is quite humbling.

On my way to breakfast I passed a conference room that was set up for a “Halliburton” breakfast. Coincidence? Probably!

Shortly I leave for the airport to head back to Miami. My job here is done, but I do wish all the Mayesh associates, customers and clients, and flower lovers everywhere a successful and prosperous Valentine’s Day.

Hasta la vista.

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Tags: david dahlson,Valentine's Day,roses,ecuador