Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Parada.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I officially started Levant Lane in January 2018 after planning/coordinating a handful of weddings for friends and family since 2016.
In college, I found true joy in special gatherings and hosting themed parties. I literally came up with any excuse I could find to celebrate something or someone. I also really REALLY love crafts and projects, so when a good friend of mine asked for my help with her wedding, I was stocked!
At this point, I had no experience in the wedding industry. I assisted with hair and makeup a couple of times, but that was it. My friend initially asked if I could help set up the venue and bring in the decor items she bought herself then she asked me to make a couple of floral items. Nothing too crazy – just small arrangements and some garland. I am self-taught (thanks Youtube) and am proud of it. Then friends started asking me for help one after the other. Some asked me to plan/coordinate, some asked me to take care of decor and florals, and others asked me to provide custom signage and invitations. Most asked for all services, and I couldn’t say no.
After a year “volunteering” and learning so many new things, I realized how much time I was putting into this “hobby” as well as how much I loved it and decided to make a name for myself. It all clicked after vendors and guests were asking me for a business card, and I didn’t have one to give. Levant Lane served eight brides our first year, and today we’re dipping our feet into workshops, pop-ups, and other fun things!
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?
Taking this road has been anything but easy. I pursued a degree in the health field, but I’m passionate to own my own business, which happened to land the wedding industry. I fight an internal battle almost daily, but I know that I feel most alive when I make things with my hands, so that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Starting a business, you know absolutely nothing about is borderline crazy. I remember signing up for business webinars, design webinars, floral webinars, you name it webinars and watching them until I fell asleep. There’s always something to learn, and I think that’s what I love about it. I always feel eager and challenged. Every event is unique, and I always want to bring something special, so I think of something I’ve never done before, and I do it. I don’t necessarily know how, but I figure it out.
Another huge challenge of owning a business is raising a young family at the same time. I am a mama to 2 kids – 9-month-old Luca, and three-year-old Eloise. Because I have two young kids at home, my “work hours” are during their naps, which, if I’m lucky, last for an hour and a half. Then I pick back up again at night when they’re sleeping. My clients are aware of my “mom hours” and “work hours,” and so far, it’s been great! I’m nowhere near where I want to be in the industry, but I am 100% mom, and that makes me 100% happy. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve my clients and my kiddos.
All of this to say, if I can do it, anyone can do it. Just find something you’re passionate about, be open to learning, and figure it out.
Please tell us about Levant Lane.
Levant Lane Floral + Event Design is a San Diego, California based small business specializing in weddings, special events, editorials, custom workshops, and pop-ups. We do everything, and anything that has involves flowers!
At first, we provided everything from planning, event design, coordination, and even custom signage. This all-in-one-package left me exhausted. I then took some steps back and really thought about which of these areas made me most happy, and it was designing floral arrangements!
We are so grateful for the progress and the opportunities we’ve had to expand our services, but we are also truly humbled by the journey and how dirty our hands look by the end of the day.
I think what sets us apart from the relationship we establish with our clients and vendors. We strongly believe in creating authentic connections with our clients and try to be as thoughtful as possible in our design. We aren’t your traditional florists, so we think out of the box to bring each client something completely unique.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I don’t recall a specific favorite memory, but my most memorable moments were definitely in my grandma’s backyard – picking flowers and sticking them on stones using slime from snails, playing with bugs and creating a home for them using whatever I found in her garden. I guess my love for nature started when I was a child. I was never afraid to get my hands dirty.
I also really loved thrifting with my mom. I loved getting those 2 dollar grab and go bags filled with random toys and spare parts. Nothing ever really matched, but my siblings and I would make something out of whatever we got. Do you remember how Sid (from the original Toy Story) mixed and matched toy parts? Yep, I am Sid, Sid is me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.levantlane.com
- Phone: 619-767-8657
- Email: hello@levantlane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levantlane/
Image Credit:
Alyssa Carino, Jeremiah Ramos, and San Diego Wedding Expo
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
