Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Ali.
Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Thank you for having me, I am a 24 years old college student from Orange county and small business owner of Lulu’s Botanicals! I opened an Instagram page @lulusbotanicals back in 2018 to document my projects as I interned at the Orange County Fairgrounds. It was merely to follow my progress to see the improvements I was making in my landscaping skills. I had retired the account when I graduated in 2019 with my A.S in Horticulture and got hired into my dream job as a landscaper for Disneyland. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and I lost my dream job, I decided to start my page back up as a small succulent and floral business. I began by making arrangements on my patio to sell until I became comfortable with taking custom orders for seasonal and holiday occasions such as Autumn, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s day. It was hard and I had little knowledge about what I was doing as I knew more about landscaping logistics then design. However, I quickly became obsessed with improving and started taking on more projects like intimate weddings, bridal and baby showers. I’ve been a one woman show for the most part with some generous help from my mother. I love working with flowers and succulents and I especially enjoy catering to those who want a special touch to their events or home decor but are on a budget. I hope to grow Lulu’s to eventually have a physical location but I aspire to stay affordable and flexible for any clients I come across regardless of where I end up. It’s been a long and amazing journey that I’m excited to continue!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle was figuring out my clientele and target audience. I also struggled with supplies for a while. The main thing I learned in these struggles is to communicate and make the best of what you are working with. I have had a much more diverse clientele than I ever expected and they all appreciate communication and honesty above all. As a new business owner, there is a lot of trust and responsibility to be given, coming out of my shell to ensure I was staying true to the quality of my work and my clients was a very necessary learning experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a horticulturist at heart, I love nature and all it has to offer. I am known as the plant nerd, flower girl, or succulent guru when it comes to friends and family. However, I currently work as a Photographer at Disneyland. I believe what makes me unique is my ability to adapt to various environments and learn very quickly, I am a student who chose to work, study and run my small business. I can tend to my garden, rig up with my camera for professional photos, write an essay for a class and make birthday centerpieces for a client all in one day. I am very proud of my ability to push through my toughest days and be productive.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to take shortcuts in life. The work and effort you put in directly affect what you get in return. Half the effort will only give you half the results you’d want.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulusbotanicals/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lulusbotanical
Image Credits:
Linda Ali
