Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Farrell.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always a deep thinker and a lover of life, but as many native Angelenos, I got lost in the vapid, hamster wheel of Los Angeles in my late teens/early 20’s. It wasn’t until I was twenty-five years old and my little brother died, due to a rare and somewhat inexplicable phenomenon, that my eyes were opened, and my heart was ready to receive the universe and start down a personal path worth living. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I had to do something good, I had to live for both myself and my brother. I was never an academic, quite the opposite really, but regardless I felt compelled to go to college. Determined to get a full ride to the colleges of my choice, I did. I majored in cultural anthropology because even though I was attracted to almost every social science and art subject, anthropology stood out to me. In my eyes that was the only one that taught compassion; something our world needed, and still needs now more than ever. The big plan was a PhD., but 6.5 years later I graduated summa cum laude from USC and needed a break. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my degree, I had a part-time job that paid the bills, so I wasn’t desperate.
I took time and started digging into myself for things that I was passionate about. I had a realization that I listened to public radio 24/7, and most of my free headspace was used for analyzing life’s social problems and coming up with great stories that NPR podcasts, like This American Life, and Radiolab (my favorites) needed to produce. The more I thought about it the more I realized that podcast storytelling was a lot like anthropology, it too taught compassion, through hearing a different perspective. It also had another component that called to the innate psychologist in me, in that stories create relation, and help people feel less alone in life’s craziness, which can inspire spiritual and emotional healing. I decided that I would venture into that world, take the tech classes that I was missing, get an internship and be on my way. Much easier said than done. A lesson learned the hard way is that reality doesn’t favor independent adult students that work, and that internships are to be had while in college, not after…
…So what does any of this have to do with flowers??—While my life was happening I had hobbies, lots! Baking fancy French patisseries, scrapbooking, paper crafts, oil painting, and of course flower arranging. All of my other hobbies came into my life later, randomly. But I have had a love affair with flowers since I was a child. I have always loved all animals, including bugs. As a child, I would watch, gently catch, and be captured by wonder and awe of their beauty. These little friends kept me in the garden, and because of which I was equally enamored by the intricacies, of the incredible flowers surrounding me. As I got older, I’d collect and fuss with the flowers, until it was as if the flowers called to me. I always knew how to make them go together beautifully, it just came naturally.
Just over a decade ago I stumbled across the Los Angeles Flower Market, and my mind was blown. I didn’t want to leave, ever. I started making excuses to buy arms full of flowers and created multitudes of vases filled with gorgeous blooms to give away. Eventually my hobby/flowering skills were requested by friends and family for their events. Before I knew it I was doing weddings, birthdays, anniversary parties, you name it. For most of those years it never dawned on me to pursue it as a career, I had always assumed I’d have to open a flower shop, and I’m too much a free spirit to be held down by brick and mortar.
Fast forward to early 2016, when another one of my younger brothers passed away in a car accident. He was the identical twin of my first brother who died. It was a surreal experience; inexplicable. The only thing that made his death even the slightest bit okay, was that he was now with his twin, which he suffered deeply without. A few days after his death, when some of the shock wore away, something strange occurred, for some reason, the earth seemed vibrant, more so than usual. The greens greener, the flowers brighter, life was incredibly beautiful, and regardless of how unbelievably sad I was, I couldn’t ignore it. I was drawn to arranging flowers, but because I needed them, more than ever. Just being around them was magical and healing for me. I continued to arrange, but more passionately and with a drive. Then, less than a year after that my father passed away unexpectedly, and because life is just that way, one of my best friends and roommate passed three days later… Ya, I don’t get it either… But the flowers, they kept coming at me, and they were the one thing outside of my amazing support team that got me through it all. I had done so many memorials, baby showers, weddings and other events that year that my social media feed was filled with flowers, more than ever before.
A friend of mine called me shortly after that, and said she he a flower job for me…I was a bit confused because I never called it a job, but yeah, I guess I do flowers!? It was a big event, but the arranging was pretty straight forward, nothing I couldn’t handle with some of my wonderful assistants. I was ecstatic, thought about the job all day long, figuring out logistics, finding the exact candles and vases needed, created a business card, preparing for the consultation and a mock trial…but in the end, she decided to go with someone else, before we even had a chance to talk! No matter, the fire was lit, I was officially an event floral designer from that moment forward, i had the much needed realization that I didn’t have to be locked down to a flower shop, I could be a studio florist. The ball started rolling and within the first two weeks of my official business I had booked three weddings, and it continued to build from there.
To think my calling, my path, was right in front of me the whole time, makes me chuckle. Regardless, I am so grateful to have experienced the many roads I walked and sometimes stumbled down and the incredible education I received. I am so grateful to have this amazing life where I get to be surrounded by nature’s most beautiful work, to be inundated by the healing fragrances and beauty that is naturally provided to us. To get to meet and share one of a couple happiest moments in life, and translate their stories into flowers. To get to share the beauty and uplifting power that flowers have, with so many people is my greatest joy. I am so lucky to call myself a floral artist!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like most entrepreneurs with their businesses, there are growing pains. Growing a business out of thin air, while working a day job to pay expensive LA rent and bills is rough. A successful business in its infancy requires all of you, much like a real infant. Sharing this space with life, work and relationships is troublesome and overwhelming. There isn’t much to do in this space except surround on elder with supportive people who believe in you and are open to working through it with you. I was gifted with a flexible day job that only required my attention for 3 full days a week. This allowed for extra time for all of the behind the scenes research, admin, and sales that goes into business growth. I was also lucky to have moved in with my boyfriend two months into my business and he helped me by covering my rent, so I could invest my extra money in advertising. I’m so grateful for that, and recognize that as a huge part of my early success.
Because of the nature of wedding/event floral design (and one of my favorite aspects of it), almost every job has a new challenge, new design, idea, and/or installation with different mechanics needed to successfully execute the job. Because I didn’t have formal training at the time of inception, I was working off my intuitive creativity and my innate knack for problem solving and mechanics. Whenever I felt a wall arise, became confused or frustrated, I worked through it by scouring the internet for answers. I decided that it would be a great investment to fast forward through the many possible mistakes I could make, and take an intensive 101 floral workshop that focused on the basics with my focus on mechanics, and the use of tools and supplies available for floral designers. I made small mistakes that thankfully were unnoticeable ones, but I knew I was missing something, so I closed that gap. Thinking ahead of the problem, and doing whatever it takes to make sure the job runs smoothly is the first and most important thing to do in this industry. Like with everything, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Since then I have taken a hand full of design and business workshops to learn new techniques I’m not familiar with, to expand my style and abilities, and network, or business tips to make sure my current plan is in tip top shape. I google everything and take learning about all things floral design and business very seriously. The answers are out there you just have to find them.
Maintaining a successful business is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I literally eat breath and drink my business. I do do things to take care of myself, like a monthly massage, working out a little a couple times a week if possible. And doing my best to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Theses are the things that keep me going. If I didn’t love my career as much as I do, where all of the work I put in doesn’t really feel like “work” I could not succeed as I have. The motivation and tenacity comes from the passion for what I do.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Royal Bee Flower Co. is a High-end boutique floral design company that specializes in weddings and events. We create lush organically elegant designs and have a special way to peer into our clients’ heads, pull out their ideas and create even more beautiful designs than they dreamed up. As a storyteller, I truly listen to my clients’ story, and their wants and needs, building a relationship with them and using those details learned to guide me in bringing their story to life in flower form.
I truly love helping my clients in any way they need. I love answering all of their event-related questions, suggesting my professional advice for aesthetics if needed, and connecting them to great planners and vendors, to make their special day run smoother, which leads to successful events and clients who are over the moon with happiness time and time again.
I am proud of the success and growth of Royal Bee Flower Co. We have come a long way in a short period of time; winning industry awards, collaborating with renown and talented artists, creating an incredible team, building relationships with industry leaders, and launching design and business workshops, among other great happenings. It’s amazing what can happen when you listen to the universe, follow your passion, surround yourself with love and support, focusing on (like Marie Condo says) only the things that spark joy in your heart.
I am also incredibly grateful that I was gifted with the strength and ability to find silver linings. Through my passion for my work, and through the flowers, I am able to connect with my passed loved ones, filling me with their love and the beauty of life, instead of deep sadness that could easily fill that space instead.
What were you like growing up?
I was raised in a very loving and supportive environment because of my mom and grandmother. My parents didn’t have the most stable relationships, and the adult men in my life slacked off to put it lightly. But the women in my life lifted me up in words of praise and support, almost to a fault. I credit them, both as strong entrepreneurs, and loving mothers for the confidence I have. I have to give myself some credit though, for some of my tenacity. I’m sure they would have preferred a more malleable obedient child, which I was not. As soon as I could think for myself I rebelled against everything. Anything presented to me had to make sense to me, for me to buy into it, and I wasn’t a push over, I had a very strong will, with a logical brain. I have always had the ability to make things happen, and get what I want (within reason). When I have an idea that I love, very few things can get in the way of me seeing it to fruition. Outside of my edgy demeanor, I had a lot of love for my family, animals and the arts. When I wasn’t mouthing off about a perceived injustice, I was a kind kid who loved to snuggle my animals, catch bugs, do arts and crafts with my mom and be in nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://royalbeeflowerco.com/
- Phone: 818-722-2291
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @royalbeeflower.co
Image Credit:
Vanessa Hicks Photography, Erich Chen Photography, Katie Jackson Photography, We Are Matt and Jess Photography, Purity Weddings Photography, Abbi Cooley Photography, Amira Grey Photography, Rachel Stelter Photography, The Lockharts Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
