VOYAGE LA "LA'S MOST INSPIRING STORIES" - Daily Inspiration: Meet Ricardo Delgado with Irises Designs

March 03, 2021

VOYAGE LA "LA'S MOST INSPIRING STORIES" - Daily Inspiration: Meet Ricardo Delgado with Irises Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Delgado.

Hi Ricardo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We started Irises Designs in 2014 in the city of Pomona. My wife and I had met at Mt. S.A.C. (Mt San Antonio Community College) in a painting class. We both painted and both knew how to design flowers. I had worked at a small flower shop while at school and my wife, Erin was taught by her mother who did flowers for family and friends. As time went on, we decided we liked doing weddings and events better than retail.

Up to 2020, we had a full staff of eight and a fleet of trucks and were able to service 3-4 events a weekend. We are very grateful for the city of Pomona. They awarded us business of the year and multiple recognition awards. In 2019, we traveled to London and Paris where we were exposed to completely different styles of design and approach to theory by many florists from all over the world. Pre-covid we had a successful studio and Erin and I oversaw our staff and an amazing place financially and as members of our industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, we began in 2004 and everything was smooth sailing up until the financial crisis of 2008-2009. We had 2 locations and thought it was funny how many people told me it was going to be tough and not to expect any money in the first five years. Due to our lack of preparedness and being new to the floral event industry. We had many cancellations and without a strong contract, we had to refund every single one of our clients. We ended up closing both locations and moved into my parent’s home and worked out of their garage. It was tough because aside from no income we had to explain to our clients why we were working out of a garage and had no staff. We overcame that and it strengthened our business, culture and financial standing.

Up until March of 2020, we were in a secure, well forecasted and organized business model. At the moment, we had to postpone 32 full-size events to 2021 and 2022. Our doors have been closed since march and our staff’s hours cut. We had to go back to a retail/online model just to get by and due to all closures, we have not done an event in LA County in over nine months. We survived the 2008 financial crisis so we were somewhat prepared for this but unfortunately we were not prepared for no income for almost a year. At the moment, we have plenty of events just waiting to happen as soon as we are able to have social events.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in florals and decor for weddings and events. In the local area, we are known for our style and appreciation for both the art of design and our client’s budgets. I am most proud of to have provided a career/ job to all my employees and to bring back the love for our art. Our industry has changed dramatically and there is newfound appreciation for floral design. The fact that both Erin (my wife) and I are designers sets us apart. Think of a double punch to the industry. Most floral design houses have one designer and staff. Sometimes the owner is not the lead designer. With us. Both of us are lead designers and it is definitely our strength.

What makes you happy?
The fact that the career we have chosen has given me the opportunity to spend every special moment (be it) at school or at home with my two daughters. Sofia is 12 years old and Elizabeth is ten years old. There is no monetary value I can place to have been able to drop them off and pick them up from school every day! We never missed their school performances, kung fu, etc. classes. Other than that… Creating. The small part of my whole job is what makes me happy. To create. To play with colors and flowers. I enjoy that very much.