Life & Work with Adama Jay of Lavish Leaf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adama Jay

Hi Adama, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into floral design is one rooted in a love of artistry and an appreciation for the beauty of nature. It all began in the world of interior design, where I discovered the power of composition, color, and texture to transform a space. While I loved creating beautiful environments, I soon felt the pull to explore another realm of artistry—professional makeup.

For over 19 years, I thrived as a makeup artist in Philadelphia, New York City, and San Francisco, working with prestigious brands, high-profile clients, and on trend-setting events like NY Fashion Week. This career honed my eye for detail and strengthened my ability to tell stories through color, light, and creativity. Yet, as much as I love makeup artistry, I began yearning for a new way to express myself—one that brought me closer to my love of nature and design.

That’s when I found floral design. What started as retail floristry soon blossomed into a passion that connected my artistic background with my appreciation for natural beauty. I decided to go deeper, attending horticulture school to better understand the science behind the art. In San Francisco, I had the privilege of working with some of the city’s top wedding florists and large corporate design houses. These experiences taught me the craft of luxury floral design, from intimate weddings to grand-scale events. One exciting opportunity was creating floral designs for the SF Symphony.

Through this journey, I’ve come to see flowers as more than decor—they’re storytellers, mood-setters, and pieces of living art. Every arrangement I create is a reflection of this belief, combining my years of artistry, design expertise, and a love of all things natural into something bespoke and unforgettable.

Today, I’m proud to bring this unique perspective to my own studio, where I help clients celebrate life’s most beautiful moments with flowers that tell their story.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has been less of a smooth highway and more of a scenic (and occasionally bumpy) backroad adventure. It’s been a journey filled with growth, gratitude, and plenty of learning curves—some of which felt more like hairpin turns! Building a business, especially in a creative field, takes more than just talent. It demands time, dedication, and a good dose of stubborn belief in your vision, even when the GPS seems to say, “Recalculating…”

When I first stepped into floral design, I was buzzing with excitement—and completely unprepared for how much there was to learn. Starting from the ground up meant diving headfirst into long days filled with everything from mastering the basics of floristry to unraveling the mysteries of running a business. Horticulture school, retail floristry, and working alongside some of the top-tier designers taught me invaluable lessons. They also showed me that, much like arranging flowers, building a craft takes patience, perseverance, and occasionally picking a thorn out of your hand.

Of course, the path hasn’t been without its potholes. Balancing creativity with the practical demands of business, navigating the unpredictable event industry, and adapting to market changes have been challenges that kept me on my toes. But those obstacles? They’ve also been my best teachers, pushing me to grow stronger, think more creatively, and hold tight to my passion even when the going got tough.

The most rewarding part of this wild ride? The connections. Whether it’s the tears of joy from a bride seeing her bouquet for the first time or a corporate client amazed by a transformed space, those moments remind me why I love what I do. The support of my clients, mentors, and team has been the wind in my sails, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every bit of it.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that success isn’t about cruising along a perfectly smooth road. It’s about finding beauty in the bumps, savoring the journey, and staying committed to your purpose—even if you need to stop and change a flat tire every now and then. Every step has been a chance to grow, share joy, and bring a little more beauty into the world—and for that, I couldn’t be more thankful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in storytelling through the art of floral design. As the owner of a bespoke, luxury floral studio, I specialize in creating arrangements that are more than just flowers—they’re a reflection of emotion, personality, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a grand event, or a corporate setting, my goal is to craft designs that leave a lasting impression.

What I’m known for is my attention to detail and my ability to combine artful design with the beauty of nature. My background in interior design and professional makeup artistry has given me a unique perspective on color, texture, and composition. This translates into floral designs that feel lush, intentional, and visually striking. Clients often describe my work as modern, elegant, and one-of-a-kind, which is exactly what I strive for.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my work. Seeing the joy and connection that my designs bring to my clients is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the journey—starting from retail floristry and horticulture school to working with top wedding florists and corporate design houses, and now building a brand that reflects my vision for storytelling through flowers.

What sets me apart is my commitment to customization and artistry. Every piece I create is tailored to my client’s needs, blending my love of nature with a deep understanding of luxury aesthetics. I don’t just design arrangements; I create experiences that resonate with my clients and their guests. Beyond that, my focus on integrity, exceptional service, and attention to every detail ensures that every project is handled with care and excellence.

Ultimately, my work is about bringing beauty and meaning to the world through flowers, and I’m grateful every day to do what I love in a way that inspires others.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor feels a bit like dating—you’re looking for someone who clicks with your personality, shares your values, and can inspire you to grow. And, much like dating, I’m still on the hunt! (Applications welcome, by the way!)

In all seriousness, networking has been a huge part of my journey, and I’ve learned that the best connections often come when you least expect them. For me, saying “yes” to opportunities—whether it’s attending industry events, joining workshops, or even chatting with someone at a coffee shop—has opened doors I never anticipated. You never know who might become a guide, collaborator, or champion for your work.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to be intentional with your approach. Instead of just saying, “I’m looking for a mentor,” I’ve focused on building relationships with people whose work I admire. Asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine curiosity, and following up with gratitude go a long way in building trust and rapport.

Networking is also a bit of a two-way street. Offering value, whether it’s sharing insights, a helpful connection, or even a simple compliment, helps create meaningful connections. And sometimes, those small gestures pave the way to mentorship opportunities.

So, while I haven’t found “the one” mentor just yet, I’m making the most of networking as a way to learn and grow from the amazing people around me. Who knows? Maybe my mentor is reading this right now… (If so, let’s grab coffee!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavishleaf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishleaf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavishleaf/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/lavishleaffloraldesign/