4 Things // Loss & Life

This week, I lost a friend. It's so hard to comprehend the loss of such a beautiful life. Despite the sadness, there were many moments of happy joy including Mike and I celebrating our anniversary together. It was a week of celebrating life. 

Playing:Constellations at the Old Globe. It was interesting although if I never saw another play that has cancer as their central theme, that would be great. We then went to AIDS night out at Barrio Star

Watching: Game of Thrones premiere YAY!

Travel: Mike got home from Indiana! It was our anniversary and so nice to celebrate together.

Photographing: Amazing wedding for Sarah and Anson with Coastyle Events and Annette Gomez at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. It was a great team and a beautiful couple. Heart dropping inspiration really helped me get through this week. 

xoxo

Suzanne

Creativity Tell All : Annette Gomez

"Once I gave into my passion I realized it was where I was meant to be." Shewanders sat down with Annette Gomez of Flowers Annette Gomez for some extra special one-on-one time. Keep reading for all of the dirt on her creative inspirations and best advice, including a pie analogy. Who doesn't love pie!?

How do you continually stay inspired and creative?

I spend a lot of time digging in my garden. That’s really all I need to stay inspired. Oh and rain. I love when it rains.

Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?

I am a morning person. I get most of my best work done early in the morning. I am usually up by 5am and am self admittedly a little neurotic.  I clean the house, pack our lunches, make breakfast and feed the animals. I actually like doing chores. I am one of those people who will leave the dishes in the sink until the morning because that is when I have the most energy. I am usually out the door to work by 6:30am and headed to the flower market. I love that part of the business - shopping for product and seeing what is new at the market always inspires me. 

If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?

Be patient. Don’t expect to be super busy right away. Take your time and learn as much as you can from a seasoned designer or shop. Volunteer to work for someone who has been in the business for years. Listen, watch, and be patient.

Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?

No. When I was in college I tried to convince myself that I was more of the corporate type gal. I majored in International Commerce. That didn’t last long. I just could never break free from the flower business. Once I gave into my passion I realized it was where I was meant to be.  

What season inspires you most?

No particular season inspires me as much as the rain. I am most inspired when it rains; the more rain, the better. I feel like Mother Earth is happy when it's raining and that inspires me. 

Do you have any funny short stories or embarrassing moments from when you first got started?

I could write a book of stories having been in the business for almost 30 years. One of my most embarrassing moments was when I asked a client how she liked the flowers her husband purchased for her, only to find out that the flowers were not for her, but for his girlfriend. Ugh. I learned a fast lesson that day. How embarrassing!

What is the best advice you have been given?

Follow your gut and don’t try to do everything. Think of all of the work as one big pie and then decide how much pie you would like to eat. Don’t be greedy and don’t try to eat too much. You will end up with a stomach ache and underserved clients.

What is your dream project?

My dream projects always involve gardening and growing flowers or food. I would love to have a bigger piece of property to grow on and have my workshop.

If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?

Anything Van Morrison.

Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?

My garden.

What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?

I would grab my husband, a couple of backpacks and head south of the boarder. We would wander through South America until the money ran out, seeing where the wind blew us.

Annette, your insight is as beautiful as your work. Thank you!

xoxo,

Suzanne, Mike & the Wanderers

The $40,900 Question: Annette Gomez

 Annette Gomez's classic and timeless floral designs are inspiring. We were able to gain insight into summer floral trends, seeking inspiration, and dream summer trips when we interviewed Annette. She really is lovely. Be sure to pop by her website for some more floral eye candy.

1. Favorite summer blooms? Zinnias, cosmos, and garden roses.

2. Color palettes that are spiring you this summer? Bright hot color. Always orange. I love orange for summer. And green, actually green is my favorite color and I can't get enough green. Yellow is another great summer color.

3. Describe your signature style. My signature style has evolved over the years, but the look I have always loved is one that is loose and unstructured. It is usually created from lots of goodies foraged from my garden. I like to think my style is approachable and not contrived. I lean towards a simple, clean, classic, and timeless look.

4. Any advice for brides to be? Relax! Use Pinterest for inspiration but don’t insist that everything look exactly like the pictures on your board. Embrace what mother nature has to offer you at the time of your wedding. Hire wonderful professional vendors and then let them do their thing. Let go… let go… let go…. Surprises are a wonderful thing.

5. What keeps you inspired? Nature always inspires me… and my garden. I love working in my garden and digging in the dirt. This is where I get most of my inspiration.

6. Describe the perfect bouquet. There isn’t just one perfect bouquet, as it usually  depends on the bride. I tend to like a hand held cluster of just one type of flower, maybe sweet peas or lily of the valley or even daffodils can make a lovely bouquet. If I am not in a simple mood, then I go for lots of green textures with a few funky blooms.  Perhaps garden roses or what ever is growing in my garden at the moment.

7. Favorite summer destination? Guadalajara Mexico or really anywhere in Mexico.

8. Beach or mountains? I like both.

9. If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do? Italy. The Vatican. If I am really dreaming, I would have a meal with Pope Francis. I would love that! I would walk my way through Italy sampling all of the wonderful cuisine and I would take my darling husband with me.