Stoop Stories
Stoop Story 01: Labellum
The Architect’s Wife has always been focused internally on showcasing our showroom space and the artists, creators, or makers within it. But given the current circumstances, we’re learning to shift our focus and connect with people in new ways. More importantly, we want to shine a light on craftspeople and the creativity they contribute to our community. In this series which we’ve dubbed “Stoop Stories”, The Architect’s Wife visits friends and makers to share how they’re staying in/spired.
Remy is the owner of Labellum – a contemporary flower boutique – as well as an urban farmer, beekeeper, and all around swiss army knife of a creative. We enjoyed getting to know Remy from the stoop of her greenhouse and hearing her perspective on change and growth (both literally and figuratively). If anything, we hope to share a dose of her radiant positivity with you.
Tell us what you do. How did you fall into your craft?
After college I needed a job, and I saw a Want Ad in the newspaper from a local flower shop. I applied that day and was hired on the spot. I was that little kid out foraging on the sidewalk for dropped leaves and little twigs to decorate the Thanksgiving table. It seemed quite natural. I didn’t seek it out, it found me.
What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was when I was 8. Cat sitting for neighbors when they went out of town. They paid me in Lisa Frank stickers. They were dropped off to me in a brown paper lunch bag when they returned home. It was perfection.
What does an average routine day look like for you?
Thankfully, no day is the same. Once I am at the my shop every day is different. There is always a new occasion to be designing for, a birthday, an anniversary, styled shoot & and lots of weddings to plan. Some days it’s more computer and administrative details to handle. You have to wear many hats when running a small business.
What have you been up to during quarantine?
This stay at home time has been intense, but as creatives we always have 20 million projects we are working on at the same time. Outside of work, we have a micro urban farm at our house. It mostly has given us the opportunity and a jump start on all of our Spring getting ready chores. Cleaned up the raised beds, playing in the dirt, checked on our bees. My dog is super happy to have me home all day. We got 3 new chicks, and I have been baking more than I usually do.
What’s something you’ve been working on your excited about?
We are creating more areas to grow flowers in this year. We usually grow mostly food for our family, friends and neighbors. so, I’m super excited to offer even more fresh, local, slow flowers to our customers. And to provide lots of yummy flower foods for the pollinators.
What’s something one might not know about you?
Music is my soul. My husband and I started a group many moons ago. We recorded 4 albums, had some fun in Los Angeles with soundtracks and radio play. I sing all day long, and our customers walk in on me singing all the time.
Currently playing on the record player (not including cd player or Pandora):
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration as a creator isn’t tangible. It comes from every bit of the world we live in and beyond. One never knows when it appears. With flowers, they speak to you if you listen. And I don’t mean literally, but they tell you what to do. Each stem is different, has it’s on variation of size and color. Each stem bends its own direction and decides how far to open. Every season gives us different colors and textures, so you never have the chance to get stuck doing the same thing. Change is quite inspiring too.
The Architect’s Wife is focused on sharing togetherness, inspired spaces, and warmth in any capacity we can generate it. Here we shine a light on craftspeople and the creativity they contribute to our community.
