As soon as I saw the work of Kelly McCormick, owner of Green Stem Designs, I knew I had to interview her for So You’re EnGAYged! I know how eager our readers are to invest in woman-owned and green-friendly small businesses.
Please tell us a little bit about your business.
Green Stem Designs is an Eco-Friendly floral design studio serving all of New England. With edgy appeal and innovative arrangements, we can set the standard of excellence that reflects your values and creates spectacular memories. Green Stem Designs prides itself in being a Green-Friendly, Woman Owned and Operated, New England-based Small Business.
How did you get into doing what you do?
I was living in Hollywood, working 16-hour days in film and television production. Although it’s a glamorous industry, I didn’t feel completely satisfied with my position behind the scenes because it didn’t afford me any artistic outlet. A unique opportunity arose when my then girlfriend’s sister asked if I could do her wedding flowers. Although I wasn’t a designer she knew I was creative and able to interpret other people’s artistic vision. I was very flattered and gladly accepted the challenge. Designing flowers for her wedding was when I realized I had finally found my medium in flowers. Three months later I was enrolled in a floral design program at City College in San Francisco.
How is your business “pro-gay”, or how have you changed your business to be gay-friendly?
Well for starters I am an openly gay woman, and my partner assists me with all aspects of my work from the conception to finishing the bouquet with a ribbon. We are a team and she is integral to Green Stem Designs.
In regards to my clients, I never put them in a box, gay, straight or otherwise. Green Stem Designs customizes each event because everyone’s celebration of love deserves gorgeous flowers.
What do you love about what you do?
Getting to know my clients and helping them to realize their vision is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Taking natural materials and creating interesting, unique, eco-friendly and of course beautiful floral décor brings joy to my life and others.
Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?
Delivering the flowers to my clients is one of my favorite moments because of the anticipation, surprise and excitement. This is when I usually get hugs.
Can you tell us more about going “green”?
Yes! I create beautiful floral designs using organic, local, in season and sustainable grown flowers, plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables when available. I’m a green-friendly florist trying to tread a little lighter on the planet one petal at a time. My tag line is: “Think globally and blossom!”
I’ve chosen to be eco-friendly not because it’s easier or in fashion but because it’s the responsible and right thing to do. I live my personal life this way so it was an easy decision to continue this in my business practice.
Rave and picture time!
“Kelly and Green Stem Designs created floral arrangements, boutonnieres, corsages, bouquets and constructed a Chuppah for our Commitment Ceremony. Kelly was able to be both sensitive to my partner and my needs or desires, while remaining creative and daring in her execution. Her organic style was pure and breathtaking. Since our event was mostly outside, she was able to match the colors, theme and feeling of our day to her creation. She also assembled a skilled and professional team to complete the job. I highly recommend Green Stem Designs and Kelly McCormick’s work for any design or event where you need a professional.”
- March 16, 2009 (Therese Bogan ?hired Kelly as a Floral Design for a Gay Wedding in 2007)
