Today we’d like to introduce you to Josceline Bonneville.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Being a creative and a designer, I was always led from one job or internship to another. I never had the conventional career path that most others experience right after college, which is working for a start-up or established brand for many years. I always knew, and felt, that I wanted to set out on the course less taken which was experiencing many different creative areas in order to discover what it was I was truly passionate about. I knew it was going to be challenging, especially for my family, never knowing how I would consistently support myself. It’s terrifying to not know what’s waiting for you and what’s meant for you. But, I wouldn’t take back any of these last years of discovering more of my soul’s purpose.
Hi, my name is Josceline, and I’m a visual artist, writer, and floral designer of Wölfin Floral.
I received my BA in Film at Cal State Fullerton in 2014, then my MFA in Screenwriting at Chapman University in 2016. Pursuing a career in filmmaking was something I always dreamed of pursuing right away. Then after graduating, I went through a few years of deep soul searching. I worked at different companies such as Darling Magazine, FabFitFun, freelanced, and became a teacher. I was grateful to have learned the business and creative sides from different brands but I knew I wasn’t truly fulfilled yet. I was letting the fear of doing something on my own and possibly failing control me, until I finally had the courage of starting my own creative venture with my small business, Wölfin, in January of 2020.
Since I was little I’ve always had a love for flowers but I never thought I’d become a floral designer. I wanted to write movies and act! But, I knew if filmmaking happened at a different moment in my life, I would also love to have my own floral shop. It’s taught me how to build something for myself and how to collaborate with other entrepreneurs. It’s also shown me how to have courage to put myself out there in a whole new way, for people to see what I am capable of as a creative. Starting my own business was definitely overwhelming at first because now I was the one showing clients what I could provide for them as an artist. It taught me to push my abilities as a visual designer more than I ever have and to not be afraid of doing things differently. You will always find the support you need along the way and continue to evolve. So, pursue as many passions that fill you with joy. There is never a wrong way of doing what you love!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting my own floral business was definitely not the easiest in the beginning. I had no idea how to start a business! I had been a creative all my life, and now I was teaching myself new skills, such as accounting for my finances, marketing my photography, social media, and networking at pop-ups in Downtown LA to find new clients. I was going full force in something completely brand new and opposite from my film studies. Plus, since I just started this year, I’m still teaching myself all of these skills and more to better myself as an owner and an artist. It’s a never ending learning process, but I really enjoy it. Also, due to quarantine, buying flowers was not on the top of everyone’s minds. So business sort of paused. Although, this really pushed me to step back and reflect quietly on how I want to approach my business and evolve my designs moving forward.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Wölfin Floral, is the name of my business, and I am owner and floral designer 🙂
I decided on the name Wölfin because it means ‘She-Wolf’ in German. I’ve always gravitated to the energy of the wolf, so when I was searching for the right name for my business, I decided to look up ‘wolf’ in different languages. When I found it in German, discovering that it means creation, death and rebirth…I knew this was the shop’s name. It was perfect. It represented everything I wanted to express in my work as an artist to others. It exemplified life all in one name. The way we find strength in creating who we are, the unknown of death in all things that no longer serve us, and rebirth in what we choose to accomplish for ourselves.
I specialize in designing arrangements for clients on a personal to editorial level. I always try to design based on the wants of the client as well as adding my own visual touch. This brings a balance of both. I believe what sets me apart as a visual artist and floral designer is offering a more abstract way of arranging flowers. I love adding my experience with film, visuals, design and storytelling into the way I create an arrangement.
What I am most proud of with this business, is that I now see Wölfin as its own identity. After creating her, now she is the one teaching me to be a stronger artist and human being. She has truly helped me shift into growing into the woman I want to be.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I would definitely love to give a big shout out to my family. With the experience they have achieved in their own careers and lives, they have taught me so much in what it means to start something on my own. They have offered so much love, knowledge, support, and mentorship when it comes to anything I need reassurance in whether it be on a business or personal level. They have always been completely understanding in the adventures I’ve chosen to pursue. Without them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.
I would also love to give a shout out to my close creative friends. They have always seen the light in starting new creative ventures. We truly support one another in everything we want to accomplish no matter the challenges that may find us along the way. They have taught me to never give up, to put myself out there, to not be afraid, and to continue to go after what I really want in life. I am beyond grateful to have them.
As a fellow creative, to anyone reading this who wants to forge their own path in a completely different way than the norm…please, please go for it. Your passion and creativity deserve to be seen and heard. You deserve to have all that you want to achieve. The risk taken is always the most fulfilling and joyous. Magical things happen on your own unique journey to finding what you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: wolfinfloral.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/wolfinfloral
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01xIX1AkpRc
Image Credit:
Photo with hand holding red flower over tan background credit: Brand – MadeByWmn®, instagram handle – @madebywmn, Photographer – Naohmi Monroe, instagram handle – @naohmi
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