Today we’d like to introduce you to Tangy Williams.
Hi Tangy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my business Posh Stems approximately ten years ago. I had a really difficult time finding vendors in the Tallahassee area that fit my style aesthetic and most importantly that I felt comfortable with. Most of my initial vendor meetings left me feeling deflated and just sad. They didn’t get who I was as a young professional black woman that honestly wanted something different than the traditional southern farm style wedding that was so popular at the time I was engaged.
I’ve always had a natural love for fresh flowers so I realized there was a wide open market here in Tallahassee for a floral and event designer that could appeal to certain brides that look just like me.
One year after my wedding Posh Stems was born. Since then, I have started two other brands with business partners in the wedding industry. EP Luxe Event Design & Rentals, LLC and Luxe Events. EP Luxe specializes in luxury decor rental items for weddings and events and Luxe Events is our event venue that we rent out for private celebrations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship is difficult, period. Add in working a 40 hour day job and managing your personal responsibilities and family time does not make for a smooth anything, lol.
My main hardship as a floral designer was getting my business to grow initially and being accepted in a very tight-knit local wedding market. Venues weren’t accommodating, local wholesalers didn’t take you seriously. I really had to work hard to prove that my product and my brand were solid. It didn’t take me very long though. I gave it everything I had. If my clients couldn’t afford a certain look and I needed it for my portfolio, I made it work so I could produce designs that I was proud of and I knew would bring in more business and better paying clientele.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for FRESH floral wedding designs that are very lush, modern and luxurious.
I am most proud of how I carry myself and help others in a very competitive market. When I first started, there were literally no other black floral designers or even too many other wedding event professionals in my town that produced a certain caliber of events. Now, there are so many wonderful local designers and planners and not one of them can ever say that they have reached out to me for advice or to network and I haven’t been gracious or helpful. I truly believe in community over competition and I’m very proud that I’m able to reach back and help pull anyone up and realize their success has no bearing on mine. We all win.
I think that is also what sets me apart. I don’t believe in not helping others. Sometimes it’s to my own detriment but I do it regardless. What also sets me apart is I remain true to my style of floral design and I try not to follow trends.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Right now, the floral industry has been flipped upside down. The cost of flowers and supplies have skyrocketed due to the pandemic. Eventually, I know things will return to normal. However, I assume we will continue to see preserved and dried floral Stems making a strong presence in designs. The pandemic has definitely taught us that less is more so I think we will continue to see people wanting luxury events and understanding you can have that if you invite 50 people instead of 200.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@poshstemsco.com
- Website: www.poshstemsco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poshstems/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/POSHSTEMSFLORAL/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2jsLvT3-78zkhwwl-H3IjQ
- Other: www.epluxedesigns.com
Image Credits
Ride the Wave Photography Reem Photography Marcus Duval Photography Amber Brogdon Photography Kylene & Ryan Studios Charlotte Fristoe Photography
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