Meet Dianna Bagunu of A Giving Thought

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianna Bagunu.

Hi Dianna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My first memory of arranging flowers started about 28 years ago on Mother’s Day. I made breakfast for my Mom and I used my Mom’s white fine china. I finished the table setting with a fresh centerpiece cut from her lavender Spring Lilacs. I went to college, graduated with a degree in psychology, married, started my Master’s work and had a baby. I worked several different jobs but none of the jobs fueled my heart.

I remember asking God, “What about me?” When was my “ah ha” moment going to be? I didn’t know what to do next.

Have you ever watched a dog riding down the road with its owner? The dog’s head turns with each new sighting. This is exactly how I behaved watching the wildflowers growing in the fields or on the side of the road. I envisioned how beautiful they would look in vase. I started stopping every chance I had and the flower arranging became addictive. I would make a design, take a photo and tear it apart and start all over with another vase. As a mother of four boys, this became my play therapy. Flowers feed my heart.

The thrill of touching flowers came back to me about five years ago. I definitely have a love affair with flowers and I started working at a local flower shop. I washed buckets, processed flowers, delivered flowers and watched an excellent florist named TIffany. I confided in TIffany that my dream job was be a florist and to open up my own studio someday. Did you know there is power in speaking something out form your mouth? There truly is life and death in one’s tongue.

About three years ago, I entered a contest for a weekend training session with one of the world’s top floral designers, Holly Chapple. Holly owns Hope Flower Farm in Waterford, Virginia. Out of the hundreds if not thousands of flower lovers that entered, I was one of the 10 chosen. My passion for the floral arts solidified in that magical weekend.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey is still unfolding as I walk towards my personal goal. My youngest son will start Pre-kindergarten this year freeing up some additional hours to grow my business. Marketing is one of my struggles as computers, websites, TikTok and Stories prove challenging. I love word of mouth. If you love my work, tell your family and friends. If you have used A Giving Thought and are pleased with my work, let me encourage you to write a review. Thank you!

As you know, we’re big fans of A Giving Thought. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I chose this name because we often have good intentions when our hearts are moved to compassion, love, joy or to prayer and concern as we hear about our loved one’s struggles, accomplishments or celebrations. Our thoughts are only thoughts until you give them away… speak what is inside your heart. In other words, give your thoughts feet and wings. A Giving Thought speaks on your behalf.

A Giving Thought provides flowers for all occasions and has recently relocated from Lee’s Summit, MO to 11801 E Bannister Road Kansas City, MO 64138. A Giving Thought’s Studio is now at the Old Longview Garden’s property. The property was originally full of greenhouses that serviced the Kansas City area with gorgeous flowers, shrubs, trees and plants.

I am thrilled to be on 10 acres located about one mile west of Unity Village and Immediately north of I-470’s Paragon Star’s development and the Lee’s Summit’s Magic Tree. I work with several Kansas City floral wholesalers as I continue to grow my floral gardening skills. The former owners of Longview Gardens, Mr. and Mrs. Vinyard, have become Dear Friends to our family as they continue to take my phone calls and text messages regarding the care of the grounds. They worked countless hours, days and years developing the gardens and it is a pleasure to pick up where they left off. I love incorporating the garden’s spring and summer flowers into my designs. I continue to believe flowers say it best. When you pair your message with my flowers, we have a Giving Thought. We will touch hearts one petal and one bloom at a time.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories took place outside. I loved studying the detail of my dad’s purple allium balls. They were located in each corner of the front yard.

Pricing:

• Thoughtful designs start at $40

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: AGivingThought
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommaDianna

Image Credits
@Kim Branagan Photography [email protected] Hope Flower Farm photographer.