Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Blasi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was 15 years old and looking for my first job, I went down to the local flower shop, Cee Jay’s Place for Flowers in Palos Verdes Estates. It was there that I was fortunate enough to be taught by owner Jodi Lazor, how to design, which encouraged and grew my love for flowers and all things creative.
I worked there through high school and went off to college but my love of floral design remained strong. I worked at shops during holidays when back in town from college and moved around floral design businesses in the South Bay of Los Angeles to gain experience. Although my college education had nothing to do with floral design or even the creative world, I always knew where my heart was. After graduating from college, I felt the need to get some formal floral design training and went to Southern California School of Floral Design taught by Master Phil Rulloda. It was there I learned all the mechanics of floral design, the proper way to do things, which has been such an asset to my growth and success. There is a “right” way to do floral design, there are rules, and as Phil has taught, only once you know those rules can you break them.
In 2007, after many years of dreaming and wanting, I finally had to courage to start a business of my own. I decided to focus where my passion was most, in wedding and special event designs. Working out of a home studio in my parent’s garage, my journey began. Mom swept glued, and lended moral support, dad was involved in every car pack and event delivery and set up. The business has grown, in and out of studio spaces and creating for many wonderful clients.
Today, 25 years after my floral design experience began and 10 years into owning Subrosa Floral Design, I am so grateful to love what I do, have my work be my passion, and play with all the pretty things.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning a business is tough, especially as a creative. My focus and talent is floral design and the challenges have been on the business end of things. As a small company, not only am I head designer but I am also all the controlling roles of the business.
Subrosa Floral Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our tagline is: “expression through floral creations.” My goal is to try to bring to life in flowers what a client envisions for their wedding or special event. From a nonprofit fundraiser ballroom gala to a matrimony in Ojai, our specialty is designing for corporate and social functions.
To do this successfully, there is a heavy focus on customer service and quality. Working with clients to really listen to what they want and need, and creating a design that fits all the elements of the event including other decor and colors being used. I want the look to be created just for that client each and every time. All the flowers we use are custom ordered for each event to strive to ensure optimal freshness and quality.
One of the biggest compliments I have ever had was from a photographer who said “I’ve never seen a bride’s bouquet last throughout the whole day before.” I can attribute this to design techniques learned as well as proper care and handling of the flowers themselves. Skills I gained by receiving my certifications in floral design. Quality and experience; it’s what sets us apart.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is happiness and fulfillment. All I have ever wanted for myself in this business is to enjoy the creating, make clients happy, and see some financial growth every year. I have succeeded in that. I am still here, 10 years later, with a gratifying feeling of accomplishment and joy from creating all the floral designs I have for clients. I had the courage to start this business and each year I have the courage to continue.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.subrosafloral.com
- Phone: (310) 408-7727
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/subrosafloral
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/subrosafloral
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/subrosafloraldesign
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