Meet Grace Hong: Floral Artist

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

Hi Grace, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is that you need to have all your “i’s” dotted and your “t’s” crossed before you start a business. I went into my business like I do with a lot of things in my life — it was something I felt I needed to do deep in my gut for a few years, and one day, I just leapt into the fire. You just have to make the decision to do it. That’s all it takes.

Once you decide to do it, it’s just a matter of holding yourself accountable with the follow-through. Of course you need to have certain logistical things in place to make it happen — product, a way to reach people, etc — but that all means nothing if you don’t make the initial decision to make that leap in the first place.

I guess what I’m saying is that I think it’s okay to stumble into doing business. We’re all making things up as we go anyway. I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes since I first started moon jar, but I’m still having fun and trying new things everyday.

You really never know what’s going to happen after you do something until you actually do it. That’s the excitement and the magic of it. That’s why I’m in it and trying new things all the time.

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.
moon jar is all about carrying over a love for flowers and nature into a language of design that humans can readily appreciate. but flowers and nature are a part of all sorts of things, in my mind. I enjoy crossing over into different disciplines. flowers and fashion, flowers and food, flowers and music — these are all collaborations that I anticipate pursuing in the future.

I am also a total fiend for tiny, unusual details and beautiful photos. I will obsess over finding the right vessel and props for photos of a flower arrangement, or folding the perfect origami bunnies to add to an Easter bouquet. I love tapping into what is authentic about the flowers/moment/location and realizing that through into a beautiful product or image.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my mind, one of the best things about LA is that you can find excellent food from so many different cultures. Sadly, my go-to, Beverly Soon Tofu, has now closed due to the pandemic. Tofu stew is one of my favorite foods for how comforting and filling it is, and it’s the perfect late night food after a night of karaoke. Koreatown is absolutely brimming with amazing spots, though. Hangari Kalguksu is another favorite for hand-cut noodle soup. Beyond that, it’s a must to eat tacos whenever possible.

Apart from that, one of my favorite things is just being outside and walking around different neighborhoods. There’s a lot of beautiful trails and parks to check out, like Debs Park in Highland Park. Malibu has some amazing trails too, including one of my favorites, the Solstice Canyon Trail. And going to say hi to the Pacific Ocean is totally a must. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a million people that I would want to give a shoutout to! My sister for being my Chief Co-Conspirator and inspiration always. My parents for instilling in me a love for nature and for their support.

My friend Maisah, who I call my flower friend and who will geek out over flowers with me. Flower Hill Farm in Beaufort, MO, where my whole flower journey got started. Every friend or customer who has bought a bouquet from me, has had encouraging words for me, or who has commented on moon jar’s IG — it all means the world to me.

A special shoutout to my friends Shaun, Sue, and Susie, who are a major part of how I even made it through the pandemic. Sue’s ice cream business, Sad Girl Creamery, is an inspiration, and everyone should follow now so you can say that you knew her before she got huge.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without the support of other people, and you will never catch me saying I made it here on my own. I’m proud to be surrounded by an amazing community of close friends and a network that supports each other and cheers each other on.

Website: https://www.moonjardesign.com

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

Other: TikTok: @moonjardesign