Check Out Jaclyn Pline’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Pline

Hi Jaclyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It’s an interesting story as getting into floral design was my mother’s idea. I wanted to either become a nurse, draw blueprints for homes or go to art school. I took my mothers recommendation and took my first floristry class in 2009 at a local community college. While in college, my aunt saw a local flower shop was hiring so I applied. I brought in a portfolio of everything I’d worked on that semester and told the owner I’d do anything they wanted me to and I’d be the best employee. I was hired. Fast forward, I knew I wanted to design large scale events so I lived in other states designing these events; eventually started to write for magazines, made the front covers of those publications and met some really cool people along the way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Do pigs fly ? hehe. No, one of the struggles was getting to learn others design style when working in flower shops. Each shop has a different way of designing and though I studied floristry in college and had designed for many years, it seemed as though that did not matter to some. I had arrangements taken apart even though to my mentors they looked great or to others they looked amazing. I had to have thick skin to take criticism and know that some jobs were simply a paycheck and you go home. Another struggle was having a chuppah with florals on top fall on top of my head and I had to get staples in my head. After the incident the owners fired me and threatened me that I was not allowed to get a job in floristry for over a year. I ended up getting a job with a hotel as a hostess to simply separate myself from floristry for a bit while I was recovering the trauma. Overcoming that, learning to even have the slightest bit of trust in people again took a bit and learning to let go was hard at times. But, I overcame and know how to not treat employees or freelance designers.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own a business called The Skinny Vase, LLC. I specialize in luxury weddings and events throughout the triangle and even travel. I’ve been to FL, MD, MI and PA to design just to name a few. At first I was known as “the girl who wears flowers”. When I lived in FL, I wore flowers A LOT; any chance I could get or any time I wanted to have a photo shoot, I wore flowers. Now, I think people still know me as the girl who wear flowers, but more know me as a business owner, an artist who designs weddings.
I’m most proud of owning a business for over 5 years and having the funds to pay freelance designers in recent years. What sets me apart from others is my willingness to listen and help the client get what they want within reason. I help create solutions… with flowers of course.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m a fraternal triplet and a former fitness competitor and model. I’ve competed and won every competition I’ve entered and made the cover of a fitness magazine and graced the pages of a couple fitness books 🙂 I was a product tester for Nike and sponsored by other top name fitness brands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theskinnyvase.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinnyVase