Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Morgan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in SoCal in what was a low-key, seaside artist community nestled between the beach and the hills. I spent most of my youth barefoot and outdoors where I cultivated a sense of wonder for the natural world.
After completing my undergrad in NYC and starting a career that I found essentially unfulfilling, I began apprenticing at a floral studio in my free time. I don’t think I consciously recognized what I was doing as seeking nature; at least, a perpetually available, metropolitan version of it, however, rather quickly, I segued flowers into a full-time gig.
Many lessons, years and a big move back to Cali truly activated the romanticism of the process that I had initially imagined walking into it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would not describe the road as smooth. There have been twists and turns, and even a few forks but it has been rewarding. The greatest struggle and hence lesson for me has been in trusting my intuition. It’s been a challenge in my creative, professional and even personal life because I often find that my feelings about things and the choices that result aren’t necessarily popular or easy.
If I were to give another woman advice, I would say to honor that guiding light no matter what challenges or oppositions arise. I have always found my way back to my seat but starting from that place and staying in it is a huge time/energy saver.
what should we know about Ojala Floral? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a florist. I work with flowers and botanicals focusing on weddings and social events but am open to all types of experimentation. I’m committed to seasonal compositions which support local, organic farms mostly in Camarillo, Carpinteria, and the Ojai Valley.
When I started out there was a real focus on specific floral varieties and color palettes which left me feeling creatively constricted and tied to international floral agribusiness. Both sourcing and conceptualizing have become a lot more enriching as a result of this departure.
There is now a co-creation dynamic between client and designer. The focus is on a feeling being captured which, energetically and historically, is the essence of the flower.
Design has finally gone the way of diet; local, seasonal and organic. Many of the farmers I source from, focused on fruits and veggies and grow flowers for pollination purposes. I like this idea of letting flowers be flowers and it leads to pretty tasty sourcing trips.
I’ve been fortunate in that people seem to be on board with what I propose in terms of a vibe I want to achieve rather than ingredients. Fluidity of process is better suited to the workings of my brain as is the idea of being inspired at the moment.
I enjoy watching people find love and beauty in their own backyard, there is so much! The shift is ever present and crosses many plains however this medium is a particularly romantic one to be a part of.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I’ve found that doing what you want to do the way you want to do it attracts people that are into it; mentors, collaborators, clients, friends and the many combinations therein. They all seem to show up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ojalafloral.com
- Phone: 323.804.0308
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ojalafloral
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