Hidden Gems: Meet Rama of creations landscape designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rama.

rama, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It was a Monday in June 2007. I was working for a landscape architecture firm and at the end of the day I got called into the conference room by my boss who essentially laid me off.

By this point the economy had taken a shit and after a month of trying to get another job in my field and hitting one dead end after another, I had a thought. Why can’t I just start my own business. So I made a shit load of postcards advertising myself as a landscape designer and went to town. Most weekdays for a few month I would leave the house at 7. Drive to some housing neighborhood in Orange County and pass out around 100 cards door to door. I would then come home and search online for any free biz networking events I could go to and boy did I.

Within two weeks I scored my first client who a few month later referred me to their neighbor. I made $1200 of off that job. I learned one thing from the experience of working with that client. I fucking loved working for myself. I knew I was sacrificing a steady paycheck to become self employed, but I had been bit by the bug.

Now 18 years later, I am in love with my business as much as I was in the beginning. My father who is resting peacefully can take a sigh of relief that the bachelors of science in landscape architecture that he paid for was put to good use.

Today I use a mixture of YouTube, Instagram and in person canvasing to promote myself. I emphasize the use of drought tolerant/native plants, sustainable materials and an over all design that reduces your energy bills, wile increasing your property value.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are many struggles that in one way or another have strengthened me as a person. I deal with having little to no work in December. So I have to budget carefully. I recon with some clients that don’t understand that this is what I do for a living. This is how I keep a roof over my head and put food on the table.

This one instance I submitted a design quote for $1600. The potential client asked if I could do the work for $1000 and I said no. I have become much more confident over the 18 years of having my business. I know when to just walk away and not demote myself for the sake of a project.

I have also learned better money management as I have to have a reserve for the end of the year when biz is slow. I also have learned how to craft a business where I can work remotely with minimal tools. Just a laptop, cup of Irish breakfast tea and some programs and I am good to go.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
creations landscape designs is a residential design company based out of Orange County, CA and services most of the southern California region.

We specialize in drought tolerant, earth friendly landscape designs that are will decrease your energy bills, while increasing your property value.

We do all of our designs digitally, thus being able to keep little to no overhead and keep our price tag very affordable. Our designs are tailored the needs of the client, the vision we see for the space and what the environment is craving to have.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
This industry is expanding. More and more people are ditching the lawns in favor of something more eco friendly. Gardens that attract the local beneficial wildlife. I tell my clients that all the bees, birds and butterflies with come to your house to party and not the neighbors. Contractors are finding innovative ways to streamline their services without sacrificing quality. Designer’s are getting more creative with what they do. Most are going towards a more native aesthetic to minimize water consumption yet maximize visual interest.

Pricing:

• Front yards typically go for $1000-$1500 for a design
• Back yards typically go for $1500-$2500 for a design

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creationslandscapedesigns.com
• Instagram: @creationslandscapedesigns
• Youtube: youtube.com/earthfrienlyla @creationslandscapedesigns
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creations-landscape-designs-tustin
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/creations-landscape-designs-pfvwus-pf~1887530247

Image Credits
All images were taken by me