A Floral Company’s Rebrand During a Pandemic ( Aka Time to Pivot - Again)
Welcome to the new brand! This launch is a true labor of love. So many hours poured into this. Helping hands from freelancers, friends and family. Built on a shoestring budget because you know, economic collapse and all. But let's rewind a bit, and start at the beginning.
GATHERED
EVENTS| STYLING| RETREATS |CURATED COLLECTIONS
“A big thank you to my inspiring friends all over the globe who are handling this pandemic with grace and continue to check on me. And a bigger thank you to my family, who has been patient with me through my wine, cake and crying phase. You helped shape this brand, and told me when to put the laptop down. You put a roof over my head and have given me unlimited support. Words are not enough to thank you.”
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Kayla Montalvo. I am the owner and the designer behind House of Magnolias (now Gathered). I started my floral business 9 years ago. While my business has taken many forms, I’ve spent the last few years freelancing as a luxury floral designer. It’s been the most rewarding & challenging work of my life.
The work eventually brought me to Australia. California and Sydney have opposite design seasons, and I was able to secure freelance work while my business has some down time. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Australia felt like home. The people were kind and warm. The sights were incredible. The botanical elements were unreal.
And then a passion project (wellness retreats) turned into a second brand in 2019. After a trip to Bali, I met Holly Sloof and we started the Glow Retreat House - Bali. With plans to have our first retreat June 2020.
Well we know that 2020 has turned out to be a dumpster fire of a year thus far (stolen quote from colleague haha).The retreats were cancelled. And all of my freelance work for the year lost. My business in California, all the weddings and events, cancelled or postponed. I left Australia, and returned to the states empty handed. Both companies at a stand still. Luckily I had my health and family to be grateful for. Luxuries that many haven’t had during these trying times.
I spent some time grieving, I ate too much cake and red wine. And then, after giving myself just enough time to let go of old expectations of my future, I decided it was time to pivot- yet again.
Our dreams are bigger than ourselves and our purpose remains. Even in times such as these, I think that there is still a need for beauty. I have a women owned business and employees, mostly women, from all over the world - that needed work just as much as I do. When it felt almost pointless to try to resume business as normal, I just looked outside of myself for inspiration. Other women in my insutstry out there, doing what they could, to keep their shops open, employees paid, and their families fed. My purpose was clear, bring some beauty back into the world, bring people together, and empower others to do the same.
We may not be able to physically gather yet. And that’s okay because the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones is paramount. But we can still find ways to connect, celebrate and be inspired. So we went digital!
Gathered sells a variety of items guaranteed to bring you joy, all available online. We also have virtual services that you can now book directly through our site. Check out our virtual plantscaping design services or our monthly succulent subscription.
I’m looking forward to connecting with you all, vrtually and someday in person. I can’t wait to be inspired by what you all bring to the table, and what I, in return, can give back to you. I hope you love the new brand, inspired by my time spent in Australia and the Mediterranean.
A big thank you to my inspiring friends all over the globe who are handling this pandemic with grace and continue to check on me. And a bigger thank you to my family, who has been patient with me through my wine, cake and crying phase. You helped shape this brand, and told me when to put the laptop down. You put a roof over my head and have given me unlimited support. Words are not enough to thank you.
