Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Davis.
Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
About two years ago, I went up north to attend UC Davis to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. As I adjusted to living in a new area, I tried finding new hobbies. My roommates noticed I was interested in flower arranging and introduced me to the UC Davis Student Farm and Ecological Garden. The UC Davis Student Farm grows produce for the local community as well as students on campus. The garden grows flowers for special events and offers weekly flower bouquet pickups for university staff. This is where my passion for growing and arranging flowers started. Prior to this experience, I had no idea that this was even a hobby of mine.
While working at the garden during my studies at UC Davis, I learned about flower growth, large-scale production, and flower arranging. My last year at the farm, I coordinated the weekly flower subscriptions. I chose the flowers for the bouquets, arranged with a team, and wrote the weekly newsletters that were provided to our subscribers. My experience at the Student Farm was so humbling and helped me discover another part of my creative self.
Following graduation, I moved back home to Southern California and began to miss my flower days on the farm. I wanted to find a way to still stay connected to my passion for flower arranging even though I no longer worked on the farm. Then created: Bouquet Babes. A small flower business based in my home that offered flower subscriptions to my local community. And from that point on-it has flourished!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Owning a small business is a forever-evolving experience. When it comes to working with a live product, such as flowers, there are many things you have to be mindful of. This includes making sure I get the correct flowers for certain temperatures, and what is in my budget, and of course keeping the flowers alive for as long as possible! Throughout my journey as a small business owner, the hardest part I have faced is-how do I value my time? While it is a business, it is my hobby as well so I have to find a balance between the two. The flower business is one of the hardest to maintain because it requires a lot of time and patience. I learn something new each time I create an arrangement for a customer. I am motivated to grow and learn which brings me success in my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Bouquet Babes offers bi-weekly subscriptions, custom arrangements, wreaths, as well as florals for events. I specialize in bouquet making. My style is what I describe as garden-chic. It includes the whimsy of wildflowers along with the touch of your most favorite flowers such as rose, lilies, or peonies.
I am most proud of my growth as a small business owner as well as my growth in flower arranging. I am happy that I have been able to achieve a style in flower arranging/designing that is my own and liked by others!
I believe I am different because I have so much love for what I do and I put my heart into all my work. As cheesy as it may sound, I do believe my work is a reflection of myself and I put my best out for my customers. While at the farm, I was opened to the art of appreciating Mother Nature and all she provides for us. I respect the Earth as well as all hard work that was made to bring me the flowers to create something beautiful.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned that you can find beauty even in the worst of times and to make the most out of any time you have. I graduated college in the midst of a pandemic, and like the thousands of other graduates at that time, I didn’t know how I was going to find a job. I am a creative and natural do-er so I knew I had to fill my creative itch while trying to find a job. I put all of my attention into creating this business. It was interesting because I was providing joy to others with my flowers and that provided joy for me during the tough days. This pushed me to keep going and have fun even though my following was small.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bouquetbabes/
Image Credits:
Leslie Sien
