Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Motolese.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When my daughters were born, I felt the need of doing something from home. I needed to work and I didn’t want a 9-5 job where I could barely see my babies. I have always had the creative vein in me so I started looking for careers in the creative field – in that search, I discovered that I really liked photography. I wanted to pursue a photography career, at the time my goal was becoming a newborn photographer integrating natural floral arrangements in the pictures. What stemmed from an interest in photography eventually blossomed into a realization that my career was in the floral industry. Needless to say that it was really an accident for me, I just wanted to integrate flower crowns in the newborn sessions so I took a brief flower course and since then, I haven’t stopped working with flowers and learning every single day new techniques.
The possibilities with flowers are endless, it captivates anyone who plays with them and, it gives you the freedom to express yourself. I think that is what captivated me.
I started doing flower arrangements for my family and friends but I am currently working for brides in my local area and around the globe. I opened an Etsy shop and that has taken my flower crowns to places I had never dreamed of: UK, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Paris, Hawaii, Bermudas, Switzerland, and all over the states. As a female small business owner with a Latin background, this is a huge accomplishment for me.
My home studio is tiny but just great, working from home gives me the possibility to take care of my girls and they get to see me around all the time!
I don’t work a 9-5 but a 24/7 now and I love every minute of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. The first two years are a struggle for any business, actually. Self-doubt and the people who surround yourself can play a huge part in making the road for you: hard or easy.
Thankfully my mom has always believed in my vision and has supported me every step of the way. She is a strong foundation in my growing business. Every time I said I wanted to quit she encouraged me to keep going and try harder. I can’t thank her enough!
My divorce also encouraged me to do better and be better for myself and my girls. Instead of focusing my energy in being sad – depressed or vindictive, I focused my energy in starting my business. I realized that financially I only depend on myself and that I make my own destiny, even when that sounds obvious, sometimes it is not that obvious.
I still have a long road ahead of me and time will dictate if everything works out in my favor – in the meantime, I will keep pushing harder to be the best version of myself for my business and my family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a florist who specializes in Weddings, currently known for my bridal crowns.
Recently, I was a part of a styled shoot with amazing creatives in Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and our work was published in Magnolia Rouge. Huge accomplishment for a short career so I am super proud about that.
I think that what sets me apart from anybody else is the fact that I want to create what the bride wants. I don’t want to be typecast for just one style. I want to be able to create whatever vision the bride has. Not an easy task but worth the challenge!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risks are important. If you don’t take risks how will you know that is going to work or not? Always take that risk! Regardless of the outcome, go for it. If it doesn’t work out at least, you can be in peace with yourself. I am still on that risk-taking phase.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lechatroses.com
- Website: www.lechatroses.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lechatroses/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/lechatroses/_created/
Image Credits
Vizcaya Styled Shoot: Photography & Videography: Bon Photage | @bonphotage | www.bonphotage.com Design & Planning: Krissy Campbell | @krissycampbell_celebrations | www.krissycampbell.com Venue: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens | @vizcaya_museum | www.vizcaya.org Floral Design: LeChat Roses | @lechatroses | www.lechatroses.com Gown Designers: Monique Lhuillier | @moniquelhuillierbride and Muse by Berta | @musebyberta Designer Bridal Boutique: Chic Parisien | @chicparisien | www.cpbride.com Tux: Sartori Amici | @sartori_amici | @thelapelproject | @mygroomsroom | www.sartoriamici.com Accessories & Rings: Eden Luxe Bridal | @edenluxebridal | https://shop.edenluxebridal.com/ Stationery: Maddie Laidig Designs | @maddielaidigdesigns | www.maddielaidigdesigns.com Cake: Bake Bar Miami | @bakebar | www.bakebarmiami.com Talent: Beyond Beauty Talent | @beyondbeautytalent | www.beyondbeautytalent.com Lauren | @thelaurenskeoch Manuel | @manuelcolmenares33 Natalya | @natalya.nazarova
