Meet Lulu Alshami | Florist

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

Hi Lulu, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always loved and admired flowers everywhere I went, but I didn’t always create floral designs. I started tapping into the art of arranging flowers when I was a first year law student who needed a creative escape. It started out as creating arrangements for myself, friends and family in my very limited free time and then blossomed into so much more. When I started my business, my goal was to make people feel seen, heard, loved and celebrated through beautiful flowers. More specifically, flowers that always reflect the persona of the person receiving them. It’s important to me to create arrangements that compliment people’s style because thoughtful touches are what make all of us feel seen and loved.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I work with my clients, I always aim to have my designs reflect who they are and what they love. It’s always fun thinking outside the box with my clients. In the world of flowers, there are endless possibilities and creating unique designs brings me so much joy. Currently, I believe my designs that incorporate cultural elements are what set me apart. There are not many Arab or Muslim women in the floral industry so I am always finding new ways to showcase our beautiful culture in my designs. I have created multiple arrangements with hand made Syrian mosaic wooden boxes, which are often used as jewelry boxes in our homes. Creating these arrangements has allowed me to connect with my roots and appreciate the art created by my people.

I have learned to always create dreams out of aspiration and not desperation. I finally became confident in my decision when I closed my eyes and asked myself what I would do if had no barriers and no one was watching me. When the answer was to create floral designs, I knew I had to keep going. It’s important to be kind with yourself and give yourself grace when you’re embarking on a new life journey. Creatives tend to be their own worst critic, so I try my best to acknowledge my growth and see my mistakes as learning lessons that push me further into my art.

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.
My classic florist answer is the LA flower district. I absolutely love taking my friends and family with me when I need to shop for flowers. The energy, flowers, kindness and creativity in that place is just unmatched. Witnessing the unique blooms and interacting with kind souls that love nature always brightens my day. Every friend I’ve taken to the LA flower district has loved it and asked to come back!

After picking up flowers I would take them to Memory Look a few miles away to get some of the best matcha!

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?
It always take a village. Mine was my parents, husband and supportive friends. My husband, fiance at the time, was the one who bought all the supplies I needed and was my first customer. My parents were always there to encourage me and support my growth by allowing me to make mistakes and leave flowers everywhere around the house. My friends always shared my work and were the best customers I could have asked for.

Instagram: Arwa__Studio

Image Credits
Karrina Jean
Gabella Correa