20 years of Kreative hands: The right time to bloom
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By Ana Castillo
We cannot ever know the future, but when we look back into our lives, we can see how all the pieces connect perfectly. This story is about time. How in retrospect we can see everything happening in the perfect timing. July 1st, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Kreative Hands and we will take a look back at how it all came to be. After working in the banking industry for 17 years, Srini, the founder of Kreative Hands, decided to become a full-time mom. “It felt like the right thing to do for our twin children,” said Srini. “I am so grateful to my husband who supported the family all those years.” However, as the twins began to grow older, suddenly Srini had more free time. So, she began to reconnect with one of her biggest passions. “I loved gardening, flowers, and nature,” Srini said. “I loved gathering flowers and making gifts for my family, friends and coworkers.” 
Srini with Phil Rulloda at his Floral Design School back in 2001.
Srini's first wedding couple Anishka and Rukshan.
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Srini at Phil Rulloda Floral Design School 20 years ago, which marked the beginning of the journey of flowering with love with her business Kreative Hands.
It did not take long for Srini to pursue this passion professionally.
“There was a floral design class held at a local florist, so I decided to take it,” said Srini. Soon enough she was driving 120 miles just to take classes at Phil Rulloda Floral Design School. “At the time I had no idea that Phil was a floral legend, and to this day, I am marveled by his creations and the beautiful person he is,” Srini said. Little by little, things began to come together and Srini registered her business. “I wanted a unique name, so I named it Kreative Hands,” Srini exclaimed. After reaching out to the people she knew, clients began to knock at the door. “The first year I got a couple who were native from my homeland Sri Lanka, and I did their wedding,” Srini said. After that first event, Srini had to learn to do accounting, marketing and customer relations in order for the business to run as smoothly as possible and to keep the clients satisfied. “I was a one-woman show,” Srini said. Srini had to make the decision to keep Kreative Hands as a part-time business and only focus on smaller events, but in 2014 things changed. “2014 was a tough year because my husband’s business closed after 25 years,” Srini exclaimed. However, where others see problems, Srini sees opportunities. “I stepped up and rebranded Kreative Hands as a full-time business,” said Srini. It was not an easy decision to make, but the whole family came together and helped every way they could. “Our daughter Jeneeka rebranded my business, did my website and her friend Laura created a logo for the company,” Srini shared. It became the perfect time for something wonderful to begin. Clients began to write full-page reviews on websites saying how happy they were with Srini’s work. As more events and weddings came in, the Kreative Hands team began to grow as well. Now, Srini’s schedule is fully booked for the entire calendar year for the first time ever while being in business! “I never thought back in 2001 that this could ever happen,” Srini said. “From one wedding in 2001 and 20 years later a fully booked year!” 20 years of ups and downs, uncertainty, learning, growing, and coming together as a family. 20 years of things happening in the perfect time. “Today I look back and thank God,” Srini said. “Yes, it all happened at the right time." |
We bloom - Our first book feature!
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by Ana Castillo
About seven years ago, Srini, the founder of Kreative Hands, decided to attend a class about local flowers conducted by Debra Prinzing. “It had been a tough day for me from what I recall, so my daughter suggested I take a break and attend this class in Pasadena,” said Srini. “We sat in a small group and Debra talked about local grown flowers and did a few demonstrations on how to arrange them naturally.” The class inspired Srini, so she decided to purchase Debra's book called Slow Flowers and become a member of Debra’s Slow Flower Movement. “A few months after the talk I received an email about the Slow Flower Movement,” Said Srini. “It gave me the opportunity to connect with local flower growers!” Just like any growing business, the beginning wasn’t easy but Srini’s unique creative vision and patent kindness, allowed her to have a studio built on trust and excellence, while continuing to build on those connections with flower growers and other floral studios. And then, the pandemic hit, but even a global virus couldn’t stop Srini from creating. “2020 was a tough year,” Srini said. “But I continued my passion for flowers and utilized my day productively.” Srini spent her quarantined days responding to emails, taking online classes, sourcing local vases, making unique arrangements, doing at-home photoshoots, mini weddings, cooking and spending time with her family. In September 2020, Srini submitted the lovely story about how her Kreative hands studio came to be for a new book that Debra was writing. “I sent Debra the info and a few images that our very own photographer Alex Austin Photo had taken,” said Srini. “And now my studio will be featured in her book Where We Bloom!" Life has a magical way of surprising us in the most unexpected ways. We never know when new friendships may bloom and where those connections may take us. This book is special because it features Srini’s story alongside other 36 studios who share the same passion. “What a gift to know that though most books are written about the person who is writing them, Debra focused on others and bringing their spaces to light,” Srini said. “It truly touched my heart.” |
Srini Perera opens the package to receive her copy of Where We Bloom book in which Kreative Hands was featured. Photo credit: nfpaphotography 
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Photo Credit: Caitlin Alohilani Photography
Small things ensure a win
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By Ana Castillo
In October 2020, the owner of Kreative Hands Srini Perera arranged flowers for a small, intimate wedding. Though it was a last-minute event, Srini made sure the bride-to-be would love every detail and every flower. However, she did not imagine that this story would have a plot-twist. “All the bride wanted was a bridal bouquet, grooms boutonniere, four decorated lanterns, an arch and cake flowers,” said Srini. “I loved mixing fresh florals with dry botanicals!” The wedding turned out beautifully and the photographs captured just that. “When I got the pictures, I was in awe,” said Srini. “The photographer took some breath-taking pictures.” The photos showed the magical, colorful details of the hand-picked flowers of every arrangement. Thus, when December came, Srini decided to submit her work to the Florists’ Review Picture Perfect Weddings’ competition, which is very well known within the industry. “Last year they had an intimate wedding category and I submitted Lively and Michael's wedding pictures and then I forgot about it!” Srini said. But life tends to love surprising us and Srini received a call that turned her whole day around. “I got a call saying that I had been featured as a winner and right away I went online to the florists review digital version,” Srini said. “Then, I saw that the boutonniere had been selected as the winner for the best wearables." Though we might think that small things will not be noticed, details are what make a big difference. “The boutonniere stood out with the groom’s blue blazer,” Srini said. “And her bouquet matched the boutonniere so well!” Getting recognition for a job well done is always uplifting. “I was overjoyed and could not believe my eyes!” Srini said. “I always thought in my heart that someday I would make it into the magazine! The Kreative Hands team knows that their work, mixed with good wedding vibes and amazing photography skills were the ingredients that made being featured in such an important magazine possible. “I am so humbled by this win,” Srini said. To read about the "Best Wearable Flowers" win in the Florists’ Review Picture Perfect Weddings’ competition, click here. |
Photo credit: Caitlin Alohilani Photography
Photo Credit: Caitlin Alohilani Photography
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Photo Credit: Alex Austin Photo
A Shirt Story: The Creative Hands that set us apart
By Ana Castillo
Kreative Hands was created back in 2001 by Srini Perera. It all began in her home-based studio in Woodland Hills, California. As the company kept growing, Kreative Hands started to go to many events to present their work.
“Typically, at events and wedding set-ups, vendors wear black and it is hard to tell who your florist, caterer, or wedding planner is,” Srini said.
Srini’s daughter, Jeneeka, noticed that attendees had a hard time recognizing the brand. They both quickly realized that they needed a t-shirt that could set them apart from other companies.
“The t-shirt was originally made for our team to wear on site, so vendors, venue staff, and wedding guests could easily recognize the team behind the beautiful creative floral bouquets, arrangements, and arches at weddings,” Srini mentioned. “However, we wanted it to be something very special,” Srini added.
Jeneeka and Srini knew that the t-shirt’s design needed to be more than just pretty: it had to show what Kreative Hands stands for.
“I was tired of the same old same old. I wanted someone who was an artist to bring my vision to light,” Srini said. “Automatically a light bulb ignited: Arielle Austin,” Srini added.
Arielle is an abstract artist residing in Austin, Texas. Her art is best known for its texture, layers, and details. Srini has known Arielle since before she was born.
“Her mom and I worked together for many years back in the 80’s and I have known her for almost 30 years,” Srini recalled.
However, it was not until later that they began their creative connection.
“In 2014, at the start of my art career and journey, Srini held a vendor market in front of her home. It was there that I was able to sell my first piece of artwork,” Arielle mentioned.
Kreative Hands was created back in 2001 by Srini Perera. It all began in her home-based studio in Woodland Hills, California. As the company kept growing, Kreative Hands started to go to many events to present their work.
“Typically, at events and wedding set-ups, vendors wear black and it is hard to tell who your florist, caterer, or wedding planner is,” Srini said.
Srini’s daughter, Jeneeka, noticed that attendees had a hard time recognizing the brand. They both quickly realized that they needed a t-shirt that could set them apart from other companies.
“The t-shirt was originally made for our team to wear on site, so vendors, venue staff, and wedding guests could easily recognize the team behind the beautiful creative floral bouquets, arrangements, and arches at weddings,” Srini mentioned. “However, we wanted it to be something very special,” Srini added.
Jeneeka and Srini knew that the t-shirt’s design needed to be more than just pretty: it had to show what Kreative Hands stands for.
“I was tired of the same old same old. I wanted someone who was an artist to bring my vision to light,” Srini said. “Automatically a light bulb ignited: Arielle Austin,” Srini added.
Arielle is an abstract artist residing in Austin, Texas. Her art is best known for its texture, layers, and details. Srini has known Arielle since before she was born.
“Her mom and I worked together for many years back in the 80’s and I have known her for almost 30 years,” Srini recalled.
However, it was not until later that they began their creative connection.
“In 2014, at the start of my art career and journey, Srini held a vendor market in front of her home. It was there that I was able to sell my first piece of artwork,” Arielle mentioned.
Photo Credit: Kreativehands |
Jeneeka and Srini agreed that Arielle would be the perfect artist to incorporate Kreative Hands’ vision and values into the T-shirt´s design.
“She had some amazing paintings incorporating dry flowers that caught my eye back then,” Srini said. “I always admired her work and supported her in whatever small way I could,” Srini added.
After talking about what the expectations were, Arielle began her creative journey.
“We wanted to incorporate an organic, handmade touch to the design,” Arielle said. “Earlier in my art practice I would create paintings and illustrations while using dried flowers, so we resurrected that idea and played around with it,” Arielle added.
“She had some amazing paintings incorporating dry flowers that caught my eye back then,” Srini said. “I always admired her work and supported her in whatever small way I could,” Srini added.
After talking about what the expectations were, Arielle began her creative journey.
“We wanted to incorporate an organic, handmade touch to the design,” Arielle said. “Earlier in my art practice I would create paintings and illustrations while using dried flowers, so we resurrected that idea and played around with it,” Arielle added.
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Arielle did not only focus on the brand while creating the design. She also considered Srini’s welcoming and kindhearted soul.
“I've always remembered and known Srini to be warm and inviting to everyone she comes in contact with,” Arielle mentioned. “Srini and her team put so much handmade care into what they do and whom they serve, I think this design really speaks to that,” she added. When Srini saw the design, she was blown away by how perfect it was. “It was a dream come true,” Srini said. “I have not seen art like hers anywhere.” 
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Photo credit: Alex Austin Photo |
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Improving our craft at the Mayesh International Experience in Quito
By Essi Auguste Virtanen
Kreative Hands Founder Srini Perera had the greatest pleasure of taking part in the first ever Mayesh International Experience in the great capital of Ecuador, Quito, in the spring of 2019.
This Mayesh experience was a week-long retreat at the Hacienda Cusin with over 20 attendees and three floral Design instructors who came together to focus on their passion for floral creation.
However, at first it was not so sure if Srini was going to make it. When Srini first heard about it, it was sold out. Srini reached out to Mayesh, expressing her profound interest if another slot opened.
“I said to myself, if it's God’s will, it will be, and went about my work,” Srini said. “However, my heart was always wanting to make the trip. Finances were tough, but I did not want to miss out on this opportunity.”
Weeks went by and the dates were getting closer when she received an email saying there is one spot that opened.
Her calendar was open.
A few days later, she was on her way for her first trip to South America.
On the first day, she got to meet all the attendees which comprised a group from Guatemala, Peru, Canada and the US.
“It felt like family instantly,” Srini said.
Kreative Hands Founder Srini Perera had the greatest pleasure of taking part in the first ever Mayesh International Experience in the great capital of Ecuador, Quito, in the spring of 2019.
This Mayesh experience was a week-long retreat at the Hacienda Cusin with over 20 attendees and three floral Design instructors who came together to focus on their passion for floral creation.
However, at first it was not so sure if Srini was going to make it. When Srini first heard about it, it was sold out. Srini reached out to Mayesh, expressing her profound interest if another slot opened.
“I said to myself, if it's God’s will, it will be, and went about my work,” Srini said. “However, my heart was always wanting to make the trip. Finances were tough, but I did not want to miss out on this opportunity.”
Weeks went by and the dates were getting closer when she received an email saying there is one spot that opened.
Her calendar was open.
A few days later, she was on her way for her first trip to South America.
On the first day, she got to meet all the attendees which comprised a group from Guatemala, Peru, Canada and the US.
“It felt like family instantly,” Srini said.
Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
The first two days were filled with warm welcomes, introductions, floral demonstrations and hands-on learning that helped Srini to enhance her floral craft to the next level.
"We go above and beyond to enhance our knowledge and creativity to share with our clients and beyond and more importantly education to make our flowering love!" Srini said.
In the first workshop of the retreat, Srini had the opportunity to create her own center piece and bridal bouquet based on the learning from Holly Chapple and her bouquet making process, using her signature Syndicate x Holly Chapple Egg.
“I always wanted to meet Holly and learn how she creates her beautiful garden style bouquets and arrangements using her Pillow,” Srini said. “This hands-on experience was amazing. The tricks of the trade you only learn from the best! That was Holly and her warm and loving self!”
"We go above and beyond to enhance our knowledge and creativity to share with our clients and beyond and more importantly education to make our flowering love!" Srini said.
In the first workshop of the retreat, Srini had the opportunity to create her own center piece and bridal bouquet based on the learning from Holly Chapple and her bouquet making process, using her signature Syndicate x Holly Chapple Egg.
“I always wanted to meet Holly and learn how she creates her beautiful garden style bouquets and arrangements using her Pillow,” Srini said. “This hands-on experience was amazing. The tricks of the trade you only learn from the best! That was Holly and her warm and loving self!”
Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
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Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
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Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
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On day two, Srini had the chance to learn from Sue McLeary of Passion Flower Sue how she makes her signature floral wearables and then kreate her own floral necklace.
“Learning the techniques of wearables was something I always wish I could learn,” Srini said. “This gave me a great opportunity to master the amazing techniques Sue uses to make such beautiful pieces one can wear with any outfit! I love making wearables and struggled with it prior to this class. This class gave me so much more that I could only dream of!”
“Learning the techniques of wearables was something I always wish I could learn,” Srini said. “This gave me a great opportunity to master the amazing techniques Sue uses to make such beautiful pieces one can wear with any outfit! I love making wearables and struggled with it prior to this class. This class gave me so much more that I could only dream of!”
Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
In the afternoon session of day two, the group also got to work on larger designs and an arch and a floral drop for a balcony was created.
They started from making the basic structure, assembling, and securing it and then preparing and embellishing with the flowers to finish the design.
“It sure was a labor of love,” Srini said. “From the little dainty wearables to huge structures it was Sue’s master brain that she shared with all of us.”
They started from making the basic structure, assembling, and securing it and then preparing and embellishing with the flowers to finish the design.
“It sure was a labor of love,” Srini said. “From the little dainty wearables to huge structures it was Sue’s master brain that she shared with all of us.”
Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
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Photo credit: Nicole Clarey
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On the third day, Srini and the group visited two flower farms in Quito area, including Green Rose where a true treat waited. The owners Jose Javier and his wife Stefani truly were the most humble and warm couple!
“Oh dear, we had such a welcome, a horse ride, horse dancing show, wine and a fantastic dinner,” Srini said.
After spending the last day in Quito sightseeing, the last evening was filled with bittersweet goodbyes.
Srini said what she got out of this experience, besides a true abundance of knowledge to enhance her kreativity with her floral craft was also a chance to meet and learn from industry leading designers and most importantly to make lifelong friends that became “a bond of one flower family.”
“We check on each other and have become such a closely knit family,” Srini said. “Who would have thought that this amazing trip would bring one beautiful flower family to be so close!”
What stuck with Srini about this experience was the simple fact that you can be from anywhere in the world, but flowers always have the power to ignite joy and bring people together.
“Oh dear, we had such a welcome, a horse ride, horse dancing show, wine and a fantastic dinner,” Srini said.
After spending the last day in Quito sightseeing, the last evening was filled with bittersweet goodbyes.
Srini said what she got out of this experience, besides a true abundance of knowledge to enhance her kreativity with her floral craft was also a chance to meet and learn from industry leading designers and most importantly to make lifelong friends that became “a bond of one flower family.”
“We check on each other and have become such a closely knit family,” Srini said. “Who would have thought that this amazing trip would bring one beautiful flower family to be so close!”
What stuck with Srini about this experience was the simple fact that you can be from anywhere in the world, but flowers always have the power to ignite joy and bring people together.
Hearts behind petals
Jenna Foster- Buying Manager
Florabundance Inc.
By Ana Castillo
At weddings, magic unfolds in front of your eyes.
Many hands work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring each item immerses you in a new and extraordinary world. That is exactly what Kreative Hands accomplishes. Not only does Kreative Hands create beautiful floral designs, but they also put their hearts and souls into each petal, so every design is unique and perfectly balanced.
It takes a full team to create unique pieces that will remain in the attendees’ memories. Srini Perera, the founder of Kreative Hands, understands the importance of having a strong, collaborative team.
Srini also recognizes that in order to have an efficient team, she also needs a passionate provider that can understand and execute her unique ideas.
In 2015, Srini found Florabundance Inc, a direct, nationwide distributor of wholesale fresh cut flowers – that is close to her hometown, surrounded by local growers. After she contacted Jenna Foster, their buying manager, Srini knew she had found her floral provider.
"I loved everything about the location, the quality of the flowers, and most importantly, I loved Jenna," Srini said.
That day, a new friendship began.
"We started working together slowly at first," Jenna said. "Then Srini began sending me little quizzes on the names of things...she liked trying to stump me. I would always try and send her lists of fun, funky, and different flowers and foliage, since textures are her favorite thing," she added.
When striving for perfection, it is difficult to find individuals who can encompass that same passion and motivation. However, Jenna understood and matched Srini’s enthusiasm for her floral designs and, specially, her wedding clients.
"I always want funky flowers, or foliage, or stems," Srini said. "Every time I send a request to Jenna, she will jump right in to send me a detailed list. She is always open to getting me anything unique."
Respect and kindness were the two leading values that has allowed this professional relationship to grow and develop.
"Srini would occasionally pick her orders up here and would always bring tea, or handmade soaps, or some sweet and thoughtful token," Jenna said.
Trust was another core value that nurtured Srini and Jenna’s professional relationship.
"Last year, I did not visit Jenna at all," Srini said. "I trusted her with what she picked and what we requested. We got all the flowers shipped to us. It saved us so much time and we have received beautiful blooms."
Srini and Jenna established a workplace relationship that most can only dream of.
"I always perk her up with funny sayings," Srini said, "I understand her, and she understands our needs. It is the little things that we do for each other that make our moments bloom."
At weddings, magic unfolds in front of your eyes.
Many hands work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring each item immerses you in a new and extraordinary world. That is exactly what Kreative Hands accomplishes. Not only does Kreative Hands create beautiful floral designs, but they also put their hearts and souls into each petal, so every design is unique and perfectly balanced.
It takes a full team to create unique pieces that will remain in the attendees’ memories. Srini Perera, the founder of Kreative Hands, understands the importance of having a strong, collaborative team.
Srini also recognizes that in order to have an efficient team, she also needs a passionate provider that can understand and execute her unique ideas.
In 2015, Srini found Florabundance Inc, a direct, nationwide distributor of wholesale fresh cut flowers – that is close to her hometown, surrounded by local growers. After she contacted Jenna Foster, their buying manager, Srini knew she had found her floral provider.
"I loved everything about the location, the quality of the flowers, and most importantly, I loved Jenna," Srini said.
That day, a new friendship began.
"We started working together slowly at first," Jenna said. "Then Srini began sending me little quizzes on the names of things...she liked trying to stump me. I would always try and send her lists of fun, funky, and different flowers and foliage, since textures are her favorite thing," she added.
When striving for perfection, it is difficult to find individuals who can encompass that same passion and motivation. However, Jenna understood and matched Srini’s enthusiasm for her floral designs and, specially, her wedding clients.
"I always want funky flowers, or foliage, or stems," Srini said. "Every time I send a request to Jenna, she will jump right in to send me a detailed list. She is always open to getting me anything unique."
Respect and kindness were the two leading values that has allowed this professional relationship to grow and develop.
"Srini would occasionally pick her orders up here and would always bring tea, or handmade soaps, or some sweet and thoughtful token," Jenna said.
Trust was another core value that nurtured Srini and Jenna’s professional relationship.
"Last year, I did not visit Jenna at all," Srini said. "I trusted her with what she picked and what we requested. We got all the flowers shipped to us. It saved us so much time and we have received beautiful blooms."
Srini and Jenna established a workplace relationship that most can only dream of.
"I always perk her up with funny sayings," Srini said, "I understand her, and she understands our needs. It is the little things that we do for each other that make our moments bloom."