Meet Carolina Martinez | Floral designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Having your own business allows you to have more freedom. I have a family and working a 9-5 consumed my life. I want to be able to make my own schedule, be my own boss per se. The profession I have chosen not only allows me to be creative but it also allows my children to be creative. This is a family business and it is my dream to pass this down to them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always loved to color growing up. Crayons, markers, color pencils, acrylic, spray paint etc. I never expected to be in the floral industry, but here I am with my black roses and Halloween color bouquets. I can do just about anything, well, recreate it that is.I love doing custom arrangements. I specialize in that, and all my clients know this. It took me about 3 years to get to where I am today. Through instagram and word of mouth, my business and clientele has grown. There are so many lessons and experiences I have gone through that have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. I’m a natural born hustler and this gift/ talent I have been blessed with, will take me far! Brainstorming and collaborating with other businesses is where it’s at for me. I love working with people that have the same energy as me, it’s literally fuel to my soul. One thing I was told by a fellow florist that has been in the business for over 20 years is, “keep it authentic, be your fucking self” clients are going to want to work with YOU. They choose YOU, not the next florist they had on their quotes list. So staying true to myself, keeping it real with my clients and doing what I love is how Bonita LeFleur will leave her mark on this world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok so I have family in the east coast, and when they come visit, we love to take them to these beautiful places:

Ensenada , Mexico – it’s a 4 hour drive, the beaches are relaxing and the fish tacos are the best. We stop by Rosarito and La bufadora.

San Francisco – Golden state bridge, walk around china town and fine a yummy spot to eat, then hop on a trolley ride.

Monrovia, Altadena area – go hiking at Eaton Canyon walk down myrtle to grab something to eat at seasoning alley

Go to a comedy show or a theme park, preferably six flags!

Newport Beach / laguna hills or matador beach. We would pack up food and stay until the sun sets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shout out to my MOM! She is the person responsible for my work ethic, customer service skills and BOSS mentality. She is the best partner anyone can ever ask for. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today in the business. This journey we are on together is the happiest I have seen her and I couldn’t have asked for anything more than to just make her proud. Love you mama!

Instagram: @bonitalefleur