Meet Sara Perez Ekanger | Event Floral Designer

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

Hi Sara, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Oh work life balance… When I first started I dove deep into my work and didn’t come up for air. It was until when we hit the 4th year in business, I looked around my personal life and not a fan of having the business consume everything that I did. So I started to work out, set boundaries and started to take care of “Sara”. Not work/ business version of Sara, but the core version of myself. I started running again and got really into boxing. I love boxing because it was a new sport that I enjoyed learning and challenged me in so many areas. Many life lessons in boxing.

Once I started taking care of my physical and mental health, I felt like I was a better version of myself that exceeded the business to a new level. There has to be a balance in work and personal life. You can always answer that email or write that new proposal, but make sure that you set the time to take care of your self. Being the best version of yourself will most importantly benefit you and everyone around you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to our designs, we always want to make sure that it is an artistic expression and we’ll let the flowers to the story. When guests walk into a room, may it evoke an emotion when they see our blooms and designs. We take what is familiar and meaningful to you, infuse our creative spirit, and let a new kind of beauty bloom.

I’ve personally learned so many humbling lessons through floral design.
Like the flowers, it takes time, care and patience to grow a business. It’s definitely not an overnight thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh here we go! Grab coffee at Hivolt and a work out with Markell at New Orleans Boxing Club.

Breakfast at Bearcat. ( the uptown location is a personal favorite) We’d walk around uptown or ride bikes through the Garden District. See all the sights! I would say a late lunch at Vals and stay for the early happy hour. Another option would be to stop by Miel Brewery and support the local pop up that is there that day!

Perhaps take the street car and visit the Chloe for a snack or maybe a dip in their pool.

For dinner, I would take them out to the Bywater to the the classic Reds Chinese Food. Then finish the night strolling around the French Quarter and swing by Jewel of the South.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh boy there is definitely a little army behind our small business.

Team Antigua: I want to thank the community behind Team Antigua Floral. Every flower order, petal, early airport run, breakdown, etc is all done by an incredible team that has become family. Jessica, for your organization skills and keeping our team in order every week. Lora, who is a talented designer and her “go getting” attitude. As well, thank you to every freelancer and designer who has come into our studio and helped us out during peak seasons. Your fingerprints are all over the story of Antigua Floral. I’m constantly in awe of what has been collectively created here and how so many incredible people (far too many to count) have helped us on the way.

My familia: all the way back in California, they love, support and cheer me on the whole way through. Especially mom my who instilled my love for florals and plants in me at a young age. Also, ” viva El Salvador!”

My husband Trevor: love of my life. He is my silent business partner-slash-husband-slash inhouse carpenter -slash talented photographer. He’s a man of many hats and been my biggest support. We would not have been able to event day dream about starting a business with out him. Thank you.

Website: www.antiguafloral.com

Instagram: @antiguafloral

Image Credits
Photo by Trevor Mark Photography