Jacqueline Bonilla isn’t your average university student. The Sociology and Communications student owns (yes, you read that right- owns) a company in addition to being a student and mother. The Houston-born, Ottawa raised Bonilla has been running her company, Fruit Couture, for eight months.
When I sat down with Jacqueline over a cup of coffee at Second Cup, I had the pleasure of hearing about how she started her own company as well as chatting about school and life (We even realized we had taken a class together a few years back!).
HC: The first thing I want to know is how you came up with the name Fruit Couture for your fruit arrangements company.
JB: I was trying to think of something that reflected my creations and since I have always been inspired by fashion, the name seemed fitting since couture means something that is tailored and custom made. When I thought of it, I realized it would be the perfect name.
HC: I love the name! It’s certainly unique and I like that it has a personal meaning behind it. On a different note, I’m interested in why you decided to start this particular company.
JB: After receiving many compliments from my first fruit platter (that featured an owl sculpture centrepiece made out of fruit) it got me to thinking that maybe I could make something that I enjoyed more than just a hobby.
HC: What is your favourite creation that you’ve made so far?
JB: My all time favourite creation would have to be the Drummer Bear fruit and vegetable sculpture centrepiece that I made. For bouquets, I really enjoy making the “Glam Bouquet” which comes with pink and milk chocolate covered strawberries with a variety of toppings (such as M&Ms, Skor pieces, and sprinkles). I also write the recipient’s name on the vase with chocolate.
The Drummer Bear Platter
HC: It seems like you’re a busy woman with school, work, and taking care of your son. How do you manage your business on top of everything?
JB: Managing my time is something that I’m always having to do. For example, I know my son has school in the afternoons so I try and choose my courses that work best with his schedule. I then run my business around those times. I also require a minimum of 24 hours notice for all of my fruit orders to ensure that I have enough time to organize everything.
HC: Does your son like to be involved with Fruit Couture? You mentioned earlier to me that he is very proud of your work and likes to tell all of his friends at school.
JB: If it were up to him, he’d be helping me all of the time! For now, he helps me by sampling and rating all of my creations before I make them available for order.
HC: That sounds adorable! Do you deliver your creations to customers? How do your customers go about picking up their orders?
JB: Yes, I give my customers the option to pick up their orders from my house or I deliver for a small fee of $12 to most areas in Ottawa. For students at uOttawa, I can do free deliveries if I’m going to be on campus when they need their order.
HC: So what are your plans after graduation? Will you continue to work with Fruit Couture?
JB: After graduation I plan to continue working on the growth of Fruit Couture and would love to make it a franchise one day.
HC: With Mother’s Day approaching, I see this as a great gift idea… what are your most popular and affordable creations?
JB: A gift from Fruit Couture is definitely a great idea, especially for Mother’s Day! In terms of affordability, I have chocolate covered strawberries starting at only $20 per dozen and fruit bouquets starting at $45. The most popular items are the fruit bouquets with chocolate covered strawberries and my “Celebration Bouquet” that comes with a variety of chocolate covered strawberries in a martini glass.
HC: In addition to individual customers, you also mentioned that you cater to events. What sort of events do you mostly create items for?
JB: I can cater to any event. I can do baby showers, birthdays, weddings, and any other special events (including fundraisers). I do it all!
HC: What fundraisers have you already participated in?
JB: Since the launch of Fruit Couture in September 2013, I have participated in several programs and fundraisers. In October of 2013, I contacted the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and told them I wanted to raise money for them during their awareness campaign for the month of October. I did this by donating a portion of the profits I made throughout that month. I also created a special collection of chocolate covered strawberries and fruit bouquets dedicated to the cause. This April, Fruit Couture also participated in a charity event by sponsoring a fashion show fundraiser held by St. Matthews Catholic HS in Orleans, in effort to raise money for the Children’s Bridge Foundation (an adoption agency). Giving back to the community by volunteering and helping in any way I can has always been important to me, so I’m glad I can now incorporate my products into doing this.
HC: Just for fun, what is your dream job?
JB: Aside from running my own business, my dream job is to be come a successful publicist in the music and entertainment industry (which I have a background in).
If you are interested in finding out more about Fruit Couture (or would like to place an order ASAP!) you can head to the Fruit Couture Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (username: @FruitCouture).
Photos: Courtesy of Jacqueline Bonilla