Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Fuentes.
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started floral design through the magnet program at Skyline High School in Dallas. It was unintentional getting into the program as it was not my first choice. Given that I completely missed the interview for my top choice, I was given a spot in the Floral Design cluster. I’ve essentially been working with flowers since I was 15 and absolutely loved creating designs with flowers, frequently teaching my classmates, learning new techniques and so my passion for floral design flourished. About a year after graduating, I decided to get back into the floral industry by starting my own business.
At just 19 years old, I launched La Fuente de Flores as a way to source extra income for me to continue attending college. I started out small, creating designs for friends and family, and ever since we’ve been flowering for weddings and private events. On slow seasons, I typically freelance for other luxury florists in the area and take up small projects such as participating in designing contests, small classes with friends, and investing in courses myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. When I started La Fuente de Flores, I jumped in blindly with just the idea that starting a business was easy. People always talk about how being your own boss is awesome, having your own work schedule, etc., but they never tell you about the reality of it. Being a business owner is not easy; you have to work harder, and you have to stay on top of things to get done such as taxes, inventory, etc. It can get pretty exhausting, but when you’re so passionate and love what you do, all of that becomes so little.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in refined, organic floral design for weddings, elopements, and private events. Flowers always look best in their natural state so we focus on incorporating that throughout the art form of flowers. I would consider us known for our style of designing for sure. Avoid generic, common flowers for something that is not common to anyone. We also focus on being eco-friendly and mainly sourcing our flowers based on their seasonally, locally grown if possible, and creating special mechanics to avoid using plastics such as floral wet foam, glues, etc.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is to truly value my work and set boundaries with people as a business owner. Starting out, you say yes to all kinds of projects and bend the rules for people to like you, but it doesn’t last in the long run. Probably something I wish I would’ve learned earlier but definitely changed the way I run my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lafuentedeflores.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafuentedeflores/
Image Credits
Anthony Ray Photography
