A recipe or preperation of food, is more often then not a lot of work just to prepare and ensure a delicious taste. Now how about the work needed to make that food especially visually appealing? Not just visually appealing, but visually creative! Jackie Bonilla of Fruit Couture in Ottawa, Ontario, specializes in custom fruit arrangements and desserts that cause a slight hesitation prior to eating, simply because, the arrangements and desserts look so beautiful. With a background in public relations, Bonilla craved something in a career where she could also flex her creative muscle in a different atmosphere. In September 2013 Fruit Couture launched by chance and has been busy with orders since. Bonilla sat down to share her experiences launching the new venture.
Why did you launch Fruit Couture?
I decided to start my business after making an owl fruit sculpture and platter for my friend’s baby shower. After I posted it on my social media, I had people asking me if I can make one for them, then it just took off from there! I enjoyed the final product of my creations so it motivated me even more to continue creating art with fruits.
Was is it your plan to become a business owner/entrepreneur?
Owning a business has always been a dream of mine. Since I can remember, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always had many business ideas but Fruit Couture just stuck with me because it gave me the opportunity to use my creative side along with my entrepreneurial skills and public relations background.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to use my artistic side and really create a new market for this type of product or art if you will, that has not really been explored by many people in the city.
What do you dislike most (if anything)?
I’m over protective of my work so I get a little bothered when I see people who have followed my career start copying my ideas and sell it as their own.
Which do you prefer, quality or quantity and why?
Quality is a priority to me because if someone has a passion for something then they should give it their 100% and only use the finest materials that will help them accentuate their quality of work. I never send anything out to a client unless I think it’s perfect!
How would you like to see Fruit Couture grow from here?
I haven’t done the research yet, but I would love to see Fruit Couture grow into a franchise one day!
Photos courtesy of Fruit Couture
