Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Daniel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Profitability within the floral industry is definitely something almost every florist I know struggles with. With floral design, there are so many more factors than simply the flowers (which are also quite expensive!) that the average person just has no idea about, especially within the event industry. As an event designer, we have to pay for our freelance designers to work with us, the transportation and delivery of the florals, coming back after the event late at night to break down these designs, the mechanics what we have to design these arrangements in, travel accommodations, studio space rentals, and SO much more. There’s often a full week of prep work before we even get to event day, and so the costs really do add up, the biggest usually being labor. This makes being profitable a bit of a struggle sometimes, and I see so many florists underpricing themselves or trying to cut costs and overworking themselves to try and reduce labor pay.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was actually in college studying psychology when I discovered my love for floral design. I’d stumbled upon a floral assistant position at a local flower shop, and I’d thought it was a great way to incorporate something fun and creative into my life at a time when I was so bogged down with schoolwork. I had no idea how much I’d end up adoring the work. After I graduated, I decided to stay at the floral shop and eventually worked my way up into management there. Over that course of time I realized my love for design work was something I felt more inspired by than anything previously in my life. Not too long after that realization, I made the choice to leave the shop and take the leap into the freelance and floral event world. After finding my footing in that space, I spent a long time mulling over what kind of designer I wanted to be, and what sort of story I was trying to tell. I wanted to create a space for those who weren’t afraid to get a little loud or wild with their ideas, and who weren’t afraid of breaking the mold or the norm. Eventually, this idea brought me to create Bloom Riot Florals! Now I work in the wedding and event industry full time. I offer full service floral design, set design, hotel and business subscriptions, and daily deliveries! I always strive to bring creativity and color to my floral designs, and I work closely with my clients to bring their independent visions to life. I think my personal and hands on approach is something that helps me connect with my clients, and I always endeavor to make them feel at ease throughout the process.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding experience of being an artist or creative is connection. Art in and of itself provides connection, through evocation of emotion. When i think of creating something, I envision what art has inspired myself. I find it beautiful that I too can create something that will maybe inspire someone else to go and create something new, and so on and so on. No matter the medium you work in, art is meant to be internalized. Every artist I know is influenced or moved or motivated by another artist they’ve seen or admired, and I think that’s the whole point, that we find connection in creation.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I’m a big believer in following your own intuition. It was definitely not in my plan to move into this career path, but it felt right to me, and I went with my gut. To others, who might be feeling uninspired or unhappy in their life paths or careers, I would just say, take the leap! I changed the whole direction of my life not knowing if it was the perfect choice or the right choice, but I knew it made me happier, and I think that’s what we should all be seeking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bloomriotflorals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomriot.florals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bloom-Riot-Florals/100091326145921/
• Other: TikTok: bloom.riot

Image Credits

Kylie Friar Photography