Meet Liz Costa: Small Business Owner

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

Hi Liz, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business? Calligraphy has always been a passion of mine; I also work since I was 19 and that brings me a big sense of purpose and satisfaction. I wanted to combine my hardworking skills with my passion for calligraphy and crafts and that’s how Blooming Paper blossomed. I wanted to work with something I love and hopefully someday I will be able to live off of it! Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world? I don’t think I have made the impact I wish just yet. I would love to bring the art of handwriting and calligraphy to kids. Specially now in an era of dominant technology which puts handwriting in a threatened position. The impact I seek is to share with people the beauty and uniqueness of handcraft/handwriting, bringing meaning and beauty to the simple things. If you are a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children? Teach my son the importance of family, respect for others, kindness and self-worth. And make sure he knows he is unconditionally loved. What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand? Even though I don’t see my business as successful just yet, I believe the most important factor behind it is persistence and love for what I do. If you have a talent and you persist on it, the acknowledgement will come at some point. I believe the reason my business is still up and running despite the pandemic is that I focus on love and perfection for each and every piece I produce. How to know whether to keep going or to give up? I love what I do, it makes me happy. Right now, it’s a tough time due to the pandemic. I was presented with situations that almost led me to give up on my business, but I just can’t… it would be like giving up on myself and what I believe. If I believe and love something, I won’t’ give up. Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance? Balance is the secret for a peaceful and successful life. One can’t work to live nor live to work, it has to be a healthy and symbiotic environment and I work on that constantly. What makes you happy? Why? Life wise: being around my son, loved ones and kids! I love their honesty, positivity and simple way to perceive life, road trips and warm weather… Work wise: the smile of a happy customer. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the positive impact my work can do to my customers, when I give my best and get rewarded with a happy smile. Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? I guess it’s in my genes. As I said in a previous LA Voyager issue, my dad used to draw and my mom used to saw. I spent time painting clay pots, drawing and coloring, making tattoos on myself and my friend’s skin with acrylic paint. Lol By saying that I don’t mean I am a great painter or illustrator, but that certainly ignited my artistic tendencies. How do you define success? By doing what you love. Being happy with the life, path or career one chooses for themselves. If that brings you big money, then it’s a double win!

What should our readers know about your business?
Blooming Paper is a small graphic design studio specialized in custom wedding invitations, stationery, calligraphy and and pretty soon we will have engraving services added to our services portfolio. Because I understand that everyone is unique in their own way, I work closely together with my clients to ensure that every piece is carefully designed to illustrate the their personality and individuality, taking pride in every piece of work I produce. Starting a business isn’t always easy, specially when you do it by yourself. But the learning process is fun and rewarding. In moments like the one we are living now – the pandemic – the secret is in not giving up and adapting…. reinventing things in order to survive…

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.
there are so many amazing places to visit in LA. I am more connected to nature, therefore I would take her/him to a hike at the Palos Verdes trails. The view is stunning!!! 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?
Friends and Family who always believed and encouraged me!

Website: www.bloomingpaper.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingpaperdesigns

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blooming-paper-redondo-beach

Image Credits
Photos by Liz Costa