Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Severina Hernandez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Severina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
One of the things that truly sets Bubbles & Blooms apart from others in the industry is our approach to community. We don’t simply place flowers in front of our guests and teach them how to assemble them. Instead, we encourage them to connect with the flowers on an intuitive level, selecting those they feel drawn to. This process allows for a deeper, more personal exploration of creativity, where the individual’s emotional and aesthetic preferences guide the creation of their arrangement. For instance, while I might be captivated by the vibrant allure of a red rose, someone else might find joy and fulfillment in the serene elegance of a white lily. Each choice is a reflection of personal resonance, making the experience uniquely fulfilling for everyone involved.
Our deep attention to the small details and the aesthetic curation of every event we host is another cornerstone that differentiates us. Each event is designed and curated differently based on the season, incorporating unique art installations, various vases, and distinct decor that enhance the overall experience. It’s not just about arranging flowers—it’s about creating an intentional, immersive experience that resonates on multiple levels. We meticulously select flowers based not only on the season but also on their symbolic meanings and their ability to manifest certain energies and intentions. This level of thoughtfulness transforms each arrangement into more than just a visual delight; it becomes a personal journey for our participants.
The intentionality behind fostering community is at the heart of why we started Bubbles & Blooms. We wanted to create a space where women could step away from their hectic lives and invest time in themselves. Our workshops are designed to be more than just a creative outlet—they are opportunities to build meaningful relationships, share laughter, and support one another. It’s about creating an environment where women feel comfortable to be themselves, explore their creativity, and leave feeling enriched and connected. We believe that when women come together in a supportive, intentional space, they can inspire and uplift each other in powerful ways.
One memorable instance that illustrates this was a workshop we hosted last spring. A group of women, initially strangers, came together to create floral arrangements. By the end of the session, they were not only exchanging tips and compliments but also sharing stories and forming genuine connections. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was clear that these women left with more than just beautiful arrangements—they left with new friendships and a sense of fulfillment. This is the essence of what we strive for at Bubbles & Blooms: to create experiences that go beyond the norm, fostering a sense of community and personal growth through the art of floral design.
Severina, 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?
Sure no problem! Hey y’all, I’m Severina, the founder and creative force behind Bubbles & Blooms. My journey into this beautiful world of floral design and event curation began with a deep love for nature and a passion for bringing people together. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the power of flowers to convey emotions and transform spaces. This fascination blossomed into a dream to create a space where others could experience this magic firsthand.
Bubbles & Blooms is not just a business; it’s a reflection of my belief in the power of intentionality, creativity, and community. Each event is meticulously curated to reflect the season, incorporating unique art installations, various vases, and distinct decor to enhance the overall experience. Every flower is chosen not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meaning and its ability to manifest specific energies. This thoughtful selection process allows us to create experiences that are as meaningful as they are stunning.
Our mission extends beyond creativity—it’s also about fostering connection. Whether it’s a flower arrangement workshop, a wellness event at Studio 127, or a traveling experience for a bachelorette party or team-building session, we are dedicated to creating safe, inspiring spaces for women to come together, take time for themselves, and build lasting relationships.
This mission has become even more personal as I prepare to welcome my daughter into the world. She’s already inspired me to think even more deeply about the legacy I’m building and the importance of creating spaces where women—especially mothers—can find joy, connection, and creativity. Knowing that I’ll soon be teaching her to find beauty in life’s small, intentional moments makes me even more passionate about what I do.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the sense of fulfillment and community our events foster. There’s nothing quite like seeing women who started as strangers leave as friends, with gorgeous floral arrangements and a renewed sense of joy. I remember one spring workshop where a group of women who had never met ended the day laughing, exchanging stories, and even planning future meetups. Those are the moments that keep me inspired—they remind me that what we’re creating goes far beyond flowers.
What I want people to know about Bubbles & Blooms is that it’s more than just a floral design company—it’s a community. It’s a place to celebrate life’s beauty, connect with others, and explore creativity in a way that’s truly transformative. Whether you’re drawn to flowers for their beauty or their meaning, we welcome you to join us and discover the magic that happens when you combine creativity, intentionality, and connection.
And as I prepare for motherhood, I’m even more inspired to create a world where my daughter—and all the women we serve—can thrive in creativity, connection, and joy.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The story of how I funded Bubbles & Blooms is one rooted in the principles of the “lean startup” methodology, a concept I embraced after reading the book The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. This approach fundamentally shaped the way I built my business. Instead of going all out from the beginning, I focused on building the business little by little, maximizing the resources and materials I already had.
When I started Bubbles & Blooms, I had one credit card, a $1,500 limit, and a determination to stay within budget to avoid overspending. The idea was to start small, use what I had, and gradually reinvest profits back into the business as it grew. This method allowed me to test what worked and what didn’t, without the risk of incurring overwhelming debt or accumulating unnecessary inventory.
In the early days, I was very strategic about my spending. I prioritized essential items that would directly contribute to creating the best possible experiences for my clients. By keeping costs low and being resourceful, I was able to manage my finances carefully and ensure that every dollar was spent wisely.
One of the key advantages of this approach was the ability to remain agile and responsive to client feedback. For example, in the beginning, I experimented with different types of vases, flowers, and decor to see what resonated most with our participants. This trial-and-error process allowed me to fine-tune our offerings and focus on what truly mattered to our clients. Had I gone all out and purchased everything I thought I might need upfront, I would have been burdened with unnecessary debt and an excess of inventory that might not have been useful.
I’m incredibly proud to say that Bubbles & Blooms has grown organically, without accumulating debt. This financial freedom allows us to continually reinvest in the business, enhancing our workshops and events, and providing an even better experience for our clients. It also means we can stay true to our mission of creating a relaxed, supportive environment for women to connect, without the pressure of financial strain.
My goal has always been to build a sustainable business that can grow and evolve over time. The lean startup methodology has been instrumental in achieving this. It has taught me the importance of starting small, listening to my clients, and being adaptable. By focusing on what truly adds value, I have been able to create a thriving business that remains debt-free and dedicated to its core mission.
For anyone starting their own business, I highly recommend this approach. It’s a way to mitigate risk, stay flexible, and ensure that every step you take is a step towards building something meaningful and sustainable.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in authenticity and a genuine approach to sharing our experiences. Instead of focusing on selling and persuading people to attend our events, I’ve found that simply sharing the essence of what we do at Bubbles & Blooms has been incredibly powerful.
When I promote our events, I don’t just highlight the logistics or features. I share the stories, the emotions, and the connections that happen during our workshops. By showcasing the joy, creativity, and sense of community that our participants experience, I allow potential clients to see the true value of what we offer. They get a glimpse into the transformative and fulfilling nature of our events, and that speaks volumes more than any hard sell ever could.
Being my most authentic self in every interaction, whether it’s through marketing materials or face-to-face, has been crucial. What you see in our social media posts, our newsletters, and even in casual conversations is exactly who I am. This consistency builds trust and credibility. When people feel that they know the real me and that my passion for Bubbles & Blooms is genuine, they are more inclined to be drawn to our events.
I also believe that allowing my clientele to formulate their own opinions about our offerings is essential. Instead of pushing them towards attending, I invite them to explore and engage with what we do. This approach respects their autonomy and intelligence, allowing them to see the value for themselves. When people feel that they’ve made the choice to participate based on their own observations and feelings, they are more likely to have a positive and fulfilling experience.
An example of this is how I share behind-the-scenes moments and participant testimonials on our social media platforms. These candid glimpses into our events show the laughter, the creativity, and the connections that happen naturally. It’s not about crafting a perfect image; it’s about showing the real, unfiltered magic that happens when people come together to create and connect. This transparency resonates with people and attracts those who value authenticity and meaningful experiences.
The principle of alignment has been a guiding force. I believe that the right people will be drawn to Bubbles & Blooms when the invitation is genuine and not forced. By staying true to our mission and values, we naturally attract clients who resonate with what we offer. This organic growth has led to a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about our events and eager to share their experiences with others.
In essence, the strategy of authenticity and genuine sharing has not only grown our clientele but has also built a loyal and engaged community. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and inspired, and that kind of connection is the most powerful marketing tool there is. When people experience the true heart of Bubbles & Blooms, they become ambassadors of our brand, spreading the word and inviting others to join in the magic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bubblesandbloomsla
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinahernandez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Whatsupseverina
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-alignment-with-severina-hernandez/id1663411909
Image Credits
Kasey Dunn – of a creative loft
Mina Artis