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

Hi Clarise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always enjoyed making wreaths and various DIY crafts for myself. When the pandemic forced many people to work from home I decided to start this business to give people a way to decorate their work spaces. Even though people were working out of their homes; they could still bring that holiday cheer or other celebratory feeling to their office space. My hope is to bring a sense of peace, joy and happiness with the delivery of each wreath!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited about what the future holds for Unparalleled Wreaths. As cliché as it sounds I got to where I am with hard work and faith! I am very intentional about giving my all to anything I set my mind to, but that is not always easy. To overcome self doubt, discouragement, keep myself motivated and on track I try to remind myself that my path is my path and not worry about anyone else. On my entrepreneurial journey I’ve realized that comparison steals your joy and from there it leads to a down hill spiral of negative thoughts. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is you can’t be afraid to fail. Making the decision to start a business during a pandemic challenged my faith to the utmost. Taking that chance and stepping into the unknown has been a journey that I’m honored to be on. Unparalleled Wreaths is a small business that was birthed from my love to create and I pride myself on ensuring that the customer is happy with their one of a kind wreath!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly I get a lot of ideas as far as places to try and fun attractions from Instagram; and haven’t been lead wrong thus far 😉. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio so although I live here I am in no way an expert on hosting guests 🤣. Naturally anytime someone visits I take them to the beach and to a restaurant that’s only on the West Coast. A typical visit would include eating at a different restaurant for each meal, hiking, beach, touristy attractions (Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, shopping) and a dessert each day! I believe you have the most fun when you’re spontaneous and go with the flow; trying new things. I myself like to have things planned from sun up to sun down; but I realize that puts pressure on you and sometimes prevents you from enjoying the moment. Most often when people come to visit me they’ve seen something on tv that they want to try in Los Angeles, so I cater to them because it’s their time to enjoy this beautiful state! I must say there are so many great places to see and try here; what I like most is the fact that I am able to enjoy it all in such beautiful weather daily! My favorite thing to do is brunch and coffee outside as well as drive up the PCH. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God has been the complete source of my strength and success; I would not be where I am today without him! He provided a vision and I simply followed. My husband has uplifted and supported me every step of the way; even way before the idea of becoming an entrepreneur occurred! So I thank God and my amazing husband for believing in me, encouraging me and being my rock! Of course, I also have to recognize and thank my parents for the morals and work ethic that they instilled in me from a young age that have remained throughout my life.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnparalleledWreaths?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Instagram: Unparalleled_wreaths

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.