We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Devlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business to find personal fulfillment and joy. To create projects and connections I’m genuinely proud of and passionate about instead of viewing work as simply “a job.” The business was born from the idea of sharing creativity with others externally instead of seeing internal validation from an internal corporate ladder. Starting my own business allows me to pursue many of my interests, which include landscape architecture, environmental justice, floral design, and weddings/events. Being a business owner has allowed me to be a part of several industries, learning more about myself and life in the process.
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?
At Blooma Daga, we are inspired most by our client’s stories. Whether it is a floral or landscape project, the process begins from the same starting point. We draw from people’s connections to nature, whatever it may be. We want to learn everything about our clients: where they grew up, their favorite times of the year, and their special memories in nature. All of these moments shape our preferences and the choices we make in our lives. The inspiration comes from the subconscious level. When clients say they don’t have any inspiration, by the end of the conversation, we are bubbling with project ideas. We turn the mirror to our clients and then use our professional expertise in the execution.
We are also passionate about the inclusion of all walks of life. While we are running a business, we never want a client to feel they don’t belong or are not deserving of quality design due to their budget, the way they look, or their sexuality. There is never one design solution or way to look on your wedding day. People are most comfortable when they are authentically themselves. There is room for everyone at the table. Nature is to be enjoyed by all.
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.
A Pasadena day is a must. The day would begin with breakfast burritos at Lucky Boy, a visit to the original Trader Joe’s, exploring the grounds of the Huntington Library and Gardens, a cheese plate and wine from Agnes, and dinner at Pie and Burger!
I would also include time to unwind at Will Rodgers State Beach and the Temple of Self Realization at Pacific Palisades and hiking Circle X Ranch, Mandeville Canyon, and Santa Yenez Falls.
Other favorite restaurants are Cassia and Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, Night + Market, and the martinis at Musso and Frank.
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’ve been fortunate to have many mentors who have led me to present-day endeavors. I want to thank Liling Tien at P.E.L.A. Design in Baltimore, MD, for hiring me as a very fresh 20-something right out of college. She saw the passion and creativity within me from the very beginning. Along the same wavelength, I must also shout out Sai Yanh, who started my floral journey in Washington, D.C. Sai saw the floral talent in me before I did and was the most dedicated and patient mentor as I began to step foot in the business.
In Los Angeles, I must mention the support, mentorship, love, and hilarious moments from Michael and Alex Scholtz at WildFlora. Thank you for showing me the floral and landscape ropes in Southern California! And to Gruen Associates for the incredible opportunities in Landscape architecture and to the entire team at Modern Floristry, thank you!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and bringing me along to floral and landscape the most unique spaces and events in the City. Thank you to all who have shown the child who played in the dirt in the woods how to have a career in the landscape and floral industry.
Website: https://www.bloomadaga.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooma_daga/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-devlin-skipp-73272a55/
Other: info@bloomadaga.com
Image Credits
Tim Devlin