Rising Stars: Meet Kristie Chang of Canfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Chang

Hi Kristie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2011, I moved home from Cleveland where I did my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science to begin my graduate studies in Physical Therapy in my hometown, Youngstown. I grew up in the country, and I decided that I was going to use some of my parents’ land to dabble into gardening during my “spare time”. My brother rototilled me a small space where I planted tons of veggies. I was absolutely amazed at the amount of produce my tiny garden produced, so I figured I would try to expand my garden the following year to add in some annual cut-flowers. I threw one packet of seeds in the end of my garden my 2nd year of growing, and I couldn’t believe what grew. I cherished each stem that grew, and pretended like I knew what I was doing with designing a few small bouquets for family members. From there, I decided I wanted to be more intentional about growing florals because I knew my luck would run out one day. I spent the next year tirelessly researching how to grow cut-flowers. I read books (Floret is my biggest inspiration!), watched you-tubes, took a few online courses, and decided I was going to start my plants from seed. My now husband and I lived in a tiny condo that did not have an ideal space for growing seedlings, but we made it work. Since then, I’ve grown thousands of cut-flower plants, and was crazy enough to say “yes” to friends who asked me to design their wedding flowers. One design led to the next. One bridal bouquet turned into bridal party florals. Bridal party florals turned into small wedding designs including all table designs. Small “full-service” weddings turned into ‘let’s take a stab at ceiling installations’, and that ambition has now turned into a full-time business with a full team of florals helpers. I could have never imagined back in 2011 when I started physical therapy school that I would be here, but I am eternally grateful for every “yes” decision I made. LLB has given me the freedom to step back from my 9-5 working in a hospital, and I get to spend so much more time with my two boys while running my business from our home. I have made so many community connections from my small business, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people in my life from starting this business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road. I spent so many years studying science and I really had no business background at all. Owning a small business means you’re not only in charge of the talent behind the skill you’re providing, but you’re also the head of marketing/administrative duties, in charge of all logistics/scheduling, and you must problem-solve every little issue that comes up along the road. It has been years of learning & modifying and with each growing year, I feel like little pieces fall into place a little more.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a floral designer and I specialize in free-form, natural designs. I am very passionate about growing my own florals and supporting other local farmers who put so much effort into producing beautiful stems to work with. Nothing compares to designing with fresh stems that have been cut a day or two ago and haven’t been flown here from another country.

How do you think about luck?
I truly feel like I have had the best luck! I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best clients and sweetest people, many whom have become friends of mine! Everything hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies though, there are so many days where I’ve spent too many hours troubleshooting things that have gone wrong, which takes away from design time. I have learned that this is the reality of owning a small business though, you take the great days with the not-so-great ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.louloublooms.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/loulou_blooms