Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Gravitt.
Joy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a full-time operations manager at a bioremediation firm by day and a florist on the weekends. I had done a few small events, but never at a professional level.
One of my best friends asked me to do the flowers for her wedding in San Clemente, and I was hooked ever since that day. What started out as favors for friends quickly turned into a full-blown business working with the hippest venues, photographers and wedding coordinators.
One of the first collaborations I did was with Blush Ivory in San Clemente with the amazing Maya Lora Photo. The bohemian wedding shoot was published in British Vogue with my bouquet. This was something I never dreamed of or even fathomed! It was such a great recognition of the phenomenal talents that I was able to work with.
Since starting my business in 2017, I have completed many weddings and events; even traveling to Texas for beautiful backyard nuptials. I have had the privilege of creating for some of the best brides. These women have always allowed me to run free with my creative vision; typically starting with just a color palette and a few inspiration photos.
One area that I consider a specialty is succulent and terrarium work. I have done many bouquets, centerpieces and accent pieces focusing on these quintessential California plant. It lends the most interesting texture and colors to both bouquets and floral arrangements.
The drought-tolerant nature of these plants makes them the ideal piece for any bouquet since it will be out of water for long periods. The benefit of using them in centerpieces is that most can be taken home and grown for long after the event.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think if anyone tells you that starting a business is easy, they are lying. From the free events and donations to get my name out to the time that I missed my deadline for paying my sales taxes, this venture has not been without bumps and falls.
I have learned with every event that I do to make the experience for me and my client better every time. I get faster, smarter and more efficient. I gain confidence with every event that I complete, which allows me to take bigger design risks resulting in better florals.
I am still well into my infancy in terms of starting my business, so I look to leaders and pioneers before me to help me learn and grow. The wedding industry and floral industry are filled with amazing people who provide stories and support, and I am so thankful for that.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Joyful Blooms – what should we know?
As a florist, I mainly focus on events. Weddings are a major part, but I have also done corporate events, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and bridal showers. As stated before, I have done a lot of succulent and terrarium work.
I had one wedding coordinator describe my designs as looking like they were just pulled out of the garden. I love textures and color in my arrangements. I strive to listen to my couples and determine how to best bring their personality into their flowers.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel that I am honest. I do get couples with strict budgets and high expectations, and I always tell them what I can honestly do with their budget.
I really want to create something beautiful, but that takes time, money and hard work. If I use less flowers or low-quality blooms, it would be a disappointment for me and the couple.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joyfulbloomsoc.com
- Phone: 949-529-6995
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @joyfulbloomsoc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfulbloomsoc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joyful-blooms-lake-forest
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/joyful-blooms-lake-forest-ca-1071613
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
