Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Ross.
Tiana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began working as a florist 15 years ago; it was my first job growing up in San Clemente, Ca. After graduating college at UC Berkeley, I took some time away from floristry to work a secure government agency position in San Luis Obispo. I experienced a lot of soul searching during that time, and realized that I wanted to spend my time doing something I have a passion for and determination to succeed at. So I started Aurelia Flora in August 2016. I worked very hard in the early morning and late-night to build it from the ground up. I did it without any debt by keeping my 9-5 job until I had enough business to feel comfortable leaving. From then, everything has evolved and continues to move in a direction that I am proud of. Aurelia Flora is currently based out of a design studio in SLO. We have a brand new website, we are fully booked for 2019 and currently taking on new clients for 2020 wedding season. Plus we just got aprons printed for the team, so that feels pretty sweet!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been opportunities for learning and growth! I think the biggest thing for me was letting go of control and asking for help. I did a lot on my own for the first few seasons, I stayed up way too late, didn’t drink enough water, and just generally did not practice great self-care. I have grown a lot in this area, still not perfect, but I have gotten better at asking for help and having boundaries between work and personal life.
The second biggest thing I’ve learned how to do is value my time and energy, which is also a form of self-care for me. In my first season of Aurelia Flora I just really wanted to get booked and get my name out there, so I said yes to every styled shoot, pop-up shop, maker’s market, and wedding that came my way. It sounds strange to say this, but I actually say no a little more than I say yes these days because my time is very important to me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Aurelia Flora story. Tell us more about the business.
Aurelia Flora is a wedding floral design company; we specialize in organically designed floral arrangements and installations. Our approach is very relaxed, as we let nature inform our designs above all. We do our very best to source local, in-season ingredients, while also lessening our impact on the environment by going foam-free whenever possible.
I am very proud of the fact that I have gained so many great friends and acquaintances through my business. When working with couples on their wedding, we are often in communication for six months to a year before their date, so by the time the big day comes around, the relationship feels very easy-going and natural.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe that the universe is always working in our favor, so if you want to call that luck, then yes. I also believe that things don’t just magically happen overnight, you have to show up and do your best everyday. It’s been my experience that there are good days and bad days in life and business, and it all comes down to how well you can handle both.
Pricing:
- Full service weddings in SLO County start at $3500
- Weddings outside of SLO Country Start at $5000
- Boutique pricing available for weddings 50 persons or less (in SLO County)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aureliaflora.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @aurelia.flora
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aurelia-flora-san-luis-obispo
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/aurelia-flora/45852ddbbe98170b.html
Image Credit:
Emily Saenz Photo, Leana Myra Photography, Taryn Dudley Photo, Leana Myra Photography
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