Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elle Conwell Radiant Blooms. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elle Conwell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I am incredibly grateful to the two flower shops I worked in before starting Radiant Blooms. While working as a designer and delivery driver I learned how to arrange flowers, how to assemble elaborate floral installations, and how to understand a couples’ wants and needs for their wedding. Since I did not obtain a formal education in floral arranging, these years of working allowed me the knowledge and experience I needed to design wedding and event flowers independently.
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.
My obsession with flowers began at a young age. Every birthday my dad would send me roses and throughout childhood my mom would leave me notes from “garden fairies” named Azalea, Tulip, and Daisy. I have always loved design and working with my hands. I’ve found old photos of me as a child making leis out of plumerias and picking wildflowers.
I began my career in the fashion industry. Those years of visual merchandising and customer service developed my eye for color and enjoyment of collaborating with others. I learned how to recognize peoples’ wants and interpret their visions, bringing ideas to life. To this day I enjoy working with clients to determine what their style and ideal florals are.
While living in North Carolina, I stumbled across a flower shop and began my career as a florist. What started as a fun, part-time job evolved into my career. I was immediately drawn to the limitless options of arrangements. Flowers are beautiful on their own, but when designed together you get to play with texture, color, and more. It’s a designer’s dream come true. The number of things you can do with flowers is limitless.
After returning to San Diego, I worked at a local flower shop that allowed me to continue to develop my skills and better my knowledge of the wedding and event industry. While working, my love for wedding and events florals grew. A close friend asked me to arrange her wedding flowers which solidified my desire to create my own company.
I launched Radiant Blooms in 2022, staring with a colorful, vibrant wedding in liberty station. I’ll celebrate three years this February and still pinch myself that I am designing flowers as my job. I am a full service “celebration” florist, catering to weddings and events. Throughout my time as a wedding and event florist I have specialized in tropical flowers. My style is not limited to tropical blooms, but they are a personal favorite and I use them in almost all of my arrangements.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been referrals from past clients as well as connections with wedding planners.
Any advice for managing a team?
For maintaining high morale, I organize and plan ahead as much as possible. I walk through the tasks for the event starting a week out. I also list out the supplies needed and tasks to be delegate. Although I plan ahead, my second piece to maintaining high morale is being flexible. Nothing will ever go exactly as planned, but when you are an artist, this gives you an opportunity to problem solve and be creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radiantbloomsfloral.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiant.blooms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568648122973
