Meet Jenelle Brinneman | Floral Designer/Owner

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

Hi Jenelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I always joked during interviews when they’d the standard question, “do you like to think outside the box?” I would reply, “I don’t think I’ve ever been in the box.” Creating floral designs has allowed me to express myself and there are no rules. Flowers has set me free after being told what is right and wrong in corporate America for 20+ years. Being able to come up with my own ideas and designs is so freeing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I enjoy telling stories through my work. We work with several farmers in town & I enjoy telling their story and how they inspire me. I am a firm believer of supporting my community in as many ways as I can. If I don’t support them, why should they support me? We run www.repurposeforapurpose.org , which donates unused flowers to local elderly and Veterans. Our community can nominate a loved one to received flowers delivered to them. We also founded @rosesforveteransonmemorialday. We seek donations to place roses at local National Cemeteries on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. You can even nominate your loved one to receive a bouquet and we will send a photo. Our group of volunteers has expanded to over 100 and the group has people from all over the country. We look forward to turning this into a non-profit this year. We’ve been on the news several times, which has helped our rose campaign raise almost $8,000 each time. We also have a documentary on our business and partnership with local farmers during the pandemic. It’s called Valley of the Flowers and has receive several awards.

I was in the hotel industry for 10 years and then banking. I would say this taught me the foundations of being a strong business woman, how to stand up for myself and most importanly always believe in myself. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t. I started my business during the pandemic and because of my skills from handling the economic shifts in hospitality and banking I knew exactly what to do. Pivot on a dimes notice.
It is certainly a struggle managing a business on your own and nerve wrecking if you’re going to make it the next month. I’ve learned how to delegate and take time off so that I can be my best self. If feel discouraged I remember my why and write down what I need to do improve.
I would just say I am a community minded business who has found a way to run an business and help others at the same time. This is how I’ve kept going.

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.
We would go the beach, have dinner or lunch at Jake’s Del Mar. I always feel like I’m on vacation there. Then we’d spend a couple days up in Temecula Wine Country. Wine and charcuterie boards! Downtown San Diego for a few days because you can’t beat the unique beauty, bars and restaurants. We love Roy’s.
Our hometown we’d have to stop in at Fat Ivor’s so they can experience the ribs and meet the locals. Dinner at Black & Blue at Valley View.
Beach towns are my favorite, I love the vibe and people. We are foodies, and wine lovers.
Going to dinner with fellow foodies or wine lovers is the best.

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?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to Angie Johnson, co-founder of Bloom Babes. Her amazing designs and success in the floral industry really inspired me to jump into floristry and never look back. She is the reason why I started Bellani Floral, and I am so thankful to have stepped into her studio 4 years ago. We hosted a bridal shower for a fellow gym sister who was terminally ill. All of her flowers that surrounded the room brought everyone such comfort and peace. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

Website: www.bellanifloral.com

Instagram: bellanifloralevents

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jenelle-brinneman-665b2610

Facebook: Bellani Floral & Events

Image Credits
Beth Jeffrey Photography Claire & Co