Meet Trailblazer Natasha Nguyen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Nguyen.

Natasha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Today, I’m a wedding and event florist specializing in fine art floral design and eco-friendly design practices. But if you knew me 15, even ten years ago, you would have never guessed I’d end up there. In 2006, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in Applied Mathematics and Economics. I spent a few months backpacking South America and soon returned to Cal to start my Ph.D. in Economics. But as the saying goes, if you want to tell God a joke, tell him your plan. Just a few months into the program of my dreams, I found myself mysteriously unhappy and depressed. I started a deep soul-searching journey which included four years as a high school science teacher, becoming a reiki master, and five years as the owner of a small cookie business. With every new task and list of to-dos, it became easier to know what was for me, and what wasn’t. I think as we navigate through our busy and competitive city lives (and especially as children of immigrants), we rarely have time to ask if this next step is truly nourishing our soul and life purpose. Which is okay, because eventually, it will catch up to us, whether we want it to or not! Haha.

As an event florist, I finally feel at home. I love working with living (and sometimes dead a.k.a. dried) flowers and plants. I love telling stories of celebration and love with floral design. And I love the freedom of sharing my values through a small business and as an entrepreneur. And every day is different.

Has it been a smooth road?
I encourage everyone, especially women at every stage of their life, to take risks, believe in yourself, and listen to the little voice inside of you that wants more. Take that ceramics or acting class you’ve always wanted to try. Go say, “Hi!” to someone who’s work you’ve always admired and ask if you can take them to lunch sometime. Play hookie from work to explore that hike or hot springs that you’ve heard about. Change at any time can be scary. But the experience and life lessons we gain from living and failing and succeeding and doing it all over again are everything. And who knows what could happen along the way!

I’ve met so many amazing people and heard so many inspiring stories that I fall in love with the process of life, over and over again. Sounds a little dramatic and sappy, maybe, but it’s so true! And as a florist who works with different businesses and people every day, I get to connect with those who are brave enough to break the mold and walk their own journeys. And while I might have hesitated to leave grad school over ten years ago because I felt I was quitting and leaving so much behind that I had worked hard for, I have found armies of people who have struggled the same struggle only to find peace and so much fun in their current lives. And I’m right there with them.

We’ve also got more resources easily available than ever before. You can find answers to questions about your craft, running a business, living that work-life balance, and even how to align the moonphases with your business decisions!! It’s unreal how much education is at our fingertips.

We’d love to hear more about Rosewater.
Rosewater is currently taking on a limited number of events and weddings for 2020. We like to give our full attention to each and every client. Our designs are never traditional or conventional and we are definitely not for everyone. But for those who dare to be a little different and see the magic in sharing amazing experiences with their tribe and loved ones, we just might be a good fit.

All of our work is eco-friendly (because that’s just the way we think things should be). We donate a percentage of our profits with the National Park Foundation so we can continue to appreciate the natural beauties of our National Parks.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be yourself. You’ll find your people. Or maybe they will find you.

Talk to your friends and family. Tell them what you’re up to. Tell people on the streets. Find in-person meet up groups that are in your industry as well as outside your industry. There’s so much to learn from everyone!

And sometimes relationships last a long time. Sometimes, they last a short time. And sometimes they come back again years later! Don’t take things personally (especially in LA!) Everyone’s got a hustle and everyone’s got friends and family waiting for them to get back from work.

I guess that also means be nice to everyone. Be compassionate. Help others when you can, even if you don’t get anything back. It just makes the world an easier place to live and that karma always comes back around.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rosewaterfloral.com
• Phone: 310-993-4291
• Email: natasha@rosewaterfloral.com
• Instagram: @rosewaterfloral

Image Credit:
Molly+Co Photography, Kellie Jane Creative, McCoy Wedding Photography, Jenny Quicksall Photography, Shanna Castro Photography, Sydney Bliss Photography

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