As a makeup artist, I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to celebrate love constantly through my work. With each bride, the door is wide open to that special feeling and I appreciate seeing that love story evolve.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I have to admit that in the past, I never made a big deal about this day. I felt that love and relationships needed to be celebrated more than once a year. However, I am now THAT person who thinks it is great to have one day where LOVE is the focus and celebrated to the max.
Of course, constant nourishment in any relationship is a must. Having one dedicated day to consciously express our love for that special person is part of what makes life a celebration. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with…FLOWERS!
As my Valentine’s Day gift to you this year, I’d like to let you in on a little secret – the BEST place for curated gifts and beautiful flowers.
Let me introduce you to my friend, Rachael Ann Lunghi – owner, operator and head creative over at Siren Floral Co and Siren Floral Shop. Rachael was the first person that made me appreciate flowers (ever!). Her passion for what she does always permeates through to her beautiful arrangements. Somehow, she is able to pack her sweet happy personality into every floral creation. I always enjoy seeing her magic in action.
Her shop is a beautiful, tranquil space with all sorts of pretty treasures. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts full of intention and straight from the heart – and of course, it is full with fresh flowers too! Rachael’s creative eye carefully selects the most beautiful whimsical arrangements.
As she says: “Floristry is an emotive medium that comes from the heart.”
And with that, let’s get into my conversation with Rachael Ann Lungh, a true floral “siren” of our times. Enjoy and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Let’s start off simple…why flowers?
Because they are such a draw. They feel like magic.
What was the AHA moment when you discovered “wow this might work as a business”?
Mmm, it kind of happened organically. I started out wedding planning/designing and things just sort of fell into place from there 🙂 The AHA moment was more like: “oh, I only want to do flowers!” And then working towards that as a focus.
Where do you draw your inspirations from?
Traveling for sure. Foreign color palettes and textures as well as fashion, fine art, and mama nature herself of course 🙂
What makes a dream client?
Gosh that’s tough. Overall, I’d just say someone who is open to creative interpretation and who trusts us.
Tell me about how you decided to open a shop?
This is a fun one 🙂 I kinda feel like the shop chose me, LOL. We were moving to North County (my guy and I) and I needed to transition the studio. At the time we were looking in Oceanside. Our shop location became available and I decided to go for it!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Making people happy, and seeing their reactions to the florals we create for them.
The most challenging?
Probably just managing all of the hats I wear and holding space for myself as well.
Your company is very active in terms of social change, and has a strong sense of community. Can you tell me more about your approach? How did you get to become such a great inspiration for others?
I just feel very passionately about what I perceive to be key pieces to the human experience. That would be connectedness, the golden rule, kindness, love, understanding, compassion and so on. I suppose these things feel very simple, and I hope it would be common sense to most. It’s honestly just a no brainer to me to stand up for others and give a voice to important issues to help protect others, the environment, and hopefully affect change.
What are some of the crucial steps you’ve taken to grow your business?
Receiving feedback and being intentional about remaining open to learning and growing/evolving always. Continually honing in my creative process as well as my logistical one and knowing/being okay with the flow of life. Letting go, and being willing to take risks as well. I’m still learning all of the time, and I hope I always am 🙂
What fulfills you?
Quality time with myself, doing flowers/creating just because, gardening, time with my guy, my animals, my family, traveling, quality time with others, a good book, laughing. Making someone feel heard/seen/loved. Making people happy. All kinds of things!
How do you stay true to yourself as well as remain authentic on social media?
That’s such a good one and one I get asked alot. My biggest advice is to just seek yourself and to be yourself. I think it’s easy to be “authentic” when you spend time alone and you know who you are. I also don’t force anything. If I’m not feeling it that day, I don’t force myself to post. If I feel like sharing pieces of my heart in a moment, I do. I try not to be too rigid with it at all and just do my best. That mindset generally takes the pressure off. But that’s also how I approach most things, haha. Life is too short to take ourselves too seriously. We’re all just doing our best. I believe that if you just keep seeking and working towards loving yourself, your authenticity will come through.
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