We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adama Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adama below.
Adama, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My parents shaped me in ways that continue to guide how I live and work. My mother’s love for gardening has always been a quiet, powerful lesson in care and patience. Growing up, I’d watch her in the garden, nurturing each flower with intention—pruning, planting, and creating harmony. From her, I learned that beauty takes time and effort and that even the smallest details can hold extraordinary meaning. This memory continues to inspire me to approach my floral designs with the same dedication and creativity.
My father, on the other hand, is my moral compass. His unwavering integrity has taught—and continues to teach—me the importance of doing what’s right, no matter how small the act. He believes deeply in showing respect through actions, whether by keeping his word or simply being on time, reflecting the value he places on others. Also, his confidence and ability to connect with people, regardless of status or circumstance, continue to teach me the power of sincerity and kindness in building meaningful relationships.
Even now, I rely on my parents’ guidance and wisdom. Their unwavering support and love remain constant sources of strength for me. Whether I’m facing a new challenge or simply need someone to talk to, they are always there to listen and encourage me. Their belief in me has never wavered, and that belief fuels my confidence to pursue my dreams and create with purpose.
Together, they gave me a foundation of belief: belief in hard work, in treating others with respect, and in myself. Their lessons are reflected in the values I bring to my life and career every day, and their legacy continues to bloom in the creativity and connections I cultivate. For their love, guidance, and enduring support, I will always be deeply grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m the owner of Lavish Leaf a luxury floral design studio that specializes in bespoke, art-filled floral arrangements for weddings, events, and corporate clients. My journey into this industry was born out of a deep love for creativity, nature, and storytelling. I started with a background in interior design and later spent over 19 years in the beauty industry as a professional makeup artist, working with high-profile clients and luxury brands. That experience taught me the importance of artistry, attention to detail, and creating experiences that leave lasting impressions. When I transitioned into floral design, it felt like a natural evolution—another way to tell meaningful stories, this time through the beauty of flowers.
Lavish Leaf focuses on designing florals that evoke emotion and tell unique stories. Each arrangement is intentionally crafted, with every bloom and detail chosen to represent the personality, vision, or message of our clients. We provide a range of services, from wedding and event florals to corporate accounts and private workshops. Beyond simply designing flowers, we solve the problem of bringing our clients’ visions to life. Whether it’s transforming a venue into a breathtaking experience or elevating a corporate space with modern, garden-inspired arrangements, we aim to create unforgettable moments that resonate.
What sets us apart is our commitment to artistry and customization. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter designs; every project we take on is deeply personal and tailored to the client. We also pride ourselves on high-touch service, ensuring that every detail is executed with precision and care. We approach florals as a form of storytelling, blending colors, textures, and shapes to create designs that speak to the heart.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built and the joy we bring to our clients’ lives. Knowing that our work is part of someone’s most meaningful moments—whether a wedding, a celebration, or a daily workspace—fills me with gratitude. It’s a privilege to bring beauty into the world in this way.
For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that Lavish Leaf is rooted in integrity, creativity, and a true passion for what we do. We’re here to not only create stunning designs but also to make the process enjoyable and seamless for our clients. Our work isn’t just about flowers; it’s about creating experiences, telling stories, and elevating life’s moments with beauty and intention.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been building a referral-based community through authentic connections and deep care for our clients. From the very beginning, I’ve focused on relationships over transactions. Whether collaborating with local businesses, working with event planners, or simply connecting with clients, my goal has always been to make people feel valued and understood.
I genuinely love my clients. Their trust and belief in my work fuel everything I do. It’s an incredible privilege to bring their visions to life through my designs, and I never take that for granted. Word-of-mouth referrals have been the backbone of my business, and they mean the world to me because they come from a place of genuine appreciation and trust. When a client refers me to their friends, family, or colleagues, it’s like they’re saying, “I believe in you,” and that’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive.
Networking has also been an extension of this love for connection. Whether I’m attending events or collaborating with other professionals, my approach is always rooted in building real, meaningful relationships. I want people to know that I care about them—not just about the business we do together. I make it a point to follow up, express gratitude, and celebrate their successes, just as they’ve supported mine.
At the heart of it all, I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and cherished. For me, floral design isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something personal, something that reflects the story, vision, and emotion of the people I work with. By showing my clients how much they mean to me and approaching every project with love, I’ve been able to grow a business that’s not just successful but truly fulfilling.
Every arrangement I make is a reflection of my gratitude for the people who trust me with their most important moments. My clients are more than just clients—they’re the heart of what I do, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to bring beauty into their lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As an entrepreneur, resilience is practically a job requirement—right up there with tea consumption to calm me and creative problem-solving. One story that comes to mind is when I was just starting out and reaching out to potential clients and collaborators. I sent email after email, made countless phone calls, and introduced myself to anyone who would listen. And let me tell you—silence can be deafening, and “no” starts to sound like a favorite word.
At first, the rejections stung. I’d think, “Well, that’s it. Clearly, they just don’t understand my genius!” But after a quick reality check, I realized that every “no” wasn’t the end of the road. It was just part of the journey, like a toll booth on the way to a great destination. So, I decided to embrace it. Each “no” became proof that I was putting myself out there, getting closer to the “yes” I was working so hard to find.
There was one moment when a big opportunity I’d been counting on fell through at the last minute. Cue the panic…or so I thought. Instead, I made a conscious decision to pivot, not panic. I channeled my inner MacGyver (minus the mullet) and got creative. I threw together a styled shoot to showcase my floral designs, and wouldn’t you know it? That project not only caught the attention of new clients but also led to opportunities I hadn’t even dreamed of.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t about dodging obstacles—it’s about learning to swerve with style. I’ve had to laugh off the “no’s,” celebrate the small wins, and remind myself that every step, even the awkward stumbles, is progress. Entrepreneurship is like building a plane while flying it—you just have to trust that the next part will come together, even if you’ve only got duct tape and determination to work with.
So, to anyone out there navigating their own path, my advice is this: keep showing up, keep pivoting, and don’t be afraid to laugh at the chaos. The “no’s” are just breadcrumbs on the way to your big “yes.” And if nothing else, they make for great stories later.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavishleaf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishleaf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavishleaf
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lavish-leaf
Image Credits
Tyrone Harrison and @Karmsbro