Women-Owned Business Series: Leyla from LilyFête

Welcome back to our Women-Owned Business Series! Today we’re highlighting Leyla from LilyFête, a floral design company based here in New York City! With a background in fashion and photography, Lily channeled her creative passion into floral design, creating stunning, nature-inspired arrangements that elevate events and bring people together. Read more about her journey below!

Tell us about your business & why you started it:

I founded my floral design company, LilyFête, in January of 2023, after years of searching for the right creative outlet. My background spans many years in the fashion industry, along with some time spent as a photographer, all in an effort to satisfy a creative yearning that never seemed to go away. My passion for nature and community runs deep, and I discovered the transformative power of flowers in hosting events and gatherings. Flowers have the ability to elevate any atmosphere and uplift the spirit. Growing up in a culturally rich Persian household, flowers were always a symbol of celebration and connection, which influenced the heart of my business.

Floral design, for me, is the perfect blend of hosting, bringing people together, and creating unique, memorable experiences through a tangible, creative expression. Once I discovered this passion, I made the difficult but necessary decision to leave my corporate job as a fashion merchandiser, which had begun to weigh on me, and start my own floral design agency, LilyFête. I haven’t looked back since.

Being based in New York City offers a wealth of opportunities. In a city that never sleeps, neither do events. However, with that comes other challenges such as intense competition and high business operating costs, especially with an ephemeral medium.

I remain confident in my vision and abilities and believe that, with hard work, dedication and
increased visibility and exposure through marketing channels, LilyFête can continue to thrive.

Why LilyFête? My sister and close friends call me Lily, and lilies were once my favorite flower. And, of course, I love a good party (or fête)!

Why do you feel a connection to your work?

Flowers have always uplifted my spirits and they’re a universally recognized way to show love and support towards your loved ones. Studies show that flowers feed feelings of compassion and kindness towards others. Nothing makes me happier than spreading kindness, love, and joy through my floral designs!

As a business owner, community is everything. In what ways do you serve your community, and how has your community served you??

I absolutely agree and I would not have been able to accomplish what I have so far without the support of my community. Being an event florist means that we often have leftover flowers after every event. We often salvage what we can after each event and donate and giveaway mini bouquets to our local community. Whether it’s handing out little bundles in our local park, or leaving buckets of free mini bouquets at our local coffee shop up for grabs, we ensure to make the most use out of our flowers and continue spreading the love and joy.

Alternatively, we’ve partnered with local businesses in the past to host local events such as floral design workshops, bouquet pop-up bars, and giveaways etc. These local business partnerships have definitely helped increase visibility and exposure, especially in our local communities.

What advice would you give to young women who want to start a small business?

Don’t let the fear of failing hold you back. You don’t need to know everything to start, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. You’ll figure it out along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and feel comfortable with feeling uncomfortable! It will be worth it.

What women inspire you and why?

I’m inspired by not just one icon or role model but by all the women who uplift and empower other women. These are the women who create supportive communities, share their knowledge, and celebrate the successes of others without competition. Whether they are mentors in business, advocates for equality, or friends who show up with kindness and encouragement, their collective strength inspires me to do the same. Their willingness to lift others as they rise makes them true role models, and it’s this spirit of collaboration and empowerment that drives me both personally and professionally.

What do you think are the most significant challenges for women business owners or women in leadership positions?

One of the most significant challenges for women business owners and leaders is the difficulty of claiming what we deserve—whether it’s proper compensation, recognition, or leadership roles. Women often face systemic barriers that make it harder to ask for and receive the money, opportunities, and positions we’ve earned.

There’s still an expectation that women should be grateful for what they’re given, rather than empowered to demand their rightful share. Balancing this with overcoming the biases that label assertive women as “difficult” can be incredibly challenging. By supporting one another, we can break down these barriers and continue to make progress.

Please plug any promotions, events, or recent milestones you have!

We are coming up on our second year in business anniversary and couldn’t be more proud.

LilyFête is a celebration of beauty, connection, and community. From transforming event spaces with stunning floral arrangements to spreading joy through donated bouquets, Lily’s passion for flowers is truly inspiring. As she approaches her second year in business, we can’t wait to see how LilyFête continues to grow and thrive. Be sure to check out her work at www.lilyfete.com and follow along for updates, workshops, and gorgeous floral inspiration!