Check Out Amber Lu’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Lu.

Hi Amber, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I spent most of my years doing photography then when I had finished school, I didn’t want to continue anymore so I moved from San Francisco back to Los Angeles. I didn’t know what to do so I applied for a job at a flower shop. I wasn’t thinking of becoming a florist to be honest – I just needed a job at the time and something different. A few days in, I was intrigued. I loved the whole process of it all – the griminess, the hard work, the engineering, the beauty of the whole process – from sourcing, buying, how each flowers and foliage are different from each other even if they are the same – how nature embraces us with such extraordinary, unique stems every time, the people, how much beauty flowers offers and the absolute joy it brings not only to me but to others – it’s incredible. I worked there for a few years, then went to another flower shop to try different styles, and now I am working for one of the most amazing florists in Los Angeles, Sophia Moreno-Bunge of ISA ISA Floral. (http://www.isafloral.com)

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s sometimes smooth and sometimes a bit rough. It definitely took a lot of time and patience. Learning to be kind to yourself – understanding that it takes time, practice and patience to build your style and a lot of hard work to be put in. A lot of people think the floral industry is “easy” or “pretty”. I mean, it’s beautiful, but also it can be gruesome and harsh. There’s a lot of schlepping. There’s a lot of frantic – stress, the physical and mental toll it has on us, making sure you’re doing a good job for clients and for designers you are working for. Creating pieces from your heart and that can be replicated and not acknowledged or respected, etc. There’s also a lot of self-doubts. I still have those feelings sometimes. Sometimes I have to take a step back and take a moment to breathe. I forget to do that sometimes and it can be overwhelming. Like most, I give a piece of my heart into each arrangement, and sometimes that can feel unsettling, but also so warm and loving because it made someone feel happiness, joy, and love. That, to me, in the end, is worth doing. I’m still learning even after almost eight years of being in this industry. It’s definitely tough, but something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a florist, and I sometimes doodle. I like to forage around Los Angeles a lot (if you forage, please do so in a responsibly, carefully, and respectful manner). It’s fun to see what is in season and be inspired to what California has to offer. With the foraged materials, I like to make these small (roughly about 8-10 inches), delicate and imperfect “flower towers”. Making them brings me so much joy!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being kind and patient to myself and others, to always help uplift others, and to continue creating work that feels right to me.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@luamber.com
• Website: luamber.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aamberlu

Image Credits:
Green tube vessel made by Alex Reed – https://alexjreed.com/home.html