Today we are taking a different twist on our Ask the Experts Series! We are re-posting an interview that Anna Lathrop of Gourmet Galley did with Yumiko Fletcher, founder of Hana Floral Design. These are two of our favorite vendors! We are honored to be able to share their perspective with you.
Keep an eye on our blog in the coming weeks as we turn the tables and conduct an interview with Anna!
Did you always know that you wanted to be a professional florist? Nope! I started out aspiring to be an opera singer!!! I went to college for Vocal Performance at the Benjamin T Rome School of Music at Catholic U. (Washington DC)
How did you get into the business? Actually, a tragedy caused me to switch gears in life. My mom passed away unexpectedly in early 2001 and it made me re-think of my goals in life. It really was the catalyst for change and got me back into a creative field. I took some time off and a few months later, took a job in a flower shop!How long have you been in business and how did your current venture start? Hana has been in business since 2004. Prior to that, I had worked for a short time with a partner under a different name, and two years of working at flower shops before that.
Love note from TWD: we started the same year as Hana and have been friends ever since!
What is your favorite type of couple and venue to work with? Well, I really love a bride who loves us! Thatâs the best. And that bride is usually detail oriented but still somewhat laid back and has a combo of âclassic/vintage/modernâ taste.  They are willing to trust us to create something fabulous for them! As far as venue~ We love going to new places, we like to travel but we also adore our local venues, like Saltwater Farm, Eolia Mansion, J Edwards, and one of my personal faves is Elihu Island in Stonington.Whatâs your favorite moment of a wedding to design florals for? Definitely the bridal bouquet and bouquets in general. Handing my bride her bouquet is the moment for me usually. The reaction says it all and makes my day.
Favorite Non-Wedding Floral Occasion/Arrangement? Here at Hana, we make gorgeous holiday wreaths! They are hand clamped, which means we mix the greens, not just use a pre-made wreath and decorate it. I love the holidays as far as florals go but itâs still second to weddings!
Love note from TWD: We can attest to the beauty of Hana's holiday florals! We have been fortunate enough to have them grace our boutique in the past.
How would you describe your creative process? I usually meet the bride personally and we go through the entire wedding so I can get as many details down as possible. I love to see the dress she picked as well as anything else involved ~ linens, maidâs dresses, any ideas that tell the whole story. Then I draw up a detailed proposal, maybe make a sample centerpiece and then I get going on ordering! We try not to do anything exactly the same even if a bride loves something weâve already done. What are the three flowers that you would say best describes yourself and your style? Oh coral charm peony for sure, possibly the phaleonopsis orchid for a little âexoticâ and I just love gardenias for their classic beauty and the most amazing scent. To contact Hana Floral... Website/Blog: www.hanafloraldesign.com & www.hanafloraldesign.com/blog E-mail: yumiko@hanafloraldesign.com Phone: 860.572.2929