Meet Amelia Posada: Owner, Birch&Bone

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

Hi Amelia, how do you think about risk?
I am a huge risk taker. I believe in the old saying, “no risk, no reward”. Back in 2010 I started my first business- it was an organic, whole animal butcher shop , Lindy&Grundy-that supported small sustainable farms throughout CA- that was my first big risk in business and life. The shop was a huge success and grew to be a staple in the community…when i closed that business in 2014, I took so much knowledge away. It gave me the confidence to be authentic, bold, to stand out among others my field. It doesnt matter what you are selling- it’s about being authentic and going HARD. I went from having a well known butcther shop to SELLING FLOWERS! I had to create a new brand around myself when everyone knew me as LA’s butcher! It was scary at first to put myself out there and dive into a competitive, saturated industry- but I believe in my art, myself, my craft, so it worked. Taking risks is the only way you will ever make your own dreams come true. Be fearless, be confident, dont complain, just get up and CRUSH IT EVERYDAY. No matter what you are selling, making, creating- think like this- there is always someone more connected, more talented, harder working- so become the hungriest person in the room and never take no for an answer. If you fail, get up, try again. Take the risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s taken me several years to really find my unique stride and my place in the floral world. My work is known for being very colorful, and very textured! For the past 3 years I have really nailed my signature look- I spray paint a lot and use so many whimsical textures. I am inspired by art, design, LA’s colorful landscape. It took me a long time to realize that I dont need to look to other floral people for inspiration or approval- I keep to myself and focus on what inspires ME and how to continue to pivot and set myself apart even when i see others copying my style. I truly dont let that get to me, it just reminds me to keep in motion, keep a few steps ahead and stay fresh!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I”m an Eastsider for sure and gravitate to the East. I love walks at Elysian Park, in Echo Park. I love cruising in Pasadena just look at the historical gorgeous architecture of Charles and Henry Greene , and Frank Lloyd Wright and picking up grinder sandwiches at Connals- then dipping down to Lacy Park in San Marino for a picnic. I also love escaping the city and driving up PCH with my fiance and our dog Hazel- swoop up some Lobster Rolls at Broad City Oysters and head to Deer Park beach- just across county line in Ventura where dogs can play in the beach off leash. There is something about seeing and smelling the ocean that heals. As a Native Angeleno, I find that I rarely go to the beach- but when I do, it restores me. You can find me working hard daily at my studio in DTLA, across the street from the flower market. My favorite go to lunch is Sonoratown for the best damn food ever!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my dearest friends Rama Mayo- an incredible, fearless creative and business and marketing genius helped me launch Birch&Bone! He helped me get some small funding to get up and running in 2015- and really guided me into the right direction. He is still my #1 sounding board and mentor for anything I ever need. He truly believes in me, and I’m so grateful for him. Also Rhian Beutler who set up my whole e-commerce for me when I had to pivot to retail delivery sales at the start of Covid! She has been another great sounding board and huge support to me. And Jan Shelton- my mom. She has been my biggest support for 38 years and without her I’d be lost! GRATEFUL!!!

Website: birchandbone.com
Instagram: birchandbone

Image Credits
Amelia Posada