Petalier Blloons’ Diane Yap on nurturing her business baby, personal growth & the fragrant promise of a future family.

Blooms, Balloons, & Scented Candles

Diane Yap was working as a communications officer in 2015, but knew she wanted better. Then she found romance. “I was browsing online and saw a unique floral arrangement in an elegant box,” recalls Diane,“ at the time, there was no such product (in The Philippines). I fell in love.”

At 23 years old, Diane did exactly what any young adult with a crush would do - pursue it to the fullest. With the support of her best friend - Petalier blossomed in October of 2015. The “Blloon” would come two years later.

“The name is a portmanteau of ‘petal’ and ‘atelier,’ explains Diane, who attended Flower School in New York to learn about horticulture “I searched, found it didn’t yet exist, and immediately had it trademarked.”

Diane cites flower-gifting as a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was considered a symbol of luxury not just in spite of but perhaps because of, their ephemeral nature. And while people in the 21ist century are still willing to splurge, Diane isn’t content to stay in the past.

“I’m a hopeless romantic! I love coming up with new, original ideas to make customers giddy!” Diane, who has an eye for the finer things in life considers keeping up-to-date with luxury trends, traveling for research, and connecting with her market all in a day’s work. And a big part of her work is celebration.

“We notice that our products are given mostly on happy occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.” Diane shares,“ and it is true - we want to exemplify what a ‘luxurious celebration’ looks like.”

Purveying only the most premium blooms, complimented by the highest quality materials, it wasn’t long before Petalier Blloons defined what lavish meant.

Customers loved it.

Diane is touched whenever she hears stories of her products creating happiness. She remembers her products being sent to cheer up someone’s day, as well used by clients courting their interests til…”next thing we know, they’re already ordering for the surprise wedding proposal!”

And yet as with most cases of love, when there is such loyalty, there is inevitably - competition.“ In just a few months, we’ve seen so many new brands sprouting here and there offering the same products as us.” Laments Diane,“ It was initially frustrating, but we’ve learned that competitors are one of the best motivators. It taught us to never be complacent.”

Diane believes that to grow a strong brand, to maintain customer relationships (and any relationship, for that matter), one needs a strong heart, a strong body, and an able mind. “It’s about having the right mindset - how to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.”

When she looks back, it was never really scary but more of exciting how endless possibilities can be.

Tending to Herself

When she isn’t busy tending to her business of blooms, balloons, and scented candles, Diane nurtures herself in several ways - the first of which is exercise.

To keep herself as poised as a rose and as light as a balloon, Diane engages in HIIT and cardio exercises at home. “Maintaining a healthy mind and body is paramount to any entrepreneur,” states Diane, who believes that “the endorphins help me come up with energized business ideas and inspirations.”

Next to exercise, Diane also walks Jesus’ path through weekly group Bible studies, communicating her experiences in writing - which she finds very therapeutic.“ I hope to someday publish articles I’ve written - mostly about self-help, faith, love, and business,” she quips happily.

Like many others, when stressed, few things uplift Petalier Blloon’s head honcho more than food. “I love eating so much!” says Diane, who dreams of eating in all the best restaurants in the world - from casual hole-in-the-walls to fine dining. “As long as the food is good, I’m in!” - is a quote uttered by the best food-tripping buddies.

And Diane, an extrovert, does indeed enjoy socializing with close friends - but prefers intimate celebrations or quiet wine nights with dates and select people.“ She also draws strength and support from her family - in particular, her father (ie. her best "frienemy").

"I love drinking wine with family and friends to unwind,” says Diane, before thoughtfully following up with: “but I only drink once all the work is done.”

Expanding (Romantic) Horizons

“I would relate running a start-up business to raising a baby,” intimates Diane, who has seen how her siblings raise her nephews. She observes that the two activities both require a lot of patience, resilience, grit, passion, time management and organizational skills.

Given her success at handling Petalier Blloons, it may be safe to say that Diane, who is currently happy dating someone, is ready for her own family...in a couple of years.

“I’ve been in three serious relationships in the past,” shares Diane,“ I wish I took the time to get to know (my past partners) better, before investing in them emotionally.” She cites the importance of taking things slow to save on the heartaches.“ Nonetheless, I wouldn’t change anything in my past because as they say, experience is the best teacher.” She also says that such experiences made her realize what she wanted, as well as what she could improve on in herself.

Her wisdom shows, as when asked about her “type” she immediately defers to: presentable, tall, chinito, with an emotional connection, vulnerability, and someone ambitious and like-minded enough to provide for a future family.

“Also someone who can make me feel secure!” adds Diane, whose sense of loves goes deeper than personal.“ The opinions of my family and friends when it comes to my partner greatly matter to me. These are people who genuinely love and care for me, so without their approval, it would be hard for me to see myself long term with someone.”

Words from a lady in bloom, whose future seems as rosy as the flowers she tends to.

Life is worth celebrating - no matter the occasion. Connect with Diane and Petalier through : Petalier Instagram and official website. 

—alike.com.ph


REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES. WE COVER PERSONALITIES WHO ARE WORTHY OF MAKING THE HEADLINES. PROFILES, LIFESTYLE, CULTURE, ARTS, LITERATURE, ENTERTAINMENT—TELLING STORIES THAT MAKE US FEEL AND CELEBRATE LIFE. WE ARE ALIKE. FOR STORY PITCHES, PERSONAL ESSAY, LITERARY, AND ART SUBMISSIONS: EDITORIAL@ALIKE.COM.PH

FOR BRANDING AND MARKETING, VIDEO PRODUCTION, AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT — COLLABORATE WITH US: MEDIA@ALIKE.COM.PH