We recently connected with Zhamilya Koshmambetova and have shared our conversation below.

Zhamilya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

It started with something small—just a visit to a friend’s house.

I brought cake, like I usually did. But I noticed… they didn’t eat it. Not because they didn’t appreciate it, but because they couldn’t. Some had health issues, others were avoiding sugar or gluten. And there we were—eating dessert while they politely watched from the side.

I left thinking, there has to be a better way to show love—something that includes everyone.

Next time, I brought fruit. But not in a plastic bag—I arranged it like I was painting with color and texture. And it changed everything. People smiled. They gathered around. They took photos. We all shared it. It sparked conversation and laughter. That moment felt… right.

At home, I’d already been doing this for my kids. I’m a mom of three, and I’ve always loved turning everyday things into something special. My kids would light up when I made fruit “look fancy,” and I realized—it wasn’t just about the food. It was about how it made people feel.

That’s when the idea for AZAYA Fruits Design Studio began to quietly grow in my heart.

And if you’re wondering—yes, AZAYA means something. It’s made from the first letters of my family’s names: Artur, Zhamilya, Amir, Yuri, and baby Ayesha. They’re my whole world, and the reason I do any of this.

AZAYA isn’t just about fruit. It’s about moments. About making someone feel thought of, cared for, included. We all want that, right? To feel like someone sees us.

So that’s what I try to do with every arrangement. Not just make it look good, but make it mean something.

No big sales pitch here—just a story about how a little love, a few oranges, and a sprinkle of creativity turned into something I never expected… but now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Most people don’t think of fruit as something that can steal the show at an event—but that’s exactly what we do at AZAYA Fruits Design Studio. We take something simple and turn it into an unforgettable experience.

For those who don’t know me yet, I’m the heart behind AZAYA Fruits Design Studio, the only luxury fruit arrangement business in Kansas. I’ve always been someone who lets my work speak for itself—I’m not the loudest voice in the room, and honestly, I’ve been a little shy about putting myself out there on social media. But what I am is someone who cares deeply about creating something special for every single client. Every arrangement I design is personal to me, and that’s something people feel the moment they see it.

Every celebration has a main star—the bride, the birthday guest, the honoree. But beyond that, people want their event to be different, to have that one thing that makes guests stop, stare, and say, “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before.” That’s exactly what AZAYA Fruits delivers. Our fruit arrangements aren’t just decorations; they’re conversation pieces. They add that extra level of elegance, uniqueness, and exclusivity that makes an event stand out. And the best part? It’s not just beautiful—it’s healthy, too.

One of the things I love most is seeing how people react when they first see our creations. The excitement, the surprise, the joy—that’s what makes it all worth it. And what makes it even more meaningful is that a portion of every order goes toward a good cause. So when someone chooses AZAYA Fruits, they’re not just getting a stunning centerpiece; they’re also becoming part of something bigger.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Starting my luxury fruit arrangement business wasn’t just about money—it was about belief, partnership, and a little bit of morning magic.
My husband, the main earner in our family, didn’t just support my dream—he fueled it. When I first shared my idea, he didn’t question whether it would work; he asked what I needed to make it happen. And just like that, he provided the funds to buy everything—premium fruits, elegant packaging, specialized tools—because he knew that quality would set my business apart.
But here’s where it gets even better. His support didn’t stop at finances. Every morning, over the most delicious coffee (which he makes, and trust me, it’s an art), we talk. I pour out my ideas, he listens—really listens—and somehow, in those moments, everything becomes clearer. He inspires me, pushes me forward, and, most importantly, gently steers me away from my wildest, most unrealistic ideas (because, let’s be honest, not all of them are winners!).
Looking back, I realize that while money helped launch my business, it’s these quiet coffee moments that keep it growing. Support isn’t just about financial backing—it’s about having someone who believes in you, challenges you, and helps turn dreams into reality. And that’s exactly what he does for me, every single day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputation isn’t just built—it’s earned, one unforgettable experience at a time. For me, the secret has always been quality, attention to detail, and the way I take care of my clients.

I don’t just create fruit arrangements; I craft breathtaking centerpieces that become the talk of weddings and celebrations. Guests stop, admire, snap pictures, and share them, turning my work into a word-of-mouth sensation. But beyond aesthetics, I make sure my clients can relax and enjoy their special day without worrying about a thing. I work closely with them to bring their vision to life, customizing each arrangement to perfection. Many even trust me with full creative freedom—some of my most popular designs started as bold, one-of-a-kind ideas for clients who believed in my artistry.

And nothing builds trust like happy clients. When couples leave 5-star reviews, it reassures first-time clients that they’re making the right choice. Thanks to this incredible support, AZAYA Fruits Design Studio has earned the Couples’ Choice Award on WeddingWire and the Best of Weddings Award on The Knot—two of the most prestigious wedding platforms.

At the end of the day, reputation isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you make people feel. And I make sure every client feels taken care of, stress-free, and absolutely thrilled with the results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azayafruits.com
• Instagram: @azayafruits
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/azayafruits
• Other: What’s App +19137176768

  We are on:
  The Knot,
  WeddingWire
  WedKC

Image Credits

Mariam Saifan Photography
ImanalyPhotography
Nick Krug Photography