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

Hi Farah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Any success I have is tied to my community and curating a cycle of giving – giving flowers to loved ones and giving aid to those less fortunate. Beyond offering floral design for weddings, photoshoots, and deliveries, sales directly support the initiatives of the nonprofit organization, Hand To Hand Sadaqah Group. While being recognized and engaging in significant projects is a source of pride, my true success lies in the impact made. My flowers contribute to projects like building water wells, schools, and currently food packages during Ramadan for those who have little to nothing to break their fast. This organization stands as a beacon of hope for the poorest provinces of Afghanistan and I’m proud to play a small part in its mission.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is about mirroring nature in colors, shapes, and especially hospitality. Recognizing the Earth gives selflessly and noticing that in all of us. Afghan florists and gardeners serve as my inspiration, uplifted by the small things and choosing to see their beauty. The thriving saffron and rose gardens carry cultural significance in Afghanistan, symbolizing a deep love for the land and the people’s resistance. Most have flower farms or small businesses, four wheel carts selling essentials or tailoring clothes, not only for survival but longing to live peacefully. Despite my love of luxury design, genuine beauty transcends materialism, I see this in people who have so little and always want to give.

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.
I would start with breakfast at Alcove Cafe, Maru is always perfect for a matcha or coffee too. Winston House or Market on Venice is always a good time. If you wake up early, Malibu is beautiful at sunrise, you can see the dolphins! If you visit LA, you have to go to the Comedy Store on Sunset and enjoy a comedy show. I love Firefly or Little Door for a nice dinner, but would choose Castaway any chance I have. Live music is prominent everywhere, venturing to Santa Monica or Griffith Park for a hike and picnic is lovely or driving to Santa Barbra with friends. Everyone would enjoy a ferry ride to Catalina Island, a spa day, the beach, and seafood by the ocean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Definitely my family and friends, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by genuine people that I love so much! I have a supportive group of friends and a love for people who are inspired by their roots as well. My beautiful friends offer incredible services including Negine who offers photography, Eliya who creates soy wax candles, and  Sayran who makes jewelry.

Negine’s photography instagram: @neginesekandariphoto ⊛ Eliya’a candles: www.aroosak.ca ⊛ Sayran’s jewelry: www.shopsayran.com

Website: https://www.FlowersandResistance.com/

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

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.