We were lucky to catch up with Ghia Arroyo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ghia, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

As a kid I’ve always pursued some kind a of artsy hobby like drawing, fashion designing, scrapbooking, or silversmithing as that whole saying of “Artists don’t make money” really stuck so in the beginning making money wasn’t something I thought of pursing. As I got older my current boyfriend and I pursued different types of business ventures and models. There came a point where I began to merge these two ideas together in my floral designing career. First, becoming a freelancer. I didn’t even know what that word meant at first lol. But being able to get paid to do something that I truly loved and enjoyed.. I felt so much gratitude. I basically felt that I was getting paid to arts and craft lol. Things I would already be doing practically for free at home on my own time. I still feel this from time to time that I still can’t believe I get paid for this.

This year is not as filled with so much freelancing but now working my own events which I am so grateful for. Combining my knowledge now from previous business ventures and my passion for floral has allowed me to continuously earn my dollar as a creative.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

A thing I feel that stands me out is I feel that florals aren’t suppose to be just a main focal point but rather a contributing factor in the experience my clients and guests will have. All the elements, from the linens, plates, candles, vases, font, etc. is purposefully and mindfully placed in a design. That’s why I love when a planner will serve up a delicious mood board/deck for me to brainstorm from.

I am proud to be a florist that intentionally designs. I love the idea of playing with textures and colors and how that may pair nicely with the environment around it. During our follow up or consultation call I feel that I help clients solve their design problems or introduce new ideas or trends. Another thing I am proud of is management of myself l0l. I know how I work so especially wedding weeks I push myself to go to the gym or meditate because I know I can think clearer when problems arise.

I am a events and wedding florists. My services provide: brand activations, weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, would love to venture more into shop/restaurant florals etc. I love doing flower installs ( probably my favorite to design), disco ball installs, hanging installs (will happily get on a ladder).

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.

The fact that small events florist wear soooo many hats. I know many will see the fun and aesthetic stuff of us traveling, being at beautiful venues, “playing” with flowers, working with fun brands, working from home, doing interviews lol, etc. but especially first starting out it’s a one person show. When you don’t have a place to actually clock in a work day can easily go from 8-12 hours. The background stuff we do that may not come to mind to non-creatives we are our own:

– website designer
– accountant
– scheduler
– driver
– customer service
– proposal maker
– content creator

The list can go on. As I get busier I would love to transfer these responsibilities.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Oh yes “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles is really empowering. It’s not what you think about a step by step guide to building your business but it talks about having a strong mental foundation and then moving forward with actions to get where you want to be.

The Flowering Mind by Lys Lytle has some golden nuggets about profiting has a florist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arroyoarrangements.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arroyo_arrangements/?hl=en

Image Credits
@zinadichoso.photos @edwardisais acphotocollective.com