Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Kunoth.
Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Of course, would love too!
I got back into floral design a few years ago after working in the action sports industry for a little over 12 years. I had worked at a flower shop throughout college and even had my own floral design business for a few years after graduating, but the timing was never right to make it a full-time career.
Even though I never thought I’d work a normal 9-5 in an office, I loved what I did and am so thankful for the wonderful people I had the privilege of working with along the way. Especially a few who were always willing to share their wealth of knowledge with me. They taught me how to work hard, to never stop learning, and how to run a successful business while still enjoying coming into work every day.
I always knew I’d get back into flowers one day, so when the opportunity came up to re-launch my floral design business and work from home, I had to take the chance and haven’t looked back since. I know that my business would not be as successful as it is, without having learned everything I did in my previous career and it’s been so fun to watch the business grow, and I’m so thankful I get to do what I do every day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think every business is going to have a few bumps along the way, but learning from your mistakes is what makes you better.
In the beginning, it was a tough transition to be working for myself where I felt like there was always something else that should be done. I wanted to do it all, but there were never enough hours in the day and I ended up working a lot of late nights and weekends but never feeling like it was enough. Thankfully, I realized quite quickly that this wasn’t sustainable, so re-prioritized the tasks that were essential vs. the tasks that could wait, and built-in a little time for my family as well.
Even though I’ve had my share of struggles, I’m so thankful that I’m a quick learner and have been able to use each struggle as a learning experience so I can improve my process and avoid the same mistake in the future. There is so much to learn, and I’m always on the lookout for it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I am a boutique floral design company that specializes in weddings and events. Since every event is unique, I custom tailor all of my designs to each of my client’s needs. I love creating romantic and organic floral designs using local, seasonal and beautiful blooms and always try to incorporate a couple’s story, a favorite flower, or a seasonal accent to make each design special and meaningful.
I love supporting all of the amazing flower farmers we have in Southern California, and source as much product as I can from them for each of my events. I also often pull elements from my own cutting garden in order to add that extra special touch to my designs.
Because I only take a limited number of weddings and events each year, and only one per weekend, I’m able to give my full attention to every event I do. My clients don’t have to worry about a thing because I’ll be there every step of the way from set up to clean up, making sure each little detail is just as it should be.
I love what I do, and am so grateful for all of the wonderful people I have the privilege of working with and creating flowers for.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh, I have so many memories from growing up, being a kid is just so fun!! I loved going to the beach, hiking through the woods with my cousins, making flower crowns out of wildflowers, and just being outside and enjoying nature. I’ve always loved being outdoors and exploring the beauty all around us, and hope that is something I pass onto my own kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluebellflorals.com
- Phone: (858)603-8100
- Email: bluebellflorals@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebellflorals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluebellflorals/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bluebellflorals/
Image Credit:
Family Photo & Photo 4 (bridal party bouquets): Jessica Rice Photography
Photo 1: Wonder Tribe Photography (florals up the tree)
Photo 2: Biancca Wallace Photography (me handing off a bouquet)
Photo 3: Gabriella Santos Photography (bright and colorful poppy bouquet)
Photo 5: Jen Rodriguez (bride holding a white bouquet)
Photo 6: Mason & Megan Photography (bride holding a white and mauve bouquet)
Photos 7 & 8: Kami Olavarria Photography
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