Meet Melissa Erker | Floral Designer

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

Hi Melissa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has changed dramatically over the years. When you’re first building a business from the ground up, it requires almost everything you’ve got. I was putting in 100% (and then some), especially because my business relies heavily on relationships, face-to-face interactions, networking with other vendors, and consistently putting myself out there to connect with clients.
That’s not to say I don’t work hard now because I absolutely do, but the work looks different. In those early years, there was a constant hustle behind the scenes to build credibility, generate referrals, and create systems that could support growth. As the business became more established, I started benefiting from the momentum that comes from word-of-mouth referrals, strong relationships within the industry, repeat clients, and a website that’s working for me through SEO.
Six years in, I’m finally able to reap some of the rewards of all that upfront effort. I’ve been able to delegate certain tasks, trust others with responsibilities, and spend less time managing every single detail myself.
For me, balance has come with time. I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and protecting my time. Making space for family, personal time, and rest is just as important as growing the business. It’s definitely a balancing act and one I haven’t perfected yet, but it’s something I’m continually working toward and getting better at every year.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Flowers have always felt like a way to tell a story. I love that they can completely change how a space feels and become part of someone’s memories long after the day is over. That’s what drew me to weddings in the first place. It’s never just been about making something pretty, it’s about creating something that feels personal to the couple.

I think what sets me apart is that I really care about the people I’m creating for. I want my couples to feel heard and taken care of, not like they’re just another wedding on my calendar. I spend a lot of time getting to know their vision, but I also help guide them when they aren’t sure what they want. My goal is always to create florals that feel effortless, intentional, and true to them.

Getting here definitely wasn’t a straight path. Like a lot of small business owners, I started with a lot of passion and had to learn everything else along the way. There were plenty of late nights, mistakes, moments of self-doubt, and seasons where I questioned whether I could really make this work. I was also building a business while raising a family, which meant learning to wear a lot of hats and figuring things out one step at a time.

Over the years, I’ve realized that growth doesn’t happen because everything goes perfectly. It happens because you keep showing up, you stay open to learning, and you keep refining your craft. Every wedding has taught me something, whether it’s a new design technique, a better way to serve my clients, or simply to trust my instincts a little more.

What I’m most proud of isn’t one particular event or arrangement. It’s the relationships I’ve built and the fact that so much of my business comes from referrals and people who genuinely connected with the experience they had working with me. To me, that’s the biggest compliment.

More than anything, I want people to know that my business is built on heart. I care deeply about what I create, but I care even more about the experience my couples have along the way. If they walk into their wedding feeling completely seen and knowing they don’t have to worry about the flowers because I’ve taken care of every detail, then I’ve done my job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m definitely showing them Long Beach. I love living here because it has such a laid back feel, but there’s always something to discover. It’s such a great mix of beach town, city, and creative community.

We’d start the mornings slow with breakfast at Ubuntu. It’s one of my favorite spots, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal there. After that, we’d grab a coffee or matcha from one of the many incredible local coffee shops, Long Beach has so many, and I love that each one has its own personality.

One morning we’d head to the El Dorado Nature Center for a walk. It’s one of my favorite places to reset. It’s peaceful, full of beautiful trees and wildlife, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a city. It’s one of those hidden gems that reminds me why I love living here.

Another afternoon would be spent in Naples. We’d rent a Duffy boat or hop on a gondola and cruise through the canals. It’s such a fun way to slow down, especially around sunset, and it’s one of those experiences that surprises people who have never been to Long Beach.

Another day would definitely be spent wandering Retro Row. There are so many great vintage shops, bookstores, and little boutiques, and if we’re lucky, we’d stumble across one of the local pop-up markets where you can discover artists and small businesses you probably wouldn’t find anywhere else.

For dinner, Open Sesame is always on my list. It’s one of those places I take everyone who comes to visit because the food is consistently amazing, and somehow it always feels like a special meal.

I’d also make a day out of taking the ferry over to Catalina Island. Even if it’s just for the afternoon, it feels like you’ve escaped somewhere much farther away. Walking around Avalon, grabbing lunch by the water, and taking in the ocean views never gets old.

And because everyone should experience a little old school glamour while they’re here, we’d do afternoon tea at the Fairmont in Los Angeles. It’s such a fun excuse to slow down, get dressed up a little, and enjoy a beautiful afternoon.

Honestly, my favorite thing about this area isn’t just the places, it’s the people. There are so many talented artists, makers, and small business owners here, and you can really feel that creative energy. Whether it’s a weekend market, a neighborhood coffee shop, or a local restaurant, it feels like there’s always something new to experience. That’s one of the reasons I love calling Long Beach home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one person.
My family has been there through every stage of this business, from the very beginning when I was trying to figure everything out to now. They’ve encouraged me, been patient through the crazy wedding weekends and long hours, and have always believed in me, even when I wasn’t always sure of myself.
I’ve also been really lucky to meet some amazing people in the wedding industry. There are planners, photographers, venue owners, and other florists who have shared advice, answered questions, sent referrals, or just been genuinely kind. I think people are surprised by how supportive this industry can be, but I’ve experienced so much generosity from other creatives, and it’s made a huge difference.
And honestly, my couples deserve a lot of credit too. Every single wedding has helped me grow, not just creatively, but personally. They’ve trusted me with something that’s such a big part of one of the most important days of their lives, and I never take that lightly.
When I look back, I realize this business has been built because of people who believed in me, trusted me, and cheered me on. I’m really grateful for all of them.

Website: https://www.flowersbymelis.com

Instagram: @flowersbymelis

Linkedin: @flowersbymelis