Editor’s note: This month’s Business Beacon is a spotlight on Sugarbird 30A, a company specializing in eco-friendly event decor and design. Co-owner Emily Little talks to us about harmonizing artistry with environmental responsibility and the intersection of “paper meets pollen.” Find them on the web and Instagram.
Do you have an interesting topic you think we should cover? Leave a comment below!
1. How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
EL: We were both co-teaching art at Ohana Institute in Inlet Beach and loved doing projects that allowed us to be creative and we had brainstormed a couple ideas and came up with the idea of custom decor, specifically paper florals catered to events of any occasion!
2. Let’s discuss numbers: What year did you open? How many locations do you have? How many people do you employ?
EL: We started in July 2024 and we service events all around the Gulf Coast but heavily from Destin to 30A.
3. What do you sell or what service do you provide? What’s your best seller?
EL: We provide custom event decor for any and all occasions! So far, we have been able to create decor for baby showers, wine festivals, school events, birthday parties, private open houses, and most recently, for Rosemary Beach Holiday of Homes!
4. What’s unique about what you do or offer?
EL: We create each of our pieces completely by hand and no two pieces are the exact same! We can cater the design to be custom to the client’s request or theme for their occasion. Our most popular decor items are our paper florals; some have been nine feet tall, all have ranged in theme and design!
5. How would you describe your business to a potential customer?
EL: Sugarbird 30A is eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind event decor. We try to bring each client’s vision to life! Whether it is by creating paper flowers or a custom paper mache wine bottle, if you can dream it up, we would love to create it!
6. What do you love most about your line of work?
EL: The limitless potential to be creative. We both love art and the opportunity to create, so we thought this would be the perfect way to blend both of our personalities into one brand!
7. What sorts of trends are you seeing in your industry?
EL: We have seen strong transitions in terms of sustainability of materials. Clients are looking for unique, personalized touches in their event decor. Paper flowers can be customized in color, size, and design to reflect an event’s theme or a brand’s identity. This level of personalization helps to create memorable experiences while maintaining eco-friendly values. Events are also embracing sustainability. Clients are seeking beautiful yet sustainable decor, and paper flowers allow for intricate, luxurious designs without relying on non-recyclable materials. Many of our bases are created from cardboard and other materials we’ve been able to recycle while also adding a custom touch to each design.
8. Tell me in just a sentence or two what you feel sets you apart from your competitors.
EL: We try to go the extra mile with each client and always keep aspiring for thoughtful and custom creations. We always want to design with the client’s vision in mind, attaining the best result for each event or occasion. There is an end-to-end meticulous craftsmanship in each of our designs. Whether you’re looking for intricate details or a unique color palette, our flowers are designed to perfectly suit each event.
9. Who or what inspires you? This could be a family member or celebrity, a particular quote or even a book/movie/podcast. The sky’s the limit!
EL: We are constantly being inspired by different elements around us! We both love being in and around nature, whether it is the beach or helping keep it clean! We love to look and observe real flowers in nature as we construct them out of our materials. There is so much love and support within this community we are a part of and that inspires us to keep creating as well!
10. What’s the best thing about being a part of the Emerald Coast, personally and/or professionally?
EL: The beach! We love living so close to the beach in this little piece of paradise. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to build lasting connections with clients and fellow entrepreneurs. It’s a place where work and relaxation blend seamlessly, and it’s hard to beat that kind of balance.
11. Are you/your business involved in the community in any way? Volunteering or giving back? If so, how?
EL: Yes, we absolutely believe in giving back to our community. Over the past sevent months, we’ve had the privilege of supporting local causes by offering our services at no cost for at least four events.
12. What does a typical day in your business look like? (Pretend it’s Monday (or Friday!) and take me through the highlights of your day.)
EL: Tuesday each week is our main workshop day! This involves building bases for decor, prepping papers and ensuring our materials are ordered and ready to go for our next event. On event day, we transport, construct and install each set of flowers, as well as break down the decor after the event completion.
13. What’s your best “insider tip?” (This could be a community tip for vacationers or homeowners or even a tip for customers related to your business.)
EL: Always remember the impact your decor could have not only on your event, but the health and longevity of your environment post-event! Investing in decor that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly allows you to create stunning visuals without the environmental impact of single-use items. It’s a win-win for both your event and the planet!
14. How do you recharge or relax when the day is done?
EL: We both love an espresso martini … or maybe two after a long day of work. 😉
15. Just the deets, please! Where are you located? Business hours? Social media profiles and/or website links we need to know about? (Please feel free to add social media handles or direct links!)
EL: We are located in Santa Rosa Beach and the Panama City Beach area! [Find them on the web and Instagram.]
16. One final question: If there was just one thing you wish the public knew about your business, what would it be?
EL: Our goal is to create an amazing design for any budget, for any and all occasions! We would love to work with you to help create a one-of-a-kind event!
