Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Talbott
Hi Tia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Culver City, CA as the only girl with 3 brothers. With a Mother as a school teacher and my Father a Police officer. I grew up in Windsor Hills “The Black Beverly Hills” and I attended Highschool at the renowned Hamilton High School Academy of Music. I was in the orchestra as a violinist and played the piano since I was 6 years old.
My story begins in May 2021, as. an established Model and Talent agent in the Fashion industry for over 15 years beginning at one of the Top Modelling Agency in the world, Elite Model Management. With a profound interest in nature, especially with Flowers and plants, in 2019, as an unintentional hobby, I found myself taking close up photos of Gorgeous flowers I would see along my day. I would then send to my close friends and family as a text message “Flower of the Day ” photo. I noticed they really loved and enjoyed my photos. I then noticed that I had a true interest in taking extremely close up photos of Gorgeous flowers, for people that never really “stop to smell the flowers”. This was a way to see a close up view of true nature at its unique finest! I then, would see myself and others purchase store bought flowers from the grocery store, that we would receive or give out as gifts and I would think to myself, “I could do way better then this quality of a bouquet!” So, I then found a flower arrangement class. I was so excited to attend, even though we experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. While staying safe, I was determined to not let the pandemic stop my previously planned classes! My classes were outside in the parking lot of the facility, and we all practiced social distancing with our own working stations. Then, My youngest brother told me that one of his friends made a post on Instagram looking for a “Female, Black Florist, in LA”, for an upcoming 3 day Art Gallery event and he said “This is You!” This is when, I knew I should create a name and look into creating a logo so I can network.
After my classes, and the art event, I was so excited, and I casually mentioned to my coworker that I attended my recent flower arrangement classes and he said, “well make me a Bouquet!” I was so ecstatic for this opportunity so I immediately got to work. He loved his bouquet so much that he asked me to also make a special order for our clients at the fashion brand Boohoo. I was so excited for this opportunity to really show all of my creative visions!
After the art event, the coordinator contacted me to refer me to her best friend that was getting married. Her friend happened to be actor Mario Van Peebles daughter! I was speechless because I couldn’t believe this was not only my 1st wedding my first year, but also a celebrity ‘s daughter! The pressure was on to help make this a moment to remember for her! The Bride was so Happy and loved her bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and venue arrangements! From there moment by moment, event by event, through direct references is how I began to grow as a business. I have a residency with an amazing client in Beverly Hills, flower arrangement classes, event installations, just because, all holidays, and have done all major events from a Christmas elementary school Toy drive with Magic Johnson to the Ladera Heights and Leimert Park Garden tour marketplace vendor booth to other marketplaces that my youngest brother brought me into the community, in LA county as he had his own Vintage resale business.
Gorgeous Bouquet was born in 2021. Later this same year, my youngest brother Daven. announced he had stage 4 Cancer. Daven was only 34 when he transitioned last year October 2023. This moment changed my life forever as to be with him during his last moments, I have been determined to keep going just like he did through his battle, he kept going.
May 2024 marked the 3rd year anniversary for Gorgeous Bouquet and I am so excited to see what is store next!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a new business is definitely a rollercoaster of events. As a florist, it’s not just putting flowers in a vase. It entails much labor and construction. I find myself having to use tools, get stuck my Rose thorns, cutting wires, dirt, heavy lifting and lots of physics.
The delivery/ Transit moments entail me having to make sure the Gorgeous Bouquet’s are well secured as I had to use the “soccer Mom” arm and pull over many times to prevent the bouquets from sliding around or falling over. I have to wake up at 3am often to make it to the flower market and pick up flowers before making a same day delivery, so little sleep in between my full time job. I managed to do my flower orders in between my full time work schedule after work or on the weekends. My friend that is an Executive at The Grammys Academy I had a wedding in Temecula with 250 guests and since it’s 2 hours away, and Gorgeous Bouquet was the florist for the bridal party and venue. I had to rent a uhaul truck and rent a hotel room and ask around my family or friends with who can help me because I knew there was no way I could do this by myself! Fortunately, my cousin helped me and we had to depart LA by 5am to arrive before 9am to be completed with all Arrangements before 11am! Then, we had to stay since it was so far away to go back to LA, as we also had to take down all the arrangement/decorations and clean up the venue before 9pm. My feet were in so much pain and I was so exhausted!! So , it’s definitely not as glamorous as it may seem!
However, the most difficult moment for me has been my youngest brother Daven ‘s funeral. I was the florist for all of his funeral arrangements. Flower arranging is something I love to do that brings peace, while being one and creative with nature. It is very difficult to do when you are crying and having the same memories of arranging flower bouquets for my clients, while my brother was working his vintage company He was not only my brother, but my best friend.. We were once just together in the same garage working on what we loved to do, and now 2 became 1. It was really difficult but I made sure to give my brother the most Gorgeous Bouquet’s during his home going!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Florist and I create custom Floral arrangements. 3 Dimensional Fresh flowers as well as Faux/artificial flowers. I have done YWCA community classes, where I hosted a flower crown class, corporate employee flower bouquet arrangement class. Which I believe will begin a new avenue! I am known for the arrangement in th main lobby at STUDEO workout gym in Beverly Hills which I have the honor of having a residency at for over a year!
I specialize in 3 Dimensional flower bouquet arrangements with unique featured accents and for vases.
I am known as the flower Lady at the annual Ladera Heights and Leimert Park Garden tours, which I have had a vendor booth for 2 years where people from the community look forward to purchasing my exclusive arrangements. I am also known for the annual beauty intensive workshops where my arrangements are displayed and available for purchase. I’m known for large bouquet arrangements and installations. Gorgeous Bouquet, your local florist available for all last minute orders in LA county.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am available for all collaborations! Flowers can be incorporated anywhere! People can work or support Gorgeous Bouquet from contacting my phone number of through a direct referral, you can find Gorgeous Bouquet on Instagram at : GorgBouquet. I am available to network in person at any event Gorgeous Bouquet is at! From marketplaces, to weddings, to events or classes.
People can work with me through contacting me via phone DM or email.
Pricing:
- 35 small
- 75 medium/large
- 150 large
- 5000 weddings
- 400 classes
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorgbouquet
Image Credits
Steven J. Lawrence
Kamau Talbott
