Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ruiz.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been creative, working with my hands is my jam. I have a degree in visual communications and did hair and make for a while so obviously, I like making things look pretty. I started making paper flowers out of card stock back in 2015 as a side hustle after my sister-in-law asked me to make some flowers for an anniversary party. I switched to crepe paper as my main medium for the flowers in 2020 specializing in oversized blooms. In late 2021, I was invited by Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Design and Netflix star from the “BIG FLOWER FIGHT” to participate in a workshop as a featured guest down in San Diego. She found me on TickTock and took a big risk never meeting me in person or talking on the phone. I had just lost my job about a month prior was trying out doing the flowers full time. So my sister and I drove down and took a gamble of a lifetime. After the workshop, my following tripled on Instagram, I was flown out to Florida three months later to participate in styled shoot, after that I did my first hotel installation at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia and I started making sales on a consistent basis. Giant paper flowers are not new, however they are not common in the US. The combination of fresh flowers and faux flowers is on the rise, because of the shortage of fresh flowers due to high costs. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity and to find a niche that I am constantly learning from, building a community that is always growing, and creating memories full of love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting any business is a challenge. Wearing so many hats, It has not been an easy. I still stay up all night working on certain projects, I remember crying on my kitchen floor because of the pressure. It’s especially challenging having to explain that these are not your average paper flowers. Don’t get me wrong I own a cricket too. But many professionals don’t really see the potential for it to be a true business that can have a system and function on its own. Granted I have not cracked the code yet, But as a believer I know the Lord will make a way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So I specialize in oversized blooms. Paper flowers made of Italian crepe paper ranging from 10-24 inches in diameter. What sets my work apart I believe is my use of color, and combing filler flowers mimicking the style of fresh flowers. What I am most proud of is being able to give the “wow” factor to the “average” bride, helping business owners get new customers with our eye catching displays and helping other paper florists and event planners in a big way with big flowers.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Like when starting any adventure, keep pushing. Life happens, but after you have jumped, crawled and stumbled through a hurdles, go back and help those that are struggling. I was given a huge hand up, which boosted my confidence (that I didn’t even realize had a lost) and I am always looking for a way to keep it going and help some one else.
The other thing is invest in yourself. Having people around that are positive and are in the mindset that you are in, or want to be in… is key. Even if you have to pay for it, like a coach or a business group. And if you can’t afford them, listen to them on YouTube, clubhouse or read about them in their books/ audible. But being around other like minded people really changes the atmosphere in your mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petalloft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petal_loft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Petalloft
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@petalloft
Image Credits
Vanessa Comfort photography Elizabeth Victoria Photography Styled Shoots Across America Kylie Lane photography Jennifer Nichole photo and film portrayable photography lkb photography
