Soirée, Emerald Coast Flowers & Gifts, Kathryn Nikole Ladies Boutique
Soirée:
DeFuniak Springs-based florist Soirée is one Walton County small business you’re likely familiar with, even if you don’t realize it.
You can spot owner Amanda Bierbaum’s vision at occasions of all kinds, where her passion, art and expertise shine in Soirée’s specialty floral and balloon arrangements. A former in-demand photographer, her extensive background in event planning has made her an indispensable part of important occasions throughout the region and beyond. From intimate gatherings to the biggest weddings and conferences, each event takes on its own unique look, layered with custom elements that extend to even the smallest details.
When she opened shop in 2019, downtown DeFuniak “needed some life brought back into it,” says Bierbaum, pointing out that it has grown tremendously in the last few years. “I knew the official Main Street designation would bring people back downtown. This is one of the few places that has a true downtown. DeFuniak is everybody’s hometown. There’s something about it that instantly makes it feel that way to people. And it’s easy to get here, walk the lake, get a coffee at Perla, and have an experience beyond the beach.”
Before launching Soirée, Bierbaum worked as a sheriff’s assistant as well as a director of operations for the Chamber of Commerce and as an events photographer. By the time she became a florist, she had mastered the art of events and event coordinating, including producing three winter conferences in four years for the sheriff’s office, a days-long event with around a thousand attendees.
While her floral and events expertise falls into the creative side of the business world, Bierbaum’s analytical and logistical side is equally in play. “I was a photographer for 10 years, so from a wedding/events perspective, I’ve run the gamut,” she says. “I come to floristry from the perspective of what the photographer is going to take pictures of. I know which little details matter and which don’t. For instance, cocktail tables can be simple: people are going to end up there with all kinds of glasses and napkins, so you don’t necessarily need to put your budget into arrangements for that setting. If you’re hosting your event in a space with high ceilings, I’ll put some elevation in the arrangements, so your eye naturally travels upward and has more than one place to go.”
Though she’s a pro at overseeing every detail, Bierbaum is always more than happy to work with event teams already in place or to recommend people from her wide network for specific elements, from wedding planners to caterers and cake makers. It’s a community she’s grown very familiar with and has a knack for connecting people to when it comes to event matchmaking.
Clearly, it’s more than just looks that make Soirée unique; the perfection is in the thoughtful, enthusiastic planning. Expertly navigating the process of turning dreams into reality, Soirée’s got you covered from step one (free consultation) to final execution. Right down to things like personalized cups and napkins to invitations, just about anything your heart desires is in Bierbaum and team’s wheelhouse. And the meticulously curated selection of gifts is just as spot-on as its flowers and balloons. Visit the Soirée blog to see photos of their gorgeous work in action at SouthernSoiree.co.
Kathryn Nikole Ladies Boutique
When Kathryn Nikole was established in Freeport, the goal was to enrich small-town shopping opportunities in a big way. By offering cultivated style to all ages, its big aspirations quickly became a reality, and the boutique is thriving. Bringing the wider world of fashion to a small setting one piece at a time, Kathryn Nikole is a huge hit with locals, not just visitors. Residents regularly frequent this not-so-hidden gem for its beautiful collections of designer clothing. Motivated by daily deliveries of new merchandise and an inventory system that prevents reorders of the same style and color, it’s limited edition by default, keeping closets one-of-a-kind. And prices are set to keep things accessible and appealing for the (stylish) pocketbook as well, from jewelry to jackets and dresses to denim. The friendly staff is always ready to assist.
Emerald Coast Flowers
In Santa Rosa Beach, family-owned and operated Emerald Coast Flowers delivers beautiful florals–even at the last minute. Their excellent service has made them a local favorite, and their commitment shows in their dedication to each customer’s experience, going the extra mile to ensure each gift is perfect.