We recently had the chance to connect with Adama Jay and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adama , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that I just play with flowers all day. I wish it were that simple! There’s definitely a joyful, creative side to what I do, but behind every arrangement is a whole world of sourcing, design planning, color theory, logistics, and craftsmanship. The magic looks effortless on the outside, but there’s an entire art and process behind making it feel that way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Adama, the founder and creative force behind Lavish Leaf Floral Design Studio, a bespoke floral atelier rooted in artful storytelling. My journey started in interior design and evolved through nearly two decades as a professional makeup artist—working backstage at Fashion Week, collaborating with luxury brands, and learning how to create beauty with intention. Today, I bring all of that experience into floristry, where design, fashion, and nature meet.
At Lavish Leaf, we specialize in luxury weddings, corporate events, and weekly floral experiences, creating pieces that feel modern, immersive, and deeply personal. Our work is less about placing flowers in a vase and more about crafting a visual narrative—one that reflects a client’s mood, brand, moment, or milestone.
What makes our studio unique is the blend of artistry and service. We’re intentional about every detail: the color palette, the movement of each stem, the texture play, even the emotional tone the arrangement should evoke. It’s elevated, it’s experiential, and it’s rooted in craftsmanship.
Right now, we’re expanding our floral experiences—bringing luxury workshops, corporate activations, and curated weekly subscriptions to clients who appreciate modern design with meaning. My goal is to create floral art that doesn’t just fill a space, but transforms it.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My dad—without a doubt. He’s the person who saw me clearly long before I fully saw myself. Even when I was young, he recognized that I moved through the world creatively, that I had an eye for beauty and a way of expressing myself that was uniquely mine. He nurtured that part of me with such intention, offering guidance, wisdom, and a level of honesty that always felt grounding, never discouraging.
As an adult, that hasn’t changed. He still sees me—the artist, the entrepreneur, the woman I’m becoming—and he shows up with the same unwavering belief. He’s the one who reminds me to trust my gifts, to lead with integrity, and to stay rooted in who I am. Having someone who understood my creative spirit from the beginning and continues to champion it now is something I cherish deeply.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to believe that failure was a sign I had made the wrong choice or wasn’t ready. But after failing hard—more than once—I completely shifted my perspective. I realized failure isn’t a dead end; it’s data. It’s feedback. It’s an invitation to refine, redirect, or rise to a higher standard.
One of my biggest mindset shifts came from a moment where something I poured my heart into didn’t succeed the way I envisioned. It stung. But it also forced me to step back and ask better questions: What did I learn? What can I strengthen? How can I approach this with more clarity, strategy, or resilience?
Now, I see failure as part of the creative process, especially in a business built on artistry and service. It taught me that being adaptable, curious, and willing to evolve is far more valuable than getting everything perfect the first time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what truly matters to me is creating beauty with purpose. They know I’m driven by intention—whether it’s in my work, my relationships, or how I show up in the world. They’d also tell you I care deeply about integrity, creativity, and making people feel seen and supported. And honestly, they’d probably add that I’m happiest when I’m building something meaningful, surrounded by good energy, good people, and a vision I can pour my heart into.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve always been the type who gives my best simply because the work deserves it—not because there’s an audience waiting to clap. If something needs to get done, I’m going to show up with intention, pride, and maybe even a little sparkle, whether anyone notices or not.
Praise is lovely, of course, but it’s never been my fuel. I’m motivated by purpose…and by that quiet satisfaction of saying ‘Yep, I did that.’ The accomplishment itself is the reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavishleaf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishleaf/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adama-jay-3344522b3/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavishleaf/
Image Credits
inflight215photos
