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

Hi Eva, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I typically start by envisioning ambitious goals, allowing myself to dream big initially. However, I always balance this enthusiasm by grounding my aspirations in the practical details and logistical considerations necessary to turn those dreams into reality. Risk-taking in my life/career helps overcome the fear of failure, creating new opportunities. Embracing risk equips me to navigate challenges, build resilience, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have a pretty diverse background that has shaped my journey to where I am today. Born in Poland, I grew up in the city of Chicago, Illinois before making my home in sunny Los Angeles, California. With over 18 years of experience as a creative in the fashion industry, I specialize in branding, concept development, and design. My expertise extends to creating high-performing products, defining branding and art direction, overseeing product development, and establishing a marketing presence. You can see a bit of my work collected over the years on my website https://evaozondesign.com/

I started a company called Choice Blooms®. It is a plant-centric brand that caters to discerning individuals who appreciate both transparency and aesthetics. My mission is to elevate your sensory experiences, from the alluring scents of our candles to the luxurious softness of our clothing, all while ensuring they are crafted from the finest choice blooms.

My candles, a hallmark of the brand, are the result of a meticulous process. We blend top-quality non-toxic in fragrance and essential oils with a natural combination of hemp, coconut, and soy wax, complemented by a beeswaxed hemp wick. Every candle is hand-poured and handcrafted with care and encased in a reusable, stylish groovy glass vessel.

The use of hemp in my candle’s wax + wick and the reusable special glass vessel is what sets my brand apart from all the others out there at this time.

The oil from hemp seeds makes for candles that burn slow and steady, giving them a longer lifespan than those composed of wax and wick alone.

The hemp wick: Made Of 100% Organic Hemp and 100% Beeswax. Little to no soot, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Contains NO lead, zinc, or other metals. Wick is a brown color- NOT white, never bleached. Provides a large stable flame with a nice and clean burn compared to the typical cotton wick w/ soy combo you find in a lot of candles.

The groovy reusable glass vessel sets up apart from the typical candles you come across in the same ol’ metal or glass that you are probably throwing away. The whole purpose of the vessel being fun and groovy is to reuse it as a cocktail glass, potted plant, makeup brush holder, pencil holder, etc.

Most proud of – the progress I have made in a one year time doing tons of pops up and opening accounts in over 70+ retailers, all with my own funds as a one-woman show that has a full-time job.

Most excited about -next year, I will be expanding the scent line into a few more new fragrances and offering DIY candle refills for your glass vessels after the life of your candle is done.

Was it easy- nothing worthwhile is easy right?! It comes with its challenges of managing my time well and kicks my but to stay motivated as the brand grows in success.

Lessons I have learned along the way- My previous experience in the industry has given me a lot of skill to strategically evaluate my creative process almost as second nature now so try to trust that for my business, take it day by day, and ask for help more (I’m still working on this one).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Start by going on a hike- LA has the best hikes no matter what part of the city you are in- the valley, east side, or by the water- there is a hike nearby that serves the best views!

Would plan for a day at a spa in K-town for some relaxing sauna, salt room, spa vibes at Wi Spa if you want to keep it co-ed or Spa LA for a just ladies day. Followed by dinner at Dan Sung Sa on 6th + Berendo in Ktown or a Korean Bqq if you want a do it yourself experience.

One afternoon at the Getty Museum is always worth the view of art and the architecture of the location. Grabbing dinner at Bacari in Sherman Oaks since you are almost in the valley.

One afternoon at the Hammer Museum to catch any new exhibits there followed by dinner at Dama downtown.

A beach day is required at some point- you can keep it Santa Monica Pier fun mix with beach strolls and eat at Gjelina if you want to be seated to dine or find your own spot at Gjusta for a more relaxed deli experience.

I would finish off my trip with a relaxed paddle boat ride and picnic relax at Echo Park Lake while grabbing a bowl from Honey Hi around the corner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mom, whose unwavering love, support, and encouragement have been my anchor through thick and thin. Her resilience and nurturing spirit have shaped me into who I am today.

I also want to express gratitude to my teachers and employers who went above and beyond, challenging me to think critically and encouraging my intellectual curiosity. Their mentorship has left a lasting impact on my growth and development.

Additionally, I owe a special shoutout to my partner Nic, whose constant belief in my abilities and relentless encouragement have propelled me beyond mediocrity. His presence in my life has been a driving force behind my pursuit of excellence.

These individuals have played pivotal roles in my journey, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact they have had on my personal and professional development.

Website: https://www.choiceblooms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choiceblooms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-ozon-49a1177/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choiceblooms/

Other: https://evaozondesign.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.