Meet Sofia

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

Hi Sofia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My love for flowers began when I signed up for a floral design class after finishing graduate school and working full-time in an office. I was feeling burnt out from staring at a screen and constantly thinking about research and data. I craved something hands-on, creative, and disconnected from technology. While planning my own wedding, I became fascinated by how floral designers could transform a space with curated and colorful floral designs, so I decided to give it a try myself.

After learning the basics in that first class, I started designing small arrangements for friends and family. I kept learning through YouTube videos, experimenting with grocery store flowers, and teaching myself how to process and prep blooms for larger installations. It was a slow, steady process, and the more I practiced, the more I fell in love with floral design.

What started as a personal creative outlet organically grew into a floral design business. I began sharing my designs on social media, and through word of mouth, people started reaching out to book me for weddings and events. Over time, I realized how much I loved being a part of these special moments. I am passionate about designing florals for weddings and special events, and I also enjoy creating experiences through my Flower Cart Bouquet Bar, which gives people a chance to slow down and create something beautiful with their own hands.

I am so grateful that I get to blend my design work with real connections. It is so rewarding helping couples bring their wedding floral visions to life or watching guests light up while building their own bouquets at events. It’s been a fulfilling journey that continues to grow in the most unexpected and meaningful ways.

One of the most rewarding parts of starting my business has been hearing from people who follow along with my work tell me they were inspired to try arranging flowers themselves. That’s when I remember that taking the leap into floral design didn’t just change my career, but it also allowed me to share creativity and inspiration in a way I never could have imagined.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a floral designer specializing in weddings and events throughout Southern California. My floral design journey began as a creative escape after years of academic work and office life. I started by designing arrangements for family and friends, learning through online resources and, eventually, hands-on experience at a flower shop—all while working full-time in an administrative role. It wasn’t easy to juggle everything, especially while building a business from the ground up, but each arrangement built my confidence and momentum. Referrals from loved ones and simply sharing my work online helped my business grow naturally.

What sets my work apart is a combination of intentionality, personalization, and the way I connect with people. I approach floral design as an extension of storytelling. Whether I’m designing for a wedding or offering my bouquet bar services at an event, my goal is always to help people feel something through flowers. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to bring their vision to life. I also love creating interactive floral experiences that invite others to engage with flowers in a hands-on, joyful way.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying grounded in my values—especially transparency and creativity. I share not only the finished results but also the behind-the-scenes process, because I believe that vulnerability is what makes both art and business feel more human. I’ve also learned that growth takes time, and that it’s okay to evolve slowly and intentionally.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing as a designer, to collaborate with other creatives, and eventually teach floral design so others can experience the joy and connection it brings. I want people to know that Laguna Moon Flowers is about more than just arrangements—it’s about creating beauty with heart, honoring life’s most meaningful moments, and inspiring others to tap into their own creativity.

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.
One of my favorite places to take friends when they’re visiting Orange County is the Orange Circle in Old Towne Orange. It’s full of charm with coffee shops, great restaurants, and antique stores you can spend hours browsing. We would start the day with a latte at one of the local coffee shops and then stroll through the vintage shops.

Nearby in Tustin, I’d take them to Cream Pan, a Japanese bakery known for its strawberry croissants and other delicious treats. For lunch or dinner, we’d go to Christakis in Tustin, a warm and welcoming Greek restaurant with flavorful, shareable plates, live music, and a beautifully lit patio.

I would also make sure that my friend also has a chance to visit the beautiful coast. We would spend a day walking around Laguna Beach, exploring the galleries, local shops, and enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to my husband, family, friends, and community who support my work, encourage me, and share my work with others. Their support has helped me book weddings and events, which has led to even more connections.

I had the privilege of interning with Natalie Erikson from Refined Floral. Natalie provided invaluable mentorship while I gained more experience with wedding floral design work.

I am also so grateful for the mentorship I receive from Monica Carreño who is a floral designer and a manager at GJ Flowers, which is a wholesaler in Santa Ana. Monica has been so encouraging throughout my journey as a floral designer and has helped connect me with so many resources.

Website: https://www.lagunamoonflowers.com/

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

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lagunamoonflowers

Image Credits
Personal & Flower Cart Bouquet Bar photos by Karissa Ferrer
Colorful centerpiece photo by Peter Boyadjian
Wedding floral arch photo by Megan Claire
Bar and grounded floral arrangement photo by Celina Marie