Julie Mendelhall is a successful florist that caters to events, specifically weddings. She is the owner of Jules Design, which is located in Fayetteville, AR. She serves all of Northwest Arkansas, as well as the River Valley.
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a florist since I moved to Fayetteville in 1996 to begin my studies in Interior Design at the U of A. I worked at Betty’s Blossoms, which is now Zuzu’s Petals, until I graduated in 2000 and moved to New York to work with flowers. I moved back to Fayetteville and worked several part time jobs to help support my new business of wedding design.
How long have you been a florist?
My boss and mentor, Peggy Qualls, who I worked with for several years encouraged me to begin my own company. As an owner of a florist business, she noticed the need for a floral designer who didn’t have to concentrate on the “day to day” orders. We can provide the attention needed to brides in this new market and not be distracted by walk-in customers, etc.
Is there something that you do really well that separates you from others?
I think that my background studies in Interior Design helps me to visualize a space and help to relay that to the client. I also do sketches of the space and floral design ideas during consultations.
Any interesting wedding stories to share?
I still get a kick out a mother of the bride who apologized to me repeatedly for being needy, demanding, and annoying. It was usually followed by the question, “Am I the most annoying client you’ve ever had?” The mothers who ask me this are usually some of my favorite clients!! I just respond by saying “if you only knew what I really deal with!!”
What are the hot trends in weddings right now?
This year the vintage look is still going strong. We are mixing milk glass containers with mason jars and birch baskets with antique silver. No one wants something that they have seen at their friends’ weddings years ago. We are always trying to come up with a new concept which can sometimes be hard.
Any advice for brides?
“SET A BUDGET!!!!” There is no way that you will stick with a budget if you haven’t set one. I love working with wedding coordinators for this reason. Specialist know how much you should be spending in certain areas. They find out what is the most important to the bride and groom and really help to keep their clients on budget.
Some of Julie’s designs:
Jules Designs
(479)263-1133
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