Maurice Harris is a Los Angeles based artist who is best known as the visionary behind Bloom & Plume, a bespoke floral design studio located in Echo Park. Maurice’s unique point of view, sense of humor, craftsmanship and dedication to his community has made him both one of the most sought after floral designers in Los Angeles and one of the most followed florists on Instagram.
HOKA: What inspired you to create Bloom & Plume?
Maurice: There is a period where I felt creatively challenged and flower arrangement unlocked that for me and so I started bloom and plume.
HOKA: How’d you come up with the name?
Maurice: I wanted the brand to have its own identity, separate from me. So, when it came to naming it, I knew it had to involve flowers and feathers–I was really into those at the time. Then, my buddy Tim swooped in with “Bloom & Plume,” and it was like fate had spoken.
HOKA: What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?
Maurice: Capitalism doesn’t care about your creativity. Being a person that has pursued creativity as a career, I’ve had to figure out how to separate the two. Capitalism and creativity aren’t always on the same wavelength. Learning to navigate that divide has been eye-opening. Sometimes, you’ve got to remind yourself that your creative expression doesn’t always have to play nice with making money.
HOKA: How do you practice self-care as an entrepreneur?
Maurice: I don’t take things personally. For me, it’s all about keeping a healthy distance from the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Taking things less personally has been a game-changer. Plus, I’m big on physical activities; they’re my secret weapon for staying sane amidst the chaos of running a business.
HOKA: How do you stay inspired?
Maurice: I keep my eyes open! I’m always observing and I make sure to stay connected with younger generations and differing opinions . I surround myself with people who both understand me and challenge me that way I’m always able to grow my own thought processes.
HOKA: Any advice you’d like to share for those interested in starting their own entrepreneurship journey?
Maurice: In 2024 you need to do ten times the amount of research you think. knowledge is you friend. Try to kill your idea from every angle if it survives, keep reworking it until it is bullet proof. That’s when the resources will come because you have spent so much time into it thats when your results will come in.
HOKA: What are your HOKA shoes of choice?
I’m a Bondi Girl, but I’m really just HOKA girl at large. I try to convince everyone to get one. It feels like I’m walking on two cloud pillows. It feels like it propels me. I go fast, I just love the shoe.
Keep up with Maurice and Bloom & Plume by following him on Instagram at @bloomandplume.
