Marsha Martinez
Founder of Sixteen Eleven Floral Design
http://www.sixteenelevenfloraldesign.com/
Let’s start off with the obvious place to start, please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in Santa Fe, NM to an amazing family then moved to New York City when I was 18 to study acting. After college, some friends and I founded a small, politically conscious theatre company called Stone Soup Theatre Arts. I was lucky enough to do theatre consistently for almost ten years because of Stone Soup, but more importantly, I made some of the best friends of my life with this company. In 2008 (and in the midst of a recession), I thought it would be a great idea to quit my steady and reliable office job and try my hand at acting full-time. Little did I know that looking for a job to pay the bills would be a full-time job in itself. As an actress, it was only inevitable that I would wait tables so I did that for about 3 years. Two great things came from waiting tables: the first was meeting the funniest and kindest guy who would later become my husband and the second was discovering that neither acting nor waiting tables was something I really wanted to do.
So, why floral design? How did you first get into it?
In my heart of hearts, I think I’ve always known that flowers would play some part in my life. I’ve loved nature since I was little and I’ve always wanted to be creative. Until a couple of years ago, I thought my only outlet as an artist was performing but it wasn’t until I was waiting tables that I realized I could utilize my creativity in a different way. I worked at a restaurant in the West Village in NYC that hired a floral designer to come in and create a new arrangement every week. She was so creative and happy seeming and watching her I thought, “I could do that”. Soon after, a friend trusted me to do the flowers for her wedding and I slowly started getting other jobs after that.
Your designs are really beautiful. Would you mind telling us a little about your creative process?
Thank you so much! In terms of my creative process, I almost always start with color. Usually brides will have their wedding palette chosen already and it’s easiest to start from there. Also, I find that the season usually dictates a lot of my design. Knowing that a bride is getting married in October, for example, I can anticipate designing with seasonal blooms like dahlias and gorgeous foraged greenery. The next step is really just letting the flowers speak for themselves. My aesthetic leans toward a looser, garden-ey style and I try to design with a sense of movement and grace. I love the way a poppy stem will curve, and I’ll try to design around that unique characteristic, for example.
You happen to have a theater arts background; do you bring any of that or those experiences into your business?
Again, I think I’ve always wanted to be creative in some way and that started out early on as wanting to be an actor. If I’m being truthful with myself, I think what I was best at was putting a costume together or figuring out my hair and makeup, or making the props. I always felt more confident with the tangible elements of theater, as opposed to bringing a character to life. The theatre helped me realize that the creativity that came from my hands was stronger than what came from my voice or stage presence.
What made you feel ready to make the leap and take the first step?
I don’t think any day job I’ve had has ever made me happy. I realized this a few years ago while commuting to yet another office job. Working with flowers and learning from other florists has shown me that it is possible to pay the bills and also be fulfilled. I once worked on flowers for a wedding where I didn’t stop to eat or use the bathroom for over 7 hours. I was completely immersed in what I was doing and so lodged in the present moment, time just completely flew by. No other activity or job has stopped time like that for me, it’s a really special thing.
What’s the most challenging and the most rewarding part of starting a floral design business?
The most challenging part of starting this business is doing everything by myself. I’m self taught and I have had to learn every lesson the hard way. At the same time, doing everything myself is immensely rewarding. Knowing that I’ve taught myself a skill that aims to beautify the world (even just a little bit) has brought me more gratification than any raise or promotion from previous jobs.
Do you ever experience fear or doubt? How do you manage those feelings?
I wrestle with fear and doubt constantly! I always wonder if I’m good enough or skilled enough and I know I still have so much to learn. I used to manage these feelings with reassurance from friends and family. While there’s nothing better than hearing how good your work is from those closest to you, I’ve found that it’s more practical to have my floral peers critique my work. Getting constructive criticism from florists whose work I admire helps me more in the long run.
In times of stress, how do you relax, take care of yourself, or indulge yourself?
My husband and I recently moved to Denver, CO. because I realized that NYC was was making me so anxious that even a trip to the grocery store was stressing me out. Being outside in nature has always centered and relaxed me and now that I live in Colorado, I have so many opportunities to do just that. I also love to eat and explore new restaurants. We’re lucky that Denver has such an amazing food scene.
What makes you feel strong or powerful?
Being around like-minded women always makes me feel strong. When women lift each other up and support each other, there is no stronger force.
What do you do when you feel stuck creatively?
When I feel stuck I usually walk away from whatever I’ve doing for a bit. Being in a creative rut is the equivalent of saying one word over and over and it loses all meaning. The same goes for whatever I’m working on - if an arrangement doesn’t look quite right, I have to step away and look at something else. Just looking out the window will help refresh my brain.
What’s something else you like to do besides floral design?
I love to read. I read everything from J.K. Rowling to Steinbeck.
What is something you wish you knew before you started?
I wish I knew that I was going to make mistakes and that’s okay. I’m so hard on myself for every little mistake and I dwell on them for weeks after an event is over. Mistakes are inevitable and the only thing I can do is learn from them.
What are you most proud of in this experience?
I am most proud when I can turn obstacles into opportunity. I like the moments when something doesn’t quite go as planned but still looks intentional.
What is the best advice you've been given? (career or otherwise)
My Dad has always told me to “walk it off” in both the literal and figurative sense. My family always encourages me to always get up after falling.
What scares you?
Driving stick shift in a city I don’t know scares the crap out of me. I’m doing it anyway.
What motivates you?
My husband, Michael motivates me. He’s constantly pushing me to be the best I can be in my business and in life.
What brings you the greatest joy?
At our wedding there was one moment when everyone I love in the world was dancing under one roof - I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. Laughing, eating, and dancing with family and friends brings me the greatest joy.
Have you ever taken a risk and have it work out great?
At 18 years old I moved to New York City and didn’t know one person east of Dallas, TX. I stayed in NYC for almost 20 years. I grew up there, learned a lot about myself, met my husband and some of the best friends a girl could ask for.
Have you ever straight up failed? What did you learn and how did you come back from it?
I once took an office job that I knew in my gut was a wrong choice. I was desperate for a job at this time so I was willing to take anything. I didn’t last long at this job and have always felt a bit of shame when I think of how ungracefully I was let go but I learned to always, always trust my gut.
What would you like to do that you haven’t done yet?
I would love to learn how to surf. First I have to become a better swimmer and get over my fear of drowning in the ocean.
What should everyone do at least once in their life?
Everyone should travel to a place where they are completely out of their comfort zone. Not knowing the language, the currency or where you are is scary but one of the most fun experiences you could have.
What is a favorite memory?
On our honeymoon running through the streets of Granada, Spain being chased by a garbage truck while slightly drunk off wine and laughter.
Who’s your idol?
These days, all the badass women striving to do good in this world: Elizabeth Warren, Sally Yates, and Kamala Harris to name a few.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Marea in NYC.
What would your last meal be?
A charcuterie plate, followed by fried chicken, Alaskan king crab legs and a key lime pie.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
There’s a little stretch of beach on Koh Lanta in Thailand where massages are $5.00USD and gin and tonics are even cheaper.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone interested in starting something – whether it’s a business, a new career path, a new adventure, a relationship – what would you tell them.
This is an oldie but goody: feel the fear and do it anyway.
What advice would you give to your teenage or younger self?
Get out of your head - reality is way less scary.
To learn more about Marsha and Sixteen Eleven Floral Design, including booking information, visit:
http://www.sixteenelevenfloraldesign.com/
