Behind the Scenes / Meet Lia: How I Got Started Designing Flowers in the 90s
Many wonder about my journey into floral design. The truth is, my love for it dates back to the early 1990s, long before Lia's Flowers blossomed in West Hills. As a teenager, I was brimming with creativity, curiosity, and love of flowers.
Here is the story of how my journey began in the San Fernando Valley and how those early experiences shaped the way I design flowers today.
Paradise Flowers: The Starting Point
My floral journey began almost by chance. One afternoon, I was walking by a local flower shop and saw a help-wanted sign in the window.
I had never worked with flowers before. I walked in, asked about the job, and the owner hired me on the spot as a shop girl. At first, my work was straightforward. I swept floors, ran the cash register, cleaned buckets, trimmed stems, and wrapped orders. But being surrounded by flowers every day lit a spark in me. I loved mixing different flowers, the way colors popped in the arrangements, and the way I could create a unique wrapped bouquet.
Then one day, everything changed. The leading floral designer was out sick, and the owner asked if I could step in and help with the arrangements. I was nervous. I had never done anything like it before. But I said yes. That day, I created my first arrangement, and I was hooked.
The Spark of Inspiration
That unexpected opportunity turned into the defining moment of my career. What began as a chance job from a "Help Wanted" sign quickly became my calling. I discovered that arranging flowers felt natural, like I had been waiting for that moment all along.
I was constantly experimenting, sometimes succeeding and sometimes not, but each arrangement was a lesson. I learned the art of balancing tall flowers with delicate fillers, the magic of mixing bold and soft colors, and the secret to making every bouquet come alive.
The first time I saw a customer walk out with an arrangement I had created, smiling as they carried it out the door, I felt something click. I knew I had found not just a job, but a lifelong passion.
Life Took Me in Different Directions
Of course, life is rarely a straight path. After those early years at the flower shop, I attended college, held various jobs, and eventually became a mother. Flowers were still in my heart, but for a long time, they were not at the center of my life. Despite the detours, I never lost sight of my passion for floral design.
One afternoon, years later, I was exploring Woodland Hills, The Village, and came across a new flower shop. It was beautiful, filled with fresh blooms, and they even taught floral arranging classes. I remember walking around, admiring every detail. My husband turned to me and said, "This person is living your dream."
Those words hit me harder than he probably realized. That night, I could not stop thinking about it. The very next day, I applied for a business license and began sketching out a business plan. I decided it was time to finally chase my dream, not just admire it through someone else's window.
That decision became the foundation of Lia's Flowers.
Finding My Style and Niche
When I first started Lia's Flowers, I knew I wanted to offer something unique. Over time, I found my style and the niche I wanted to serve in the local community. For me, it was never about creating cookie-cutter bouquets. It was about listening to people, understanding the stories behind their orders, and making arrangements that felt deeply personal.
I love using unexpected combinations, layering colors and textures that surprise and delight. Some clients come to me for classic, elegant designs, while others want something fun, vibrant, and a little different. Regardless of the request, I consistently bring the same attention to detail and heart to every arrangement.
How Floral Design Has Changed Over the Years
One of the things I love about being in this industry is watching how design trends evolve. When I started in the 90s, floral arrangements were big and bold. Think tall displays, intense colors, and dramatic shapes. Customers wanted arrangements that made a statement.
By the 2000s, styles shifted toward more compact, structured designs. People loved neat bouquets with roses, lilies, and traditional greenery. Then came the wave of mason jars, rustic themes, and lots of sunflowers and wildflowers.
Today, floral design has moved toward airy, organic looks. Loose shapes, soft pastel palettes, and textured elements like eucalyptus and pampas grass are popular. Minimalist arrangements are also in demand, especially for weddings.
However, what is interesting is that trends often recur. The bold colors of the '90s are making a return, just in fresher, more modern ways. Carnations, once dismissed, are now celebrated for their ruffled textures. Even baby's breath has found a comeback, being used creatively in statement pieces.
Over the years, I have come to realize that flowers, like fashion, are cyclical in nature. Preferences change, but the heart of floral design remains the same: creating something that brings beauty and joy.
Giving Back Through Maiden Community
A few years into running Lia's Flowers, I heard about Maiden Community and the incredible work they were doing to support small businesses in the San Fernando Valley. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many local companies struggled, and I knew I wanted to do something to help.
I collaborated with Kim Maiden to create Thankful Thursday. Every week, I crafted flower arrangements and distributed them for free to local business owners, neighbors in need of a pick-me-up, and anyone who could use a little joy. It was my way of brightening the community I hold dear during a challenging time.
Those Thursdays became a highlight not only for the people receiving flowers but for me as well. Seeing a smile bloom on someone's face when I gifted them an unexpected arrangement reminded me why I started Lia's Flowers in the first place.
To this day, I remain fond of the Maiden Community and the unwavering support it continues to provide to small business owners. Being part of that network of encouragement and kindness has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.
Serving the Community Today
Now, Lia's Flowers is proud to serve families in West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Bell Canyon, with a thriving home-based flower business. Over the years, I have had the honor of creating wedding bouquets, centerpieces for community events, graduation leis, sympathy arrangements, and everyday bouquets that brighten someone's kitchen table.
Today, Lia's Flowers specializes in customized flower arrangements for all occasions:
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Daily bouquets that add beauty to your home or brighten someone's day
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Elegant wedding flowers, from bridal bouquets to reception centerpieces
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Baby shower flowers that bring joy to new beginnings
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Corporate event florals that make gatherings feel polished and professional
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Seasonal workshops and flower classes, where I teach clients how to create their own arrangements
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Weekly Flower Subscriptions Service for homes and businesses that want fresh flowers delivered regularly
I also love working with our local community, delivering to West Hills Hospital, retirement communities like Fallbrook Glen and Meridian of West Hills, and helping families celebrate life's milestones right here in our neighborhood.
For me, flowers are not just a business. They are a way of connecting with people, of bringing beauty and comfort into their lives. And every time I design a new arrangement, I feel a little bit of that same excitement I felt back in the 90s, when I first picked up a stem and discovered the art of floral design.
Looking back, I am grateful for every step of this journey, from that first job at the local flower shop to raising my family to the moment in Woodland Hills, The Village, when I finally decided to start my own business. Flowers have always been my art form, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
If you would like to experience that same passion in a bouquet or centerpiece designed just for you, I would love to create something special. Call or text me at 818-642-1308 or visit www.liasflowers.com to place your order.
Thank you for letting me share a piece of my story. I look forward to continuing to create beauty for you and our community for years to come.
