Still struggling with charging what you’re worth? Floral designer and HoneyBook member Mandy Ogaz gets it. On the one hand, she’s completely dedicated to her craft, investing in each wedding as if it was her own. (To hear her talk about each twig and petal is like reading poetry.) On the other, her biggest business challenge is educating people on the value of what she does.
Here, she shares more about what inspires her and how she overcomes tough budget conversations.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m Mandy, owner and floral designer at The Potted Pansy. My world belongs to my wonderful hubby, two itty-bittys and the world of nature encompassed in flowers. Together we love to laugh, play outdoors, enjoy the beauties of the world, and read lots of books at our home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Winters at our home are filled with warm fires, popcorn, hot chocolate and more books. Summers are spent outdoors digging in in dirt and trimming growing things; lounging with friends under the glow of canopy lights; and always going on adventures in the nearby mountains.
How did you get your start in business?
My business began long ago when I worked in a floral shop in high school. My love for flowers and design continued as I studied interior design while working floral on the side. This background in both interior and floral design brings a creative balance.
It’s by utilizing blooms in their natural form—by creating a balance of texture and color and bringing nature back into the picture, letting it shine—that we create our signature arrangements.
What’s a floral trend you’re really enjoying?
I’m a sucker for big bouquets, and I’m thrilled that they are the trend! Honestly, even if they weren’t I would still continue to make statement bouquets. I adore sticky, twiggy, branchy anything and so the incorporation of more natural elements that we’ve seen over the course of the past year or so really speaks to my heart. I’m also enjoying the earthy, almost tuscan trend in greens, eucalyptus, olive and bay leaf. These simple components create such a romantic, yet comfortable atmosphere.
Any predictions on where the floral business is headed?
My predictions are probably more geared toward west coast, where I see a pull toward more intimate, smaller weddings with a statement piece such as a floral installation for the ceremony. Brides who really want to make their special day uniquely them and are gearing their preparations toward less and more impactful florals.
What’s one of your most favorite projects and why?
Basically whatever project I’m working on right now! I get far too excited about each project, and my hubby even laughs at me, saying I act as though each wedding were my own. But isn’t that what keeps us going and makes this work fun? If I had to choose, I’d say any desert project.
I love the desert so much and each time I’m able to work there, it fills my need for dry and cracked and worn and old. And the beauty of each flower striving for any bit of water it can find. The symbolism just gets me!
My philosophy has become centered around concentrating on the details of every petal and twig. To fall in love with the intricate details of nature. To embrace the weeds, the dirt, the cracked earth. To appreciate all things nature and not try to change them. That’s when the magic happens!
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your business? How did you deal with it?
I would have to say the biggest challenge is educating the general public on the value of a floral experience and the ambience and mood florals bring to an event. Having the ability to send guides and packages through HoneyBook to educate inquiries has helped ease the budget conversations as we work through the value of truly having a designed floral experience.
Having the ability to send guides and packages through HoneyBook to educate inquiries has helped ease the budget conversations as we work through the value of truly having a designed floral experience.
Try HoneyBook, the business management software that Mandy uses, to turn inquiries into clients. Click here to get 50% off your first year with Mandy’s link.
What’s your best tip to help others use HoneyBook better?
If Honeybook members aren’t currently using the Quickbooks or Calendly feature, it’s a must. I use the self-employed Quickbooks version, and all of my transactions automatically load, making the accounting portion of my business so much easier. The Calendly feature has simplified my client communication for appointment setting from three emails back and forth to a single email. It’s automatically sent out with the link for available appointment times. The integration is wonderful and a must-use.
Try HoneyBook, the small business management software that Mandy uses, to turn inquiries into clients. Click here to get 50% off your first year with Mandy’s link.
What’s your favorite feature about HoneyBook?
Do I have to choose just one? I love so many features in HoneyBook. It’s the overall package that makes my life so much easier. I think most of us can say that as creative entrepreneurs, the business side isn’t our strong point. But with HoneyBook, it’s as if my jumbled brain is now an organized brain locked into a computer with a program and a system.
Thanks for sharing, Mandy!
Plus, three more entrepreneur interviews you might like:
- Jeff Watkins, Photographer and Retreat Founder – “I started my business with $4.33 in the bank and a $50 point-and-shoot from Target.”
- Ambar Januel, Digital Nomad – “I’ve lived on the road my entire life, spending months camping, sleeping in cars, moving from house to house.”
- India Earl, Destination Wedding Photographer – “Always showing my personality and being myself is really important so that I know the people reaching out to me are okay with who I am rather than being flabbergasted that I show up to shoot their wedding in Vans, ripped jeans and a tank top.”
(Top and last photos by Haley Nord Photography; second photo by As Ever Photography; third photo and Color Theory Guide cover photo by Monique Serra Photography; all florals by The Potted Pansy)
