Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Charles.
Hi Morgan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 8 when I went into my kitchen, pulled out a well-loved Betty Crocker cookbook, and turned to the bookmarked page for a shortbread cookie recipe. I made a couple of batches of cookies, packaged them up in Ziplock baggies, and sold them door-to-door in my neighborhood. Following this endeavor, I created business cards for dog-walking and lawn mowing services and placed them in the mailboxes of my neighbors to market my next entrepreneurial venture.
Fast forward to 2021, I truly brought my entrepreneurial spirit to life and combined forces with my mom, Paula Charles, to create P for Petunia, an event planning and design, floral design, and woman-owned business.
Now that I look back on it, it’s easy to see that my drive and mindset for the entrepreneurial life were heavily influenced by my late Great Aunt Linda Hosie. Aunt Linda grew up in West Mifflin, PA, the daughter of a steel mill worker and safety equipment line assembler. After attending Juniata College, she worked for IBM as a Systems Analyst and then co-founded HaveEnterprises, a women-owned consulting firm that helps clients document processes to improve product quality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entrepreneurship never feels like a smooth road!
Oftentimes, we’re facing new challenges that can feel isolating while wearing the hats of all the roles within our business and striving to perfect each one.
I work 24/7, whether it be communicating with clients and vendors, learning new styles and techniques, staying up-to-date on the latest trends, touring venues, and of course, the actual events.
Our event weekends are packed with to-dos, including processing flowers, decoration rental arrangements, polishing of glass items, post-event clean-up, and much more. Entrepreneurship is really all about dealing with the unexpected; we always hope for the best but come prepared for the worst.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
P for Petunia specializes in wedding and event planning and design, and floral design. We are known for the personalization that we encompass in every event.
I love getting to my know my clients by learning the quirks and special things the couple shares, such as hobbies, the story of how they met, or a favorite TV show, and incorporating these things into their special day.
Recently we had a client come to us with a general vision for their engagement, and I was excited to help bring that vision to life by adding little details from their relationship through the use of candles, rose petals, a red carpet, pictures, fire, and a special, personalized gift. These details helped us reference their love for The Office and sentimental things while keeping the romantic aspect within it all.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the styled shoot I coordinated, designed, and hosted at Laundry Events in Lawrenceville, GA. The shoot highlighted Pantone’s color of the year, Very Peri. I created mood boards, sourced amazing vendors (including four models from a select model agency in Atlanta and gowns from Belfiore Bridal in Marietta), and brought everything together in a creative and enjoyable atmosphere that inspired the other creative vendors, and resulted in a successful editorial bridal styled shoot while incorporating current spring wedding trends into the decor, floral style, and a luxe tablescape.
We truly pride ourselves on the responsiveness of our small team during each stage of wedding planning, and our creative ability to transform spaces into memorable and magical moments.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Wedding trends always reemerge; for example, pearls and elopements have recently come back into style. I think small, intimate weddings with grand receptions are going to become the new norm, and the industry is going to be flooded with younger creatives stepping in as planners and vendors.
Another shift I see happening is that pampas and the boho look are going to fall out of style in the next 5-10 years.
Regardless of where things go, we are excited to continue following the trends in the wedding and events world, always adding personalization and uniqueness to best fit the desires of the couples we work with. Whether it be bouquets and boutonnieres, custom arches, or something else entirely, we are proud to deliver the look desired for their special day!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@pforpetunia.com
- Website: www.pforpetunia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pforpetunia/
Image Credits:
Bretagne Isler @tagsphotography
