Sandra Sigman
Founder of Les Fleurs
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Growing up around my mother, a floral designer, ignited my passion for flowers. Though I never considered myself creative, I found joy in assisting during special occasions. My floral journey took an unexpected turn when, in my 20s, I moved to France to skate professionally on tour with Holiday on Ice. Exploring my new surroundings and missing home, I stumbled upon a French flower shop in my neighborhood that sparked my inspiration.
When did you start Les Fleur? What made you want to launch your brand?
Living in Paris, I frequented "Les Fleurs," the charming shop near my apartment. Drawn to their unique style, I befriended the staff, envisioning a future flower shop with my mother. Unfortunately, her battle with cancer brought me back home. In her honor, we opened a French-inspired flower shop, Les Fleurs, but she passed away soon after.
Despite my lack of business experience, I persevered, turning Les Fleurs into my mother's legacy. Three decades later, our thriving shop features French-inspired floral arrangements, vintage goods, and a flower bar reminiscent of Parisian Fleuristes. My team and I continue to design for various events, wearing the iconic black aprons. I share my floral expertise through workshops, aiming to inspire others as I was inspired in Paris.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about the ability to create beauty every day, whether I'm in France, my shop, or my garden. The inspiration derived from these places fuels my deep passion, motivating me to show up and engage in the creative process consistently.
I always tell my husband “give me flowers and France” and I’m a happy girl!
Where do you gather inspiration from?
I’d have to say, when I’m living in France. The picturesque surroundings of Paris inspires me deeply. I love strolling the long boulevards with my cafe au lait in hand on the Left Bank near my apartment and of course the many gardens near me too. Each morning I wake up and always find something new that inspires me. It’s truly a magical place.
If you could invite any three people to your dream dinner party who would they be?
I would invite my mom, as I hope she would be proud of me, along with my kids and husband, giving her the chance to meet them, something she never got to experience.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to take more risks. I realize now that I was too hesitant and afraid of making mistakes. Someone once shared the perspective that a mistake is just a "miss take," and the key is to try again—always. Embracing this mindset earlier in life would have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and learn and grow from every experience. Truly words to live by!
What quote or saying do you try to live by?
Maya Angelou's famous quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
This quote resonates with me, because so often it’s our energy that speaks louder than our words, even though we may say something mundane or important, it can be interpreted differently through our energy. Therefore, I always try to “feel” things before I speak and ask myself if it’s with a kind heart.
Say Bonjour
website: www.lesfleurs.com
social: @lesfleursviasandra
shop: @lesfleursandover