If you're searching for stunning, sustainable floral arrangements that reflect thoughtful design and a deeper purpose, look no further than Bright Moments. Karen’s journey into floristry is rooted in her cultural identity and passion for sustainability, reshaping an industry that often overlooks these values. At Bright Moments, flowers aren't just beautiful—they’re a way to connect, care for the planet, and honor local communities. Read on to learn more about how Karen blossomed in her journey.
How has your cultural identity influenced your journey so far, if at all?Â
As a Filipina American I have found myself in spaces that have been dominated by non-POC. This remains true of the film/tv industry, as well as in floristry. Because of this, my plans for Bright Moments go beyond making money from flowers. I hope to build an inclusive community of flower lovers and creatives where we can all feel seen and share our true selves.Â
Can you tell us about key milestones and significant events that have shaped your business’s journey up to the present day?
July 2023 -Â Established LLC for business
August 2023 -Â Vended at our first pop-up!Â
September 2023 -Â Launched our website
June 2024 -Â Led our first floral arranging workshop
June 2024 -Â Designed for our first wedding
July 2024 -Â Bright Moments turns one!Â
What made you curious about the floral design and arrangement business?
Floral design was just a hobby while I was pursuing a video editing career. I only made a weekly bud vase arrangement from grocery store flowers, but as I created more and more, I realized arranging flowers was a form of self-care. By doing something solely for my own enjoyment, I was reclaiming my time. Now that I’ve transitioned to floristry full-time, I feel like I’m finally crafting my life.Â
What is something about the floral arrangement business that you think more people should know about?
Lots of folks use floral foam to create arrangements. Floral foam is a single-use brick of plastic designed to hold water and flower stems in place. Although a popular and convenient industry tool, floral foam breaks down into microplastics which harm aquatic life, affecting our seafood supply.Â
To combat this, Bright Moments uses low impact and reusable mechanics, like chicken wire or pin frogs, to hold stems in place.
Can you tell us more about the importance of sustainability in your business?Â
I could spend days answering this question!Â
First, current global floriculture includes force-grown, imported, and chemically-treated flowers. This past Valentine’s Day, 460 million roses were imported from Colombia and Ecuador. How? Over 300 flights. Yes, these flowers are cheaper and more convenient for florists, but imported flowers produce 90% more carbon emissions than their local, seasonal counterparts.
Therefore, with Bright Moments, we’re minimizing our carbon footprint in the floral industry by exclusively sourcing hyperlocal, seasonal, and sustainably-grown flowers. We refuse imported and shipped flowers, and, before buying from a nearby farm, we make sure their growing methods align with our sustainability efforts.Â
Additionally, sustainability isn’t just about the wellbeing of our planet. We need to consider the wellbeing of her people too. Low cost flowers are usually a sign of underpaid workers in a mass production facility. While Bright Moments can’t solve this economic issue directly, we refuse mass produced flowers entirely. In fact, we prioritize shopping from small business farms to contribute to a supportive florist-farmer community.Â
You were previously in the film/tv industry! Is there anything you’ve learned from that industry that you’ve found applicable to running Bright Moments?
Collaborate!Â
Debate is healthy and necessary for innovation.Â
Seek feedback and give feedback. But do so kindly and compassionately!Â
On a more technical note, have a file naming standard. For everything!Â
What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the day?
To unwind, I love to read! For me, it’s important to start and end my day peacefully, and reading always does it for me.Â
If you could go back in time and tell your past self anything, what would it be?
If you’re stepping into your true self, you’re probably going to piss some people off. Don’t let them stop you.Â
Share more questions than opinions.Â
Journal more.Â
Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!
I’m always inspired by Gray of Moon Jar Design! Their So Cal business contributes to a kind of culturally vibrant, socially-thoughtful community. I’m hoping to do that with Bright Moments. They prioritize local flowers and sustainable materials, and their designs are just so cool.Â
@moonjardesign
What is the last thing you were curious about?
What’s the tipping culture like for florists?
What can the community help you with?
Ask your florists, grocery stores, and farmers where their flowers come from! Ask them how the flowers were grown and how far they travel. The floral industry needs to change, and this is a weighty responsibility for us to take on. But if we can all do a little bit to ask a simple but important question, then the needle will move forward more easily each day.Â
At Bright Moments, Karen Ver Trinidad is redefining what it means to be a florist—combining artistry, sustainability, and community-building into every arrangement. Her commitment to using locally-sourced, eco-friendly flowers ensures that each bouquet not only brightens a space but also supports the planet and small businesses. We hope her story inspires you to blossom in your own personal journey!
You can find Karen at:
Website: https://www.brightmoments.us/
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