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

Hi Leigh, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
So far, the most important lesson I’ve learned in my business and career is to always trust myself. I learned this the hard way by listening to all of the other voices. You know your business better than any outsider. If your gut tells you to say no to something, say no. Of course the advice of others is valuable, but when you can hear that little voice whispering yes or no, trust it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Loveleigh Blooms started solely because of one wedding. I took that gig as a fun creative experience and it quickly turned into a serious side hustle and eventually full time job. I started this company in early 2021 and I set out for a five year goal of making it full time. By March of 2022 I realized that I either had to commit to go full time in June and quit my corporate job, or say no to more wedding bookings. I chose to take the risk and quit my stable marketing job for this big dream. Was it scary? Absolutely! Was it worth it? No doubt. Words cannot express the gratitude I have toward every couple who has booked me for their wedding florals. Taking Loveleigh Blooms full time is a dream that still does not feel real. I personally believe that when you own a business, you represent it everywhere you go. I try my best to represent Loveleigh Blooms with as much positivity and authenticity as possible. This business is my pride and joy. I never dreamed of having a career that I loved so much and I hope that shows in everything I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What are my favorite spots in the City? We are going to make this a little tour of the PNW. As a Tacoma, local the first stop on your first day in Seattle would be Ruston Way. We would grab a coffee at Anthem down at Point Ruston and then take a walk around Dune Peninsula. If we are lucky, we would spot the seals playing in the water and on a sunny day, enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Rainier! My lunch choice would be Indo Asian Street Eatery in the adorable Stadium District. There is so much to check out Downtown that the rest of the day would be filled window shopping on Antique Row, seeing all of the glorious views of the mountain, and finally stopping for cocktails and delicious food at Wooden City. Day 2 and 3 would be filled with the Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Glass Museum. Day 4, sipping and strolling our way down 6th Avenue! There are so many cute shops to stop in, The Red Hot is a must try with eclectic hot dogs and draft beers. For day 5, an overnight trip to Seattle is a must! Inn at the Market is a boutique hotel in the heart of Pike Place Market. The Gum Wall, Fremont Troll and Space Needle are all important to see on day 1! Umi Sushi would be my dinner pick. The next day a Pike Place Market walk through is in order; there is so much to explore, see, and taste. This PNW tour would wind down with a trip toward Mt. Rainier. Snoqualmie Pass has an excellent snow tubing park with fun to be had for all ages!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to everyone involved in my first wedding booking, especially McCall. Without you, Loveleigh Blooms would not exist. R + J, you trusted me with your wedding florals and I am forever grateful! Carly, as the very first wedding coordinator I ever worked with, thank you for taking me under your wing and showing me the ropes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Last but not least, to my always supportive family and friends, you make my world go ‘round. Thank you!

Website: https://www.loveleighblooms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveleighblooms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbaldridge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Loveleigh-Blooms/100063876890847/

Image Credits
PNW Elegance, Ella Sturgeon

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