Meet Da Jung (Joanna) Lee | Floral Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Da Jung (Joanna) Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Da Jung (Joanna), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Naturally, I tend to shy away from taking risks. I like playing it safe. However, I’ve learned that I can’t and shouldn’t avoid risk. Risk is so important, especially in the creative/arts field. If you don’t take risks, you’ll put a cap on your creativity and character, and stay stuck in the same place. Even the act of starting my own business was a huge risk – and not every decision in this journey was a smart or successful one! I’ve learned that even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s so valuable to take a risk, fail, learn from the experience, and move forward in renewed wisdom and hope to try again.

Someone I look up to once said that “faith is spelled R-I-S-K.” I think the willingness to take a risk reveals faith in the possibility of a different future – a future that is worth the cost of taking that risk. It’s the risk-takers that move us forward and pave the way for others!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My flower journey started with a passing thought back in 2020 that it would be fun to be a florist. When I mentioned it to a friend, he asked if I wanted to do his wedding florals the upcoming year. Although I had no idea what I was doing, I agreed to it and began to practice by DIY’ing gift bouquets and making arrangements for work events whenever I could.

Eventually, I began freelancing regularly for established event florists in OC who introduced me to the floral industry and taught me the skills of the trade. Hanna (Echo Floral) was one of the first florists I started freelancing for, and she deserves a big shout-out here. I wouldn’t be close to where I am today without her support, patience, and generosity in taking me under her wing!

In March 2023, I took a leap of faith, transitioned to florals full-time, and began Jo’s Buds. I was inspired by the Bible verse Psalm 84:1, which says, “How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!” It got me thinking that God loves to dwell in beautiful places, and He makes His dwelling places beautiful. My heart is that whenever and wherever we flower, we would make a dwelling place for the God and bring the atmosphere of Heaven to earth.

Here’s our vision statement:
“At Jo’s Buds, we believe that building a dwelling place for God begins with us. We are committed to doing business with integrity and excellence, as well as warmth and grace. We value the people on either side of our floral designs- those who create them and those who enjoy them- and seek to cultivate atmospheres marked with peace, joy, and kindness.

The floral design at Jo’s Buds is modern, organic, and intentional. Rather than following trends, we are inspired by the flow of culture and its aesthetics, and are not afraid to try new things. However, our greatest inspiration is the raw beauty of nature- so we seek to capture its organic and lively look and feel in our designs. All of this is tied together by a thoughtful and intentional approach to the multilayered, detail-oriented process of bringing a floral vision to life.”

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?
I’d start off with some good food and beach fun in OC. Some must-try eats are Hanyang in Buena Park, Morangak in Garden Grove, and Tacos Los Cholos in Anaheim. Dessert would be boba at HeyTea or ice cream at Wanderlust in Irvine. I’d also take us to Newport (my fave beach in OC), and make sure to stop by Sidecar or OliBoli on the way for donuts!

Next, there’s lots to do in LA. I’d definitely do Hangari Kalgooksoo and Hanbat Sullungtang (Korean comfort food) in DTLA, and we also can’t miss out on street tacos at Leo’s or Avenue 26. Also love Republique for brunch and bakery. Dessert would be coconut pudding at Melo Melo or ice cream at Mashti Malone’s. The Original LA Flower Market is a great place to visit and walk around. I also love the Getty and the Griffith Observatory!

Lastly, I’d definitely do a day or two in San Diego! We’d eat at Cafe Calibria (or really, any Italian restaurant in Little Italy), Tacos El Gordo, Oscars for fish tacos, and Phil’s BBQ. Dessert would have to be boba at Camellia Rd Tea Bar or gelato at Bobboi’s. There’s a lot of beach options, and La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, and hiking at the Torrey Pines reserve are fun to do as well.

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 first dedicate my shoutout to Jesus Christ – the One who I love and live for, and the One who deserves all the glory for everything I accomplish and receive in this lifetime. Secondly, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and my sister, who have supported me throughout the whole journey – not just with words, but by putting their hands to work and consistently helping me behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.josbuds.com/

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

Image Credits
Haven Kim
Jacqueline Lee
Chris Lee