Today we’d like to introduce you to Alondria Brooks.
Alondria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Designs by Alondria, formerly known as Creative Designs by Alondria was established in 1997.
I began my business by decorating homes and in craft shows displaying my creative gift to arrange florals. Since then, I’ve developed my business to a full-service floral company with serving the Houston and surrounding areas with weddings, events, interior decorating, funerals, and instructing floral classes. I am continuing to grow and expand in all decor areas with continuing to educate myself in the floral industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road for my business. Back in 2007, my office building burned down and I lost everything. In the fire, three people lost their lives. The miracle was I had just left my office for the day when the fire started. Praise God! It was a great time of loss and I had to start over and relocate in the Downtown Houston area on Main Street, which was a blessing. It took my business to another level!
Shortly after, I moved to the Third Ward area of Houston on Wentworth Street with two other companies, an event planner and a photographer. It was a great collaboration which brought much business. We were affectionately called…”The Wentworth House.” After a year, the house was abruptly sold by the owner and we had to move quickly. With personal issues going on in my life at the same time, I rented space with a seasoned local florist in the Third Ward area and continue to learn and grow in the floral industry.
I am still in business today and more encouraged than ever. I currently rent office space on the East side of Houston which is near my home.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Designs by Alondria story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in creating beautiful wedding designs and floral decor. I am best known for my excellent visionary skills and the ability to connect with my client to understand and execute their vision, flawlessly. I often hear from my clients… “that’s exactly what I envisioned!”
What I am most proud of is the continued word of mouth/referral business I receive. I have met some wonderful people over the years and have established some great relationships. I have created weddings for sisters, mothers, daughters, baby showers, decorating their homes to becoming part of their families. I have connected with my clients at the most important events of their lives and that has been a great honor!
What sets me apart is I love being a floral artist with making two important facets of top priority for business which are excellent customer service and quality product. I believe that If these two are achieved, it establishes trust in your brand, satisfied customers, and creates continued business support.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The role of luck is what I would call favor. I have been shown much favor since starting my business 22 years ago. I have been blessed to have caring mentors who helped me become an honorable business owner in my community. I have continued to grow and expand as a business owner with the favor I’ve obtained from colleagues in the floral industry, education classes, vendors, suppliers, clients, supported family and friends who have to believe and support my business.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Ms. Mildred Davis was my mentor who selflessly taught me the wedding industry. She was a true mentor who took me under her wing and taught all she knew. She was a blessing sent by God. One thing I’ve learned during mentorship is always to honor and appreciate those who poured into you because it’s a seed they have planted in you. I will never forgot her. There would be no Designs by Alondria without a Ms. Mildred Davis!
My cousins, The Richardson’s of Richardson’s Florist, have been a blessing as well. They allowed me to work in the back of their business creating my floral designs at the very start of my business. They were a great support as I learned the business and techniques of floral design.
Anne Davis who is a seasoned floral designer and business owner. Anne welcomed me into her business and showed me a different aspect of the industry. She’s very talented and still today shares with me her great expertise of the floral industry.
Lastly, my good friend, Loretta Herpin of Loretta’s Floral Design, taught me the integrity of business. She challenged me in areas that I lacked as a business owner. She helped me at transitioning point in my personal and business life. She loves this industry and I love her for that.
They all believed in me, sometimes more than I believed in myself.
Lastly, my family who is always there when I need a helping hand and always the biggest support! They are the real heroes!
Contact Info:
- Address: Designs by Alondria
12655 Woodforest Blvd, Suite # 420
Houston, TX 77015 - Website: www.designsbyalondria.com
- Phone: 281-221-3260
- Email: info@designsbyalondria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyalondria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbyalondria
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/longie40?prefetchTimestamp=1552877581624
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
