Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Villalvazo.
Hi Valeria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a love for flowers ever since a child. It was not too long ago that I dreamt of having my own floral business. I was a student at Southwestern College with the illusion of becoming a nurse. As I would study in class or at home, I did not feel any fulfillment towards this career. So In 2017, I decided to drop out of College. During this time, I lost my dad to a heart attack. I fell into depression the day my dad passed. I had no strength to get back on my feet, nothing brought any joy to my life and all of my appetite had just gone away. All I wanted to do was sleep. There was only one person who truly held my hand every step of the way and brought me back to life. This person holds a very special place in my heart. I could not be any more thankful for this person because I am the young woman I am today because of him. As time passed by, I discovered that my TRUE passion was flowers. It took so long for me to realize that my answer was there all along, but as an eighteen year old at the time, you have a different perspective of life. At that moment, I immediately began researching for any local schools that offered a floral design class. I came across the San Ysidro Adult school and soon enough, my journey began. I was enrolled in the beginner class for floral design. As time went by, I moved onto the intermediate design. Until I finally reached my end goal as an advanced designer.
During my time as a student, I wanted to grow my creativity and knowledge within the industry. I worked as an unpaid intern in a local flower shop. The time worked, I learned how much my designs could change anyone’s day. It’s the little details that keep me going as a florist. I made the decision to leave the flower shop to have more freedom in design and keep my practice from the comfort of my home. Soon to say my small business was about to flourish. Mother’s Day 2020 marks the day I introduced Lavender Lady to the community. The day my small business slowly began to grow. That weekend was a weekend of sleepless nights, early mornings, and adrenaline rush. I had just over forty arrangements to have ready for pick up and delivery. When you dedicate time to your passion, that hard work is absolutely beautiful. Especially, when all your sweat and tears bring smiles to people. Not a day goes by where I wish I could come home to my dad and share all the moments I have gone through as a florist and as a woman finding her way in life. Life is unexpected. One life moves on to the next, while a new one is born. I was brought back to life and soon came along Lavender Lady.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No matter how smooth a road seems, there will always be little obstacles along the way. Those are the obstacles that build you stronger and remind you to always be the best version of yourself. Through the years of practice as a floral designer, I discovered who supports you unconditionally, who is honest and who is loyal. I consider myself as a sensible and emotional person, so when I would come across a situation as such, I would fight not to demonstrate what I was feeling. Believe me. It was not easy. What brought me at ease and helped me overcome the little obstacles was to look at the bigger picture to better understand the person or person’s involved. As a person and as someone who is slowly growing a small business, I value the loyalty, honesty and quality I provide to each customer. From the beginning, it has always been my priority to make Lavender Lady a space of comfort and creativity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lavender Lady specializes in arrangements for all occasions. From carefully selecting flowers and greens to creating a memorable piece for you or someone you love or care for. All my pieces are made with my love and care. Just as humans, a flower needs love to flourish. Before I begin creating an arrangement, I carefully process each flower. By the time it is in your hands, you have flowers in their fullest bloom. I include a personalized message of your choice & with ribbon or twine to add the final touch!. Everything is uniquely made for each of my customers. With just a color or flower choice selected by you, I envision what the arrangement will look like. Once I mix all the ingredients together, you have a beautiful piece to take home or to gift!
What makes you happy?
When it comes to happiness, I savor every moment of it. Within my work, I am happiest when I hand a finished arrangement to a customer. To share that little moment of joy with them and experience how much my work can better someone’s day. A moment I always look back to was during the time I was an intern at a local flower shop. I was told to create an arrangement for an older lady that had just gone through a complicated surgery. The piece I created was filled with an array of flowers marrying each other perfectly. That same day, a couple of hours after the arrangement had been picked up, a man came into the shop looking for the person who designed the arrangement for his wife. I introduced myself and at that moment he held my hand, looked me in the eye and thanked me personally for the arrangement. He went on to tell me how happy I made his wife and his family with the flowers. A memory I will forever cherish and look back to as I continue to create arrangements and grow Lavender lady.
Pricing:
- Hand tied bouquets have a starting price of $28.00
- Elaborated arrangements have a starting price point of $38.00-$45.00
Contact Info:
- Email: lavenderladyflowers@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_lavenderlady
Image Credits:
Valeria Villalvazo
