Meet Anastasia Baker | Event Designer and Florist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasia Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasia, how do you think about risk?
I love risk. My life is one big calculated risk. I studied film during a recession. I opened my first retail store during a pandemic.

I believe fear is the biggest barrier for any human being to accomplish anything. When we are able to test ourselves in the face of our own fears, organize these fears into steps and create a plan protecting yourself from these fears with actionable items — you’re set.

Granted – as a florist and event designer if you want to have any semblance of success or a good reputation you always have to under promise and over deliver. Calculated risk takes the form of baby steps when producing work for clients – backed by contingency plan A, B, C through G. It is tremendously important to grow as a creative but exceeding the expectations of the client takes precedent over everything.

Risk – when speaking solely about being a creative and a business owner is so important to constantly be evolving, researching, learning and trying new things. My inventiveness and dedication to quality are two reasons our clients are attracted to our brand and aesthetic.

While on the subject of aesthetic — I also think as a creative it’s important to prioritize sticking out. What I mean is instead of drawing inspiration solely on Pinterest and Instagram – watch old films. Learn about art. Leaf through some good photography books. Risk is what makes life different and beautiful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart?

We set up shop in an old Ferragamo store where we sell preserved roses, dried flowers and showcase our event decor services. We wear all black, listen to disco and create arrangements using a variety of materials you will never find in any other shop.

What am I most proud or excited about?
The people who trust us. Our incredible client list. We have produced events for Visa, Bank of Singapore, Emirates Airlines and a host of fabulous private clients in New Jersey, Manhattan and beyond.

How did I get here?

I studied film and built film sets. A lot of my friends who worked in production began working in live events to fill in. I answered a craigslist ad and became one of 300 production assistants for the 2013 Met Gala. I learned a LOT about florals and event management and by 2015 I was one of five event managers for the gala as well as being event designer Raul Avila’s full time assistant. I shadowed meetings with Anna Wintour, KCD, and so many interesting people in the fashion world. My first event I ever produced was Oscar de la Renta’s last fashion week show before his passing. This show made the cover of Womens Wear Dail.y. I went on to do events for the International Center of Photography, Ian Schrager and W Magazine.

At a certain point – I wanted to spread my wings a little and go off on my own. Remember how I was talking about risk before?
I freelanced for so many different types of florists – an old school flower shop in Hoboken, a luxury Indian wedding company, I even tried my hand at apartment staging in Manhattan.

I did events on the side of every full time job – then COVID happened. I designed my own website, built an online store – which sold like 5 things. In an effort to unload product, I reached out to different boutiques, salons, etc. to carry my pieces in the context of a pop up. One of these emails went to the leasing office at The Shops at Riverside and the rest is history.

What are the lessons you learned along the way?

If you are too afraid to do something because you will mess up – don’t be afraid to lean into your anxiety – think of all the disaster scenarios and fight to find a solution for every single one until you feel confident you will succeed in whatever you are doing.

Also – there are always going to be people who are more talented, better connected with better taste than you. Be happy for everyone – learn as much as you can and don’t let anyone outwork you.

What do I want the world to know about me/my brand/my story?

Its been quite the ride to get here. I love what I do and my team does too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Opening my first store in December of 2020 would not have been possible had it not been for my family and extended family who – although apprehensive – supported me from the beginning.

John and Stella Baker, Bella Baker, Anthony Fermin, The Milionis’ Family, Martha Eleftheriou, Roxy Bukita, Rob Vergara, Erin Brown and all of the incredibly talented florists, salespeople and freelancers that have worked so so hard to help me grow my business.

It truly takes a village.

Website: https://www.rsvpbyanastasia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsvpbyanastasia/