1 minute read
YOUR FLORAL FRIENDS
WRITTEN BY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FLORISTS
The floral industry can be a daunting place, especially when you are venturing into entrepreneurship. However, we are here to bridge that intimidating gap and connect you, our esteemed Bloomin’ News reader, with a diverse group of florists and designers who have successfully navigated owning their floral businesses.
In our featured interviews, you will hear from various individuals, from those in their initial years of business to seasoned veterans, all generously sharing their valuable advice. Consider this group your floral comrades, your friendly neighbors, and your go-to resource for learning something new. By delving into their stories, emerging floral designers can gain insightful expertise and priceless guidance to help propel them forward. So, read on and discover the knowledge that may be your key to taking the next step!
1. MEET RICARDO DELGADO | IRISES DESIGNS 18 YEARS
Location: Upland | Connect with me: @irisesdesignsca
The stress is real! I’ve learned that above all my skills, the most important one is to be resourceful!
Advice to give a younger Ricardo? There is a lot, lol, but in a sentence I would say: “You will screw up, lose money and make mistakes, pick the right team and it will be a great adventure!”
2. MEET POPPY | POPPY LAVENDER FLORALS 7 YEARS
Location: Downtown Los Angeles | Connect with me: @poppylavenderflorals
My motto that helps me ~ Learn to bend like the stems you work with daily, start small and slow and learn to grow.
What keeps me warm day in and day out? The flower market in DTLA is a powerful place to make connections and friendships not just buy flowers, its a family and I love it!
3. MEET KAT CASTAGNOLI | KATS FLORALS 20+ YEARS
Location: Huntington Beach | Connect with me: @katsflorals1
Remember, you don’t need to take every single job that comes your way – there will always be more.
Something that I’ve learned? Floristry is so much more than owning a shop and doing daily arrangements; it’s truly its own artform.
4. MEET KEITH LAVERTY | KEITH LAVERTY 22 YEARS
Location: Newport Beach | Connect with me: @keithjlaverty
Stay true to your aesthetics/beliefs and don’t be afraid to say no to a client if you don’t fit with their vision or budget.
What amazes you when dealing with your client? How open clients are if you are educated, excited and confident that you’ll provide them with the best service possible.
5. MEET TIFFANY GABRUS | THE SWEETZER LIFE 2.5 YEARS
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @thesweetzerlife
It’s NEVER EVER EVER too late to follow those wild dreams and “What Ifs?!
When asked if I have any regrets or would do something different? Nothing! I allowed it to be such a wild, freeing, and organic process for myself on all fronts so every day I learn and grow and I cherish that. So my advice is to let things be what it is!
6. MEET MICHAEL MUNDAY | MUNDAY VIBES 2 YEARS
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @munday_vibes
Take the extra time you thought you needed.
Something I’ll always look back on? It’s not just florals that go into an arrangement. All my training in dance, art, and styling add their own vibe to each of my pieces.
7. MEET EMILY ANDRADE | PETAL TALK 4 YEARS
Location: San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley (and So-Cal)
Connect with me: @petal__talk
Make time for self-care and prioritize your personal well-being!!
That unexpected moment? That I would be part of such an amazing floral community where florists support and uplift one another, I will always cherish and be grateful for all the relationships I’ve made throughout my journey.
What I particularly enjoy? The flexibility in my schedule and the constant variation in my work. Every day brings something new, and I love that aspect of it!
8. MEET ROSE WHITE | ROSE WHITE FLORALS 1 YEAR
Location: Dana Point | Connect with me: @rosewhiteflorals
Remember - it’s a journey not a race!
What’s beyond flower arranging? I’ve learned that being a florist and having a floral business is so much more than just flower arranging!
9. MEET ALEXANDRA | WILD FLORA DESIGN 9 YEARS
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @wildfloradesign
There is a lesson hidden in every difficult situation- seek it out, embrace it, and learn.
Your advice to other florist? Your work can impact and inspire other florists in a positive way.
10. MEET LAURA BRADLEY | WOOD AND WINE 5 YEARS
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @woodandwinesucculents
Never lose the childlike enthusiasm and imagination of why you started; and never stop creating and challenging your imagination!
What sparks my joy? The incredible joy we receive by being a small part of someone’s day; seeing their face light up when they open the door to see an
11. MEET ALY | ALYGANCE 5 YEARS
Location: Whittier | Connect with me: @alygancedesigns
My advice is to take a chance and have fun.
What still surprises me the most? I’m always suprised how many people tell me, they wish they could become florist.
12. MEET JAZMINA | DELILAH’S FLOWER TRUCK 4 YEARS
Location: San Fernando Valley | Connect with me: @delilahsflowertruck
Seek a mentor who you admire and would like to emulate and learn from.
What do you think about having a floral business? As a florist you’re constantly evolving from a business and creative perspective - developing and fostering so many relationships at once and finding/curating your design style.
13. MEET EMILY JILG | BLOOMS BY EMILY 4 YEARS
Location: La Cañada | Connect with me: @bloomsby.emily
Trust your intuition and creativity because what makes you special is your perspective. And to Keep Blooming... :)
That ‘pull at the heart strings’ moment? Flowers touch people in every part of their life from the very beginning to the very end and that flowers always say what you feel in your heart the best.
14. MEET MOLLIE PIRKLE | PEACHY PETALS 1 YEAR
Location: Monterey Park | Connect with me: @peachy.petals
Get over the fact that you think making tiktoks and reels is cringy because it actually helps your business get exposure and landed you clients! New color palettes and doing arrangements outside of your typical wheelhouse are scary, but in figuring those out you can only get better and improve more!
Something the industry did that you didn’t expect? To turn me into such a morning person! I used to consistently sleep at 1am and now I’m tucked in by 10:30pm and up by 8am (or earlier…shocking). Very surprised to say that I’m a morning person who loves her double-shot iced coffee now because of the floristry haha!
15. MEET AMBER VASQUEZ | FLORESITAS BY AMBER 1 YEAR
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @floresitasbyamber
The advice I would give to any beginner florist is to trust your art and be open to evolving your style.
Your unexpected moment? I unexpectedly learned to associate floral blooms to people’s personalities.
16. MEET GABRIELLE | GABRIELLE BLOSSOMS 1 YEAR
Location: Los Angeles | Connect with me: @gabrielleblossoms
I’ve learned that much of it is being able to be a strong business owner and grounding yourself, so that you can be in the position to do the creative work.
Advice to my past self? I would tell my past self to really trust myself and not to second guess my choices so much.
17. MEET RAQUEL | SEVA FINERY 1 YEAR
Location: Woodland Hills/Calabasas | Connect with me: @seva_finery
Just remember, there is so much to learn, be patient with an open mind and don’t short what you’re worth.
Something unexpected on becoming a florist? How emotional the process can be, from weddings to birthdays, funerals, and sober celebrations… people are ordering these flowers for a special reason and it’s my job to convey that love & purpose.
