GET TO KNOW US!
Yena Jung
Founder + Creative Director
Before turning my attention to flowers, I graduated from Wellesley College and worked as a leveraged finance investment banking analyst on Wall Street (if you know you know). I left that world behind and began my career in events in 2009. I have worked for some of New York City’s best and biggest wedding planners and event designers, learned a lot and then started my own company in 2011.
Here’s a few things to know about me: I can measure distances without a tape measure and 99% of the time, I am accurate. I have a visual photographic memory and can probably recall the outfit you were wearing the last time I saw you.
My sharp attention to detail carries into all my work and has brought me into the world of design thru events, flowers, and interiors. I love to create modern graphic arrangements for my events in eye-popping colors that make you want to experience it over and over. My interior design work carries a similar aesthetic but has a more classic approach as it has to stand the test of time. And the finishing touch of any event or living space is always the flowers. Real or silk, the flowers tie it all together.
Andrew Sliwa
General Manager + Business Development
Andrew’s love for all things horticulture, began from growing his own vegetable garden as a child while growing up in Upstate New York. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Plant Sciences and started his career by working for Sleepy Hollow Country Club, in Tarrytown as the Assistant Grounds Superintendent (meaning he took care of the 300 acres of golf, tennis, and equestrian facilities).
Andrew then began working for a landscape design company in New York City, focusing on exterior landscaping for commercial properties and it was at this time he met Yena in a flower shop.
As Yena started her own company, Andrew was suddenly thrown into the work of floral production, managing crews for set up, and even helping with breakdowns after the events were over. He has had a role in By Yena Designs from the ground up and has more recently has taken on a larger role by focusing on Business Development and keeping the operations running smoothly as the new General Manager. Andrew continues his passion for landscaping thru his consulting services offered thru his company, APS Creates and continues to guest lecture at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Here’s a few things to know about Andrew: He loves to eat oysters more than anyone you will ever meet, he is a scratch golfer and was the captain of the Cornell Golf Team, and he knows every greenspace in Manhattan (but don’t quiz him - he’ll freeze)!
Having 15+ years of experience in the service industry working with high end hospitality clients in NYC, Andrew brings another layer of expertise to By Yena Designs. Andrew’s background compliments BYD’s capabilities of luxury, high end design services.
Our Story:
Yena and Andrew got married in 2013 at the Saint Regis Hotel in NYC. They have 2 kids (Joey and Ryan) and unfortunately for Andrew, they still have an 11 year old Cavachon, named Georgie.
Fun facts they have in common: They are both obsessed with their hair, have a house in Westchester with a bright green door (Benjamin Moore - Green Thumb!) and love a good cocktail bar. They like all the same people and agree that Yena is always right! When she knows, she knows.
