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

Hi Alisa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a young age, creativity was woven into the fabric of my life. I can still picture myself draping clothes on my little frame, dreaming up outfits for my Barbies, and delighting in the intricacies and vibrant colors around me. My grandfather introduced me to the world of art and nature, while my grandmother fueled my passion for sewing, bringing home beautiful fabrics that sparked my imagination.

These early experiences ignited a love for painting, drawing, and crafting that shaped my childhood. As I grew, my passion only deepened, leading me to pursue a degree in fashion design in college. Each step of this journey has felt like a natural extension of who I am; a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and a desire to express myself through art. For me, choosing an artistic career wasn’t just a decision; it was the culmination of a lifelong passion nurtured by the people I love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the highlights of my journey was showcasing my work at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2014, right before the opening of J’ Adore Les Fleurs. It was a dream come true, especially after I had manifested and worked hard to win the Best Senior Collection. When I received the call from Kathryn Hagen, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.

After graduating, I found myself diving into the floral world instead of fashion design, which initially felt like a detour. While it was a bittersweet transition, I recognized that my family needed my support during that time. Embracing this new path allowed me to grow in unexpected ways, and now, I’m living out my fashion design dreams through my role as a creative director at J’Adore Les Fleurs.

What sets my work apart is the unique fusion of fashion and florals. I approach floral design with the same creativity and attention to detail that I applied in fashion. Each arrangement is a work of art that tells a story and reflects my vision. I’m particularly proud of the innovative designs we create, blending vibrant colors and intricate textures to evoke emotion and beauty.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Balancing family responsibilities while pursuing my passions required resilience and adaptability. I faced moments of doubt, but I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. With every obstacle, I became more determined to carve out my space in the industry.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration and support. Surrounding myself with a team that shares my vision has been crucial. I want the world to know that J’Adore Les Fleurs is more than just a floral design brand; it’s a manifestation of my creative spirit, blending my love for fashion and nature. I’m excited for the future, where I hope to expand JLF into something truly significant, allowing me to focus on fashion design again without the need for micromanagement.

Ultimately, my story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams, reminding us that sometimes, the path we take may lead us to even greater destinations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d want to showcase the incredible nature and beaches we have. We’d kick off our trip at Malibu Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying fresh seafood. A hike at Runyon Canyon would follow, where we could take in stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. I’d also take them to Venice Beach to explore the vibrant boardwalk and colorful murals. We could unwind with a picnic at Griffith Park, enjoying the beauty of nature. Throughout the week, I’d make sure to blend beach days with nature excursions, highlighting the diverse landscapes that make LA so special!

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to a few incredible people and inspirations who have shaped my journey. First and foremost, the iconic designer Christian Dior has always captivated me with his timeless creations and his deep appreciation for flowers. His work inspired me to embrace beauty and elegance in all that I create.

I also want to recognize my former boss, Susan Harris, who provided me with the flexibility I needed while pursuing my education. Her encouragement to chase my dreams made a significant impact on my path.

Of course, I can’t forget my parents, whose high expectations taught me the importance of independence and resilience. They instilled in me the drive to forge my own way, even when the journey felt challenging.

Lastly, a heartfelt shoutout to my husband for his constant support and belief in me, and to my mother-in-law for introducing me to the world of floral design. Her guidance in floral arranging and knowledge of flower names opened up a whole new dimension of creativity for me.

Each of these individuals has played a vital role in my story, and I’m grateful for their influence and support.

Website: https://www.jadorelesfleurs.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jadorelesfleurs/mycompany/

Twitter: https://x.com/JadoreLesFleurs?mx=2

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

Yelp: https://www.bing.com/search?q=jadore+les+fleurs+yelp&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=jadore+les+fleurs+yelp&sc=10-22&sk=&cvid=FFFE4256D29D498990571BDB9C1AD6A0&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JAdoreLesFleurs

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