Venice artist Haley Ponder is known for her colorful resin artwork, handcrafted charcuterie boards and years of teaching at the Venice Art Center. This year, she added a fresh chapter to her creative journey by launching Comet Creation Flower Bar, a part-time mobile business that brings interactive floral experiences to parties, markets and special events.
Instead of simply providing floral decorations, Ponder arrives with a charming white tiered flower bar filled with fresh blooms, greenery and seasonal accents. Guests browse the flowers, choose their favorite stems and create bouquets to take home.
"Flowers have this incredible way of evoking emotion and making you be more present," Ponder said. "The mobile format lets me reach more people—from backyard parties to corporate events to markets—while staying true to my roots as an artist and teacher."
Comet Creation flower bar has become a popular addition to bridal showers, baby showers, community events and more. Every setup can be customized with favorite flowers, color palettes or seasonal blooms, making each experience unique.
Ponder's background as an artist impacts everything from the flower bar's presentation to the way she encourages guests to create. Rather than directing every arrangement, she invites people to experiment and discover combinations that reflect their own personalities.
That creative freedom has led to the biggest surprise since launching the business.
"I thought I was selling flowers and activities," she said. "I'm actually selling confidence, creativity and connection."
She especially enjoys watching guests who claim they aren't artistic leave proudly carrying bouquets they designed themselves.
Looking ahead, Ponder hopes to grow Comet Creation throughout the region with corporate events, private celebrations and pop-up markets. But her mission remains simple.
"We don't just sell flowers—we give people permission to create," she said. "Whether you think you're artistic or not, you're encouraged to play, experiment and make something beautiful with your own hands."