We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marisa Sturino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marisa below.

Alright, Marisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Lilacs have always had a special place in my heart. To me, they have always symbolized renewal, hope, and the faithfulness that God brings spring after winter just as surely as day follows night.

In Montreal, the winters are long and harsh. Some people love winter, but I am not one of them!

When the lilacs bloom, however, I am reminded that it’s going to be okay. When I smell their fragrant blooms, I hear God say that winter is almost over, and the world is getting ready to be reborn into something vibrant and exciting and beautiful. That though the winter was dark and bleak, it was only for a season, and now the world is alive again.

That’s the reason I named my business BuddingLilac. It was to commemorate that feeling of hope and joy that I want to cultivate in each step of my creative process, and to signify the birth of new and exciting ideas that I hope to have each step of the way.

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?

For starters, here’s a little bit about me: I have a background in professional photography but did a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My business idea kind of started with my own wedding – it was the height of the pandemic, restrictions were severe, and a lot of vendors were already fully booked for the year. Since we were only permitted an attendance of 25 guests, I thought I’d try my hand at designing my own wedding invitations. I was satisfied with the result, but I was not prepared for the overwhelmingly positive response my loved ones gave to me. That’s when I discovered I could take my creativity to new heights by doing something I loved for other brides who might be faced with their own restrictions! Thus, BuddingLilac was born. Since the fall of 2022, I have been designing and creating digital wedding stationery for the contemporary couple looking to have the luxurious quality of a designed look, without breaking the bank! The majority of my collection consists of wedding invitations, but I also make Save the Date and Thank you Cards as well. All of my products are digitally downloadable files, which means that my clients have access to them anytime, anywhere, and can edit and print right from the comfort of their own homes. I also offer semi-customization services for those looking to save even more time focusing on the more important details of their big day!
I believe one thing that sets me apart is the quality and attention to detail I provide for my clients while keeping their costs as low as possible! I was a bride once too, and I know all too well how quickly those charges can add up. I didn’t want any clients to have to sacrifice their dream wedding vision to save some money, which is why I dedicate myself to providing the best quality product possible for my lovely couples!
Like in any new and growing business, there were some real struggles and setbacks along my journey, but I am so proud of the growth I have seen in myself, both as a brand but also as a person! It’s quite a vulnerable experience to be constantly putting myself out there, but I think that has forced me to move out of my comfort zone in new and exciting ways, and I firmly believe the best has yet to come.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing to me about being a creative is the freedom that comes along with expressing myself. It is a very liberating thing to invest time and attention and care into something, and then proudly display that to the world. There are some that won’t like it, and others that won’t get it, but I’ve learned that it’s okay. For me, the best part is knowing that I made something that allows others to get a glimpse into my mind and heart as I share my creations with the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think being a small business owner in the middle of a pandemic has been really challenging. And now, with rising inflation rates and the cost of living going through the roof, it’s been difficult to imagine meeting my goals every month. However, while some areas are struggling, I have found more and more opportunities to expand and grow. For example, I have been experimenting with in-person markets, different social media strategies, and optimizing my Etsy shop. I think it’s all about being proactive and looking at how you can make the best of any situation. For those learning experiences, I am truly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: buddinglilac.etsy.com
• Instagram: @buddinglilac
• Facebook: @buddinglilac
• Other: Pinterest: @buddinglilacofficial