WHAT SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR FLORAL DESIGN?

My passion for art was influenced by my parents. My father was a landscaper and my mother was a seamstress, so I was surrounded by a level of art and creativity at an early age.

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TELL US ABOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF BRINGING THE GOLD COIN MANNEQUIN TO LIFE EN FLEURS?

When we were assigned "Gold Coin" by the Fleurs de Villes team, we knew we wanted to represent the theme — something generally small — on a much larger, and impactful scale, which resulted in the creation of the three 36-inch coins. The next step was to determine what botanical elements we wanted to use, knowing that they would need to last the duration of the 5-day, yet ephemeral, flower show. We drew inspiration from materials used in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, and non-traditional botanical items such as mung beans, corn meal, and flax seeds to achieve the golden shades of the coins. We then decided to dress the mannequin in all red using a mix of preserved and fresh roses, anthurium, with wheat embellishments and cymbidium orchids.

Understanding that this show would be themed around the Lunar New Year, it was important for our team to be respectful of its customs and traditions, incorporating elements such as the three gold coins and bamboo, while also mixing in some modern components. The distinguishable collar on the mannequin was inspired by the Chinese "qi pao," a dress traditionally worn by women during the new year, contrasted by the edgy hairstyling inspired by modern high-fashion and pop culture.

Bringing the Gold Coin mannequin to life was truly a collaboration with our design team, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we were able to produce.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT YOU HAVE MADE?

Bloomster’s has participated in many fundraising efforts. We have created many floral designs for 30 years at Bouquet to Art, a fundraiser at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. All of the pieces we created represented beauty and have meaning. One such piece was particularly powerful, influenced by a mass shooting at that time in Florida. We created a piece that included gun casings with bright red roses, anthurium and amaranthus. It represented life.

In addition, we have produced many floral arrangements in a fundraising effort to support Cancer Care, Summit League and Assistant League, as we feel there is a power in flowers and it is a privilege to contribute however we can.

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WHO INSPIRES YOU FROM THE WORLDS OF ART, FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT OR DESIGN?

Inspiration is achieved through many things, not necessarily an individual person or thing. Inspiration is the element of nature. The color pallet of a sunrise, the movement of the trees during a light summer breeze, or the ever changing motion of the coastal waves. Inspiration must be progressive and allows us to think outside the box.

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HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLOWERS INTO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE - FASHION AND HOME?

I feel a home is not complete without bringing the natural outdoor elements into the home. I have fresh florals in my home regularly as well as plants. My yard is landscaped and accented with beautiful lighting. Although I spend every day amongst flowers and plants, when I arrive home I appreciate the prettiness of my yard and the florals that greet me as I enter the house.

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WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING A FLORAL BUSINESS?

There are several, though the concerns of managing inventory to ensure freshness of the flowers is at the top. In addition, our pricing is always fluctuating with factors like weather, shipping costs and availability. Another focus of ours is motivating and inspiring our Staff to continue to be innovative, and maintaining an aspiring level of customer service and quality products.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER FACT?

Flowers allow a person to use their senses. The sight of a single flower is beautiful. The smell is fragrant, sweet like a perfume that lingers. The touch is velvety, smooth and cool. The sound of a flower is still yet you can hear the rustle of leaves or a whisper as petals touch. Some florals are edible which allows our taste buds to enjoy. Flowers represent the circle of life. It starts from a seed, it’s nurtured, it adapts to its surroundings, it buds then blooms. In full bloom a flower brings joy to others, its graceful, its translucent. At the end of its cycle, it expires yet has impacted others with a memory.

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COULD YOU OFFER OUR READERS A SNEAK PEEK INTO ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS FROM YOUR STUDO?

We are looking forward to many opportunities in 2025. This summer we have a few themed bar mitzvah‘s and bat mitzvah’s. We have a heavily detailed wedding for 18 guests this spring and a large wedding of 300 guests in the Fall.

Some presents challenges however, we are excited as we know that our responsibilities include investing in the experiences for the guests.