We are simulatneously sad and excited to say that one of our dearest team members is leaving us this week. Alex has grown as a person and as a designer in the 3 years she spent under my wing and we, as a team, couldn't be more proud of her. We are thrilled to see what her future holds as a floral designer as she moves on and wish her nothing but happiness. She requested to say a few words upon her leaving and I gladly obliged:
Hi I’m Alex! I’ve been with Parie Designs since May of 2013, which really seems like 10 years to me. Working for Parie has been one of the best opportunities of my life. I was a young lady, with zero floral experience when I first met Parie. But I had the drive and the want to do something bigger and better for a future career. Parie took a leap of faith I think, when she hired me. She and Kim Wood (Kim was around my first year) taught me everything I know in wedding and floral industry. Parie has been much more than a boss, she is a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.
I moved back home from Austin, Texas in 2012 and landed one of the best jobs Amarillo has to offer. I have completely fallen in love with floral design because of it, and I am so lucky to have found my niche in this world. I have a taste for all things textured and funky, for all things monochromatic, and for any kind of greenery! I really think of everything I make as an art piece. It has its own mood or story, depending on the occasion. I also enjoy every other facet of weddings and events, and everything behind the scenes. From setting up the thousands of tables and chairs, to trying to figure out “How in the heck are we going to hang this thing?”, to placing the most beautiful linens and table settings; to “How in the heck are we moving a whole business across town in 8 days?”, but we did! I feel like I’ve seen it all, but I know I haven’t. Not even.
I have loved working for Parie Designs for the last three years, and have loved being back home in Amarillo. However, I am ready to embark on a whole new adventure. I never saw myself making a permanent home in Amarillo, I’ve always dreamed bigger and farther than home. Most recently I’ve fallen in love with the mountains. I’ve made some wonderful trips to New Mexico, and then Colorado. The day I drove from Denver up to Estes Park and back around the mountain range was the day I knew I belonged in Colorado. That was it, I knew that’s where the next move would be. So I’m happy to announce I will be leaving Parie Designs in April of 2016. I’m a bit nervous, I’m also a little sad to leave my home, my work, and my friends and family. But I’m more excited to start on a new journey in my life, and in my career. I’m still going to pursue floral design in Denver, and am very excited to join the floral community there.
Its bittersweet to say the least. I’m leaving the best team I’ve ever known. ☺
Cheers!
Feel free to leave well wishes for Alex by commenting on the post! She would love to hear from you guys!