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Bound Blossoms

There’s something truly special about a business that blends creativity, intention, and heart, and Bound Blossoms does exactly that. Founded on the belief that beauty doesn’t have to be fleeting, this unique floral brand reimagines flowers as keepsakes, stories, and meaningful works of art.


From handcrafted blooms made from book pages to thoughtfully designed pieces that never wilt, Bound Blossoms is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and personal expression. We sat down with the founder Sydney Ilson to talk about her journey into entrepreneurship, what lights her up creatively, and the lessons she’s learning along the way as she builds a business rooted in intention and imagination.


Below, she shares her story in her own words...


Did you always want to be in or see yourself as a business owner & being your own boss?


I always knew I wanted more, like I was meant to do something else but just couldn't quite figure out what that was. For years, it felt right there, on the tip of my tongue; I could see all the different pieces, but I couldn't put them together yet. Over time, I've bounced around from industry to industry, coast to coast. I spent my early 20s as an Extras Casting Director in LA, working on top TV shows and films. Then I spent a few years as a cook, working my way up to Sous Chef, before shifting gears to hotels and hospitality, focusing on events and conferences. While every job had its ups and downs, nothing quite fit, so I knew something else was out there for me. I'm also kind of a control freak and perfectionist, so the idea of being my own boss, fully relying on myself and my own actions (good and bad) has always been a big driving factor.



What is it about "Bound Blossoms" that stands out in the floral industry?


First and foremost, they never wilt! You can keep your wedding bouquet forever, and it will look just as beautiful as it did on your special day. Bound Blossoms florals are completely customizable, offering a unique touch that traditional flowers simply can't match. Imagine a bouquet on your desk crafted from pages of your favorite book series, or one at your restaurant's host stand made from inspiring cookbooks. Want blue roses in your boutonnières? Absolutely! Each bloom is handmade from cutting the petals to assembly making every bloom completely unique and crafted with intention.

 


How do you balance being an entrepreneur and having a personal/family/social life? What does that look like for you and any tips for our readers?


I've always struggled with work-life balance, especially in industries that make it tough. When I took the leap to start Bound Blossoms, I wanted things to be different - sustainable not just financially, but creatively and mentally too. I tend to dive headfirst into projects, giving them 1000% and setting super high expectations for myself. That often leads to burnout, which I've experienced way too many times and don't want to repeat.


Working from home as my own boss means I don't have to answer to anyone else. Sure, I still need to pay the bills, keep the house (relatively) clean, and feed myself, but there's no boss writing me up for not clocking in at 8 a.m. sharp. This is great but can also make it hard to maintain discipline and motivation.

Routine has become my bestie! I have a daily schedule that covers everything from morning workouts and breakfast to dedicated work blocks (admin, production, marketing) and time for rest. Yes, I specifically block out times to take a lunch break or cook dinner in the evenings. I also block out a rest day to fully relax and not be productive (this is harder than it seems). I incorporate things I love into the work too; for example, if I need to sit down and make a bunch of flowers for an upcoming market, I listen to an audiobook at the same time. Productivity is important, but so is rest and taking care of yourself.


What is the part about your business that lights you up the most?


Creative exploration and freedom. My attention span isn't great, so you aren't going to find me churning out the same paper roses over and over again. I'm constantly experimenting with different paper types and colors, trying new patterns, and seeing what I can create. I have a mile-long list in my phone of fresh ideas from “Sorting Hat” painted wine glasses to a Chapter 55 bouquet in a painted wine glass that looks like a soup can (if you get those references, DM me so we can be besties!). I love chatting with people to brainstorm new concepts, like turning their workshop workbook into flowers for their desk or their favorite cookbook into a display for the host stand. The possibilities really are endless, and it's so much fun working out these new ideas.



Do you have any advice/tips for women wanting to start their own business & go after their dreams?


I'm still looking for advice, and I will take all I can get…anyone have anything for me??

In all seriousness though, I'd say the biggest thing is getting started. Taking that leap and just getting the ball rolling. As a perfectionist and recovering people pleaser, I've lived my life trying to stay within these lines that were drawn for me at some point (by whom? Who knows). I've always had the mindset of “if it's not perfect, don’t do it,” but with Bound Blossoms, I'm really trying to shift gears to “just do it. If it’s not perfect, we can improve it later.”


The other mental shift that's really helped me lately is remembering that not everything is permanent. If you take a job you don’t like, you can quit and find a different one. If you live in an apartment you hate, you can move. Yes, sometimes those changes take time and come with struggles along the way, but nothing is set in stone. If you take the leap to try the new thing, whether that’s starting a business or something else entirely, it doesn’t have to be a forever thing. If it doesn’t work out, you can pivot and figure it out. Life is short, but also long. Think about how much you and your life have changed just in the last ten years, then imagine where it could be in the next ten. If you stay exactly where you are, you already know that answer - it's just a matter of whether you're happy with it or not.


What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship and start Bound Blossoms?

Was there a specific incident or a culmination of things?


Over the last 15 years, I've worked in some crazy industries and jobs - ones that

required 14+ hour days, calls and texts at 2 a.m., no days off, and pushing until you

break. While I'm grateful for what these jobs gave me (I met some of my best friends in

my first casting gig, and we're still close today. 10 years later & we frequently credit the

“trauma bond” - IYKYK), I've also hit extreme burnout multiple times (cut to me crying in

the walk-in cooler). I often joke that I spent my entire 20s “working and complaining

about work.” I said I didn’t want to do that in my 30s, but I kept landing in toxic work

environments...same thing, different venue. I didn’t like the person I was turning into -

frustrated and irritable, competitive and harsh. Finally last year, I had the opportunity

(big thanks to my husband for this) to quit my “real” corporate job to focus on Bound

Blossoms and getting back to the person I used to be.


How has your journey been so far with your business and what services/products do you offer?


The journey has been interesting and definitely a learning process. I only really started in November 2025, fresh off my honeymoon. I jumped into whatever holiday markets I could still snag a spot in; some were successful... and some were not. It can be frustrating and overwhelming to find the right markets and venues that lead to a good day. It's discouraging to pour hours and hours (plus those pricey vendor fees) into a Saturday, only to make $12 in sales. Don't even get me started on social media and online platforms - it's no joke. It's been a ton of hard work and time, but I've really enjoyed the process for the most part. I've started getting a few custom bouquet requests, so I'm looking forward to creating those and seeing where that leads.


Bound Blossoms creates handmade flowers using book paper, fiber paper, and other materials. With these, I craft custom bouquets, event florals, boutonnieres and corsages, plus small gifts like bookmarks, bud vases, and stickers. I also offer hand-painted wine glasses in a variety of shapes and colors; all are dishwasher-safe and customizable to your preferred palettes and themes. I try to upcycle all the books and wine glasses, so each bloom and glass is completely unique and sustainable.


Do you have a favorite part about your business whether it be expanding, learning about clients, creating new offers, etc & why?


I love creating new ideas, especially when they actually work out. I started all of this by watching a YouTube video on how to make a paper rose while I was home sick from work. Along the way, I've experimented with adding stems, using different paper types and colors, and trying new flower patterns. I come up with ideas all day long, but when I can actually sit down and make one work, it's the best feeling. It took me forever to figure out how to make paper dahlias, and I am still perfecting that process, but they have turned out really pretty and I love them.  I also really enjoy chatting with clients about their vision, brainstorming what we can do, and coming up with unique ways to bring it to life.

If you’re as inspired by this journey as we are, be sure to follow along with Bound Blossoms and support this beautiful, woman-owned business! Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind bouquet, looking for a meaningful gift, or simply love cheering on creative entrepreneurs, this is a brand worth keeping on your radar.


Visit the links below to explore her work, connect on Instagram, and see how Bound Blossoms is turning stories, memories, and moments into flowers that last. And as always, thank you for supporting local, intentional businesses and the women behind them 🤍✨


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