In a world that often rushes past life’s most meaningful moments, Sabrina James has found a way to pause, preserve and celebrate them — one petal at a time. Through her small business, Orma Florals, she transforms fresh floral arrangements into timeless keepsakes, helping people hold onto their most cherished memories with beauty and grace. Though her store is based online, James is a local creative whose work has resonated deeply within the community.
It all started in the spring of 2020, during the height of pandemic uncertainty and wedding planning chaos. For James, stress turned into spark when she discovered resin art — a creative outlet that quickly became a lifeline. “Honestly, I first started playing around with resin in April 2020,” she recalls. “It was such a fun, creative way to take my mind off the stress of planning our wedding.” What began as simple resin keychains soon evolved into coasters, then eventually into floral preservation — all sparked by encouraging feedback on a single Instagram post.
In the early days, she opened an Etsy shop under the name SAJ Made, a nod to her initials and the handmade nature of her creations. But it wasn’t until 2021, when one of her Instagram Reels went viral with over a million views, that the momentum shifted. “The orders started coming in and I was overwhelmed in the best way possible,” she says. What was once a hobby had become a full-fledged business.
Following her own wedding, James found herself drawn to the emotional weight flowers carry. “I preserved my own bouquet and realized how powerful it was to have that reminder,” she shares. From weddings to memorials, proms to baby showers, Orma Florals now offers custom preservation for every type of life event — creating pieces that capture not just the beauty of the flowers, but the meaning behind them.
In 2024, James rebranded her business to reflect that mission more deeply. The name Orma, derived from the Malayalam word for “memory,” perfectly encapsulates her vision. “It’s about helping people showcase a piece of their own special day. A memory that will live on forever,” she explains. That same year, she expanded her offerings to include fresh floral design for events — uniting the ephemeral joy of a bouquet with the enduring nature of preservation.
Though her storefront is virtual, James lives and creates locally — and her work has become a favorite among area couples, families and event planners who want to preserve florals in a meaningful way. Her connection to the community and commitment to personal storytelling sets Orma Florals apart in an industry that can sometimes feel impersonal.
Despite her growing success, James’s path hasn’t been without challenges. “Honestly, I didn’t expect how much of being a creative entrepreneur is about everything but the creative part,” she admits. From bookkeeping to customer service, the behind-the-scenes hustle has tested her — but it’s also pushed her to grow. Still, it’s the heart of her work that keeps her going: “Each piece becomes part of someone’s story and legacy. That inspires me to keep dreaming bigger.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit traces back to childhood — from selling bindi packets in second grade to making jewelry supported by her grandmother’s first five-dollar investment. That same spark now fuels a business that brings comfort, joy and remembrance to hundreds of clients.
James’s advice for anyone sitting on a creative idea? “Take the leap of faith. If you wait until everything feels perfect, you’ll never start.” She believes in starting small, learning through trial and growing with intention — the same philosophy that has shaped Orma Florals from a single resin keychain into a brand rooted in beauty, memory and meaning.
As Orma Florals continues to blossom, Sabrina James proves that with a little faith and a lot of heart, something handmade can become something unforgettable — right here in our own backyard.
Orma Florals
Phone: (908) 248-4824
Website: ormaflorals.com
“Each piece becomes part of someone’s story and legacy. That inspires me to keep dreaming bigger.” - Sabrina James