Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Hoard.
Hi Marci, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young girl I loved planting flowers and taking care of them. That started me on my journey. In 9th grade when we had to interview someone in the community about their job I chose the local flower shop owner. I received a degree in Floriculture in the early 80’s. I love this industry and how there are never 2 days alike. The change in seasons changes the color palette and types of flowers used. I get to help people celebrate highs and lows of life and it’s always a fun challenge to help personalize gifts for their loved ones. People may not remember the details of a date or holiday but they will never forget the emotions they felt when they received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
I took a break from flowers while we raised our 3 kids. When I decided it was time to get back in the industry I was amazed and excited for how much it had changed. There are so many more options of flowers and designs are much more artistic. I didn’t realize when we moved to Brainerd, MN what a wedding hotspot this is! I freelanced for several years before I opened Lily Grass Floral Studio. (Lily Grass is an actual plant that we use the foliage from) I have also had the privilege of sharing my passion by teaching floral design at Central Lakes College.
I have had brides/grooms from all over the US, Korea, London, and South Africa.
One of the biggest compliments I received was when a groom walked into the reception after we had decorated it, he stopped in his tracks, exclaiming how the room had been transformed. Fresh flowers and greenery affect our emotions and moods and it is exciting to witness someone experience that.
I realized a few years ago that I love what I do because I love to solve problems. When you are working with fresh product and MN weather, there is always something that will be a surprise and adjustments that need to be made.
I’ve always said I have the greatest job and am amazed how I manage to get the best brides and grooms to work with.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The hardest part of owning a 1 person business is not having that extra opinion to throw ideas around with. Working with fresh flowers that are affected by the weather and so many other variables it is easy to get caught up in stress and worry. Many times I’ve had to come up with a solution for a flower that came in damaged or too short, or weather that isn’t cooporating, etc. That is why it is nice to hire a professional for your wedding day. Let us handle the stress! We have the tools and tricks to make it happen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known mostly for doing weddings.
I am thrilled to bring a bride’s dreams to life. It is so rewarding to bring them to tears of joy when they see it all come together.
I love making artistic corsages, boutonnieres, floral necklaces and floral tatoos!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God deserves the credit for Lily Grass Floral Studio. I feel like Lily Grass and teaching at the college both just landed in my lap.
This work can be physically demanding and I have an amazing team of helpers that love to create beauty and help with setting up my weddings. I trust them completely to bring the look together that a bride wants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lilygrassfloral.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilygrassfloral/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilygrassfloral
