This post was updated Oct. 31 at 8:03 p.m.
Julia Montoya’s floral shop is in full bloom.
In May, the second-year political science student opened Floral Fantasies, a business in which she said she designs and assembles bouquets, after discovering her passion for the craft when she created one for her 18th birthday. Although Montoya initially had doubts about opening the business, the support from her surrounding circle inspired her to take the leap of faith, she said.
“I told my friends about it, and they were very supportive,” Montoya said. “They were like, … ‘If it doesn’t work out, at least you know you tried,’ and so I started.”
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Over the past few months, Montoya has been featuring her floral arrangements on Instagram – where clients can place orders by private messaging – as well as on her TikTok account, she said. Most of her bouquets are crafted with a base consisting of roses in pink, purple, white or deep red shades, yellow sunflowers or other flowers. Topped with other decorations, including miniature crowns and plastic butterflies, the presentation is put together using wrapping paper, occasionally with a written message.
Drawing inspiration from various floral accounts on social media platforms, the floral shop owner said she has explored diversity in her bouquet-making – depending on her clients’ preferences. She will cater to the ideas they already have for the bouquet in order to give them a voice in the process, she added.
“The relationship I hope to foster is basically just like they’re being heard and welcome,” Montoya said. “(I’m) just helping them best with what they want, and I have had customers that have been back multiple times, thankfully.”
After receiving an order, Montoya said she purchases the necessary flowers ahead of time, sometimes two days prior, usually from the vendors around Santee Alley. At home, she places the flowers – with the stems cut – in a bucket of cold water. After the plants have been sufficiently hydrated, Montoya said she removes any leaves and outer petals. Montoya said she then creates and wraps the bouquet and inserts additional accessories of the client’s choice.
Prices at Floral Fantasies are determined based on the quantity of flowers and add-ons, Montoya said. On average, a 25-rose bouquet will be $50, while crowns might be an extra $5 and butterflies an extra $1, Montoya added. Although she has not seen heavy demand for delivery as of yet, Montoya said she can arrange the service for customers in her hometown near the Bakersfield area.
As holidays roll around throughout the year, Montoya said she has emphasized celebration-themed finishes to match. During the Halloween season, Montoya will include spiders or skeletons on top, said second-year psychobiology student Denise Mora. In a similar manner, on Valentine’s Day, Montoya will incorporate romance or elements of love, said second-year psychology student April Rangel.
“She will cater more toward the seasons,” Rangel said. “This is her first time doing fall, so as her company progresses, … she really hopes to branch out.”
Rangel, who ordered from Floral Fantasies for Mother’s Day, said she has appreciated Montoya’s efforts to give back to her buyers – one instance being a giveaway she conducted over the summer. In addition, Rangel said her experience ordering from Montoya was smooth and straightforward.
Being a student while running her own shop can be challenging, but Montoya said she has learned to establish work-life boundaries. If she is busy in a certain week, whether that is due to midterms or other commitments, Montoya said she communicates ahead of time with the customers, and may refer them to other open floral businesses.
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The bouquet-making community on social media has been a source of support for her, Montoya said. She added that much of her inspiration comes from observing the ways other individuals make bouquets. Furthermore, Montoya said when she first started her account, she would often ask for help from those with more expertise than her and would always receive advice.
Floral Fantasies has plenty of opportunities for more collaboration with other businesses as well, Rangel said. Montoya has always been open to new ideas, such as including more finishes on the bouquets, Mora added. As the shop expands, Montoya said she is excited to continue using her passion and skills as a creative outlet.
“I do hope (to be) growing more and being able to make more bouquets, more different, creative ways of making bouquets, … inspiring others to do the things I have wanted to start for bouquets,” Montoya said.
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