We were lucky to catch up with Sage Bara recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sage, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

Family business is at the heart of everything I do, it’s all I’ve ever known, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Belle Soul began as a partnership with my daughter, who now runs her own interior design firm. We still collaborate and support each other when needed. My son is my right hand, and my son-in-law works with me as well, always showing up with kindness and a can-do spirit. Our team even includes some of my son’s closest friends who have been part of our lives since middle school; at this point, they’re chosen family.

This is actually our second family business. My children grew up in our first, a school for the performing arts, and naturally stepped into teacher and leadership roles there. The trust, connection, and shared rhythm we have is something truly special. We know each other so well, we can anticipate needs and support each other in a way that only comes from years of working and growing together. For us, it’s more than a business, it’s a way of life.

Sage, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Sage, founder and lead designer of Belle Soul Florals, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to beauty, storytelling, and transformation. My journey into the floral world has been deeply organic, rooted in years of designing full-scale weddings and creative events with my daughter under the name Belle Soul Weddings. We were known for our immersive, heartfelt design style, where florals were never an afterthought, but rather the living, breathing center of the experience.

My background is in the arts and education. Our first family business was a school for the performing arts, where my children grew up learning, teaching, and leading. That sense of creative rhythm and family collaboration became the foundation of what we now do through florals. Over time, as my daughter expanded into her own interior design business, I focused the brand fully on floral design and installations. My son and son-in-law now work with me, along with a team that includes friends who have been in our lives since middle school. It’s a true family business, and that closeness translates into how we work with our clients: intuitively, with trust, attention to detail, and a deep sense of care.

At Belle Soul Florals, we specialize in custom floral designs for weddings, editorials, installations, and special events. We’re known for lush, garden-style designs that reflect nature’s abundance, layered textures, and intentional color stories. Whether we’re creating something romantic and refined or bold and whimsical, we’re always designing for impact and emotion, helping our clients express themselves through flowers.

We also offer creative solutions for couples working within mindful budgets. With over 12 years of experience, we’ve developed thoughtful ways to repurpose florals throughout the day to maximize beauty without waste. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about designing smart and custom. We believe every wedding deserves to feel like it was designed just for them, and that’s exactly what we do.

What sets us apart is not just our aesthetic or experience, but the heart behind it. We truly listen. We honor your story, your vision, your priorities. We know what it’s like to plan something meaningful and want every moment to feel beautiful, grounded, and true to you. Our clients often tell us they felt seen, and that’s the best compliment we could ask for.

What I’m most proud of is that we’ve built a business with soul, one that’s guided by trust, creativity, and connection. And that our clients walk into their wedding day surrounded by florals that feel like home and magic all at once.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team is, at its heart, an extension of teaching and human connection. I started teaching professionally at 17, and those same foundational principles, guide, encourage, and inspire, still shape how I lead today. I believe your energy sets the tone. If you show up with clarity, warmth, and purpose, your team will mirror that. High morale isn’t just about perks or compliments; it’s about feeling seen, supported, and trusted.

I’ve found that people thrive when they understand not just what to do, but why it matters. I take time to connect, to explain, to listen. I give room for questions and also room for autonomy. I want everyone on our team to grow into their roles, not just follow directions. That means being generous with feedback and even more generous with praise. We speak kindly, we laugh often, and we celebrate the wins together, big or small.

At the end of the day, the spirit of your team reflects the spirit of your leadership. So if joy, excellence, and respect are your compass, you’ll always be heading in the right direction.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe our reputation was built on consistency, care, and creativity. From the beginning, we’ve led with heart, showing up fully for every client, every event, every detail. I’ve always treated each wedding or project as if it were my own, and I think people feel that level of dedication. Over time, that kind of authenticity builds trust.

What also helped was our willingness to go beyond just florals or design, we’ve always been about the full experience. Listening deeply, solving problems before they arise, staying calm in the chaos, and doing it all with joy. We bring a sense of artistry, but also a sense of purpose. It’s never been about just arranging flowers; it’s about telling a story, honoring a moment, and making people feel something.

Word of mouth has been powerful for us. Past clients, photographers, planners, and venues have continued to share their experiences working with us, and that kind of community support has meant everything. I’m proud that we’ve become known not only for beautiful work, but also for being thoughtful collaborators and trustworthy partners.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bybellesoulflorals.com/
• Instagram: @bellesoulflorals

Image Credits

#1: https://annabellaphoto.com/
#2 personal no photographer
#3 https://www.sarahtribett.com/
#4 https://mainsqueezephotography.com/
#5 https://www.harperblankenship.com/
#6-7 https://tarawilliams.photography/about