We designed and installed our first wedding in 2022.  January 8, 2022.  I was training and working with a freelance designer to see how we both like working with one another.  This is extremely important to me.  I watch for a number of things.  I watch to see if they like the work, if they enjoy weddings and special events, they can listen to instructions, execute instructions under pressure, take constructive criticism, if they complete the work, how well they work under pressure, confidence level, maturity, an artistic eye, no drama and most importantly, the speed of their work.  Admittedly, the expectation to be part of our team high.

After working a few days with someone, I am very good at accessing whether they will be a good fit in our work environment or not.  Expectations are high and our workload can be demanding.  

Our work environment can be a dream for some people and a nightmare for others.  

When I started Sweet Lilacs, I created my ideal work environment.  Working mats all over the floor of the workshop, large counters for design work, music blaring in the background, no answering customer calls, focus on design work, large assortment of flowers and foliage to create, TONS of creative freedom to produce a look and style, a supportive environment very similar to an art studio where ideas are constantly bounced around, very little egos, no prima dona designers, no drama, everyone helps out one another, flexible days and flexible hours, very few set rules, label everything with our color coding system, read the paperwork carefully, clean up after yourselves.

When we get to the work, this all falls into place.  Everyone jumps in to train one another, help out each other, load and unload the trucks, clean up, laugh, talk about our lives, talk about our problems and just have a good time. Kindness, consideration, honesty and lots of laughter.  Some thrive in this loosely organized chaos; some need a more structured, systematic workplace. 

I am the number one supporter of my team and my team has my support.  I know that everyone that works for any length of time at Sweet Lilacs, works hard and wants to do a good job.  We all have the same goal, to make this event, the best it can be through our talents and hard work.  I cannot do my work without a good strong team behind me.  This is what make Sweet Lilacs work.