Today we’d like to introduce you to George Martinez.
Hi George, 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?
Oh gosh, I am about to date myself…haha. And it’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride. But, this was back in 2005/2006 when I was a senior in high school. I had narrowed down my choices for my career path, to either event planning or an attorney (litigation to be exact). (Talk about a 180 from each field). I was on track to graduate and walk stage. However; If I failed any class I would not walk stage/ graduate. Sooo in order to avoid that, I took a ROP class. It was my safety net in case if I failed a class I would still graduate/ walk stage. My dear friend, mentor, and colleague – the late Marc Byrd was teaching a floral sales and design class at Santa Monica High School. My mom, my aunt, and I took his classes that were offered. I loved the energy, the beauty, and more importantly how I was able to express my creativity through flowers. Marc encouraged and pushed me to create. I enjoyed every single moment of it — it was like a drug. I wanted to keep on making more arrangements. It was at that moment that I wanted to go into events.
I ended passing all my classes and graduated from high school (University High School), and went to FIDM, through out the years I kept in contact with Marc. I would assist him in various events on which he needed help. During this time, I was working in operations and logistics. (Not what I had in vision for myself. Especially after attending and graduating from FIDM). Jump to Halloween of 2014, I was working at Halston I was very unhappy with my boss and the people in my department. During my lunch break that day, I had phoned Marc to catch up and vent. During my call, I asked him if he needed an extra hand. He said I was always welcome to work with him. After my lunch had ended, I was so pumped from my pep talk with Marc that I walked into my supervisor’s office and told her that I was quitting. That Halloween I left the operations and logistics field behind to pursue my freedom and joy of working and creating masterpieces with flowers. I felt like I had returned home. Unfortunately, my dear friend passed away. Prior to his untimely death in 2018. In 2016 he gifted me the business I currently own today.
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?
Even though I was gifted the business with clients and no debts. It has been a bumpy road. Primarily because I was “too young” “lacked experience” “I wasn’t known”. Because of this, I lost a client after a few months of being their in-house florist. Keep in mind I had did have some experience since I freelanced in the floral industry since 2005/2006. Being “young”, “unknown”, LGBTQ+, and Hispanic. I had to work that extra mile to prove that I am worth it. That my work is just as beautiful compared to my well-known competition. The pandemic proved no fun times either. Many florists folded, the same went for vendors at the Flower Mart. Coming back from that was a shock. Another obstacle that from time to time I face is burnout. Like any creative person, I feel it both physically and see it in my work. So in order to recharge I turn to various sources of inspiration and nature as well.
One of my major struggles is that unfortunately, death has seemed to follow me as well. As I briefly mentioned my dear friend Marc Byrd the man who taught me what I know passed in 2018. Then my father passed in May of 2020 due to complications of a heart attack. Dealing with two deaths close to me did impact my mental state. As I shut myself off from the world. I felt as if that spark of life and creativity was dying. I still deal with some of that BS of being “young” or “unknown” from time to time. But do I LOVE and I mean LOVE proving them wrong. The shock value I see from those people is priceless.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do it all, private clients, corporate clients… everything in between. You need flowers for a lobby, I am your man. Same goes if you need something for a divorce party! Same goes for the holidays, the more elegant and well-lit tree I can provide for a client. Well… LOVE IT. My specialty is the English/ French garden look. I am known for my large displays or romantic arrangements.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned various life lessons, and I know there are more along the way. BUT… First and foremost is take everything with a grain of salt, and that not everything is meant to be or will stay in your life. From death to losing friends (who I call former acquaintances), clients, and etc. Yes, those are hard bumps one will encounter. But doors of opportunity will always open when you least expect it. And most importantly TRUST in yourself! BELIEVE in yourself! And DEFEND yourself! The last one may sound a bit off, but there will be moments where you do need to actually defend your work or yourself from others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.georgesgardenla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgesgardenla/
