From Pampas Grass to Purpose: How Pampas Gal Blossomed at AsiaFest

At first glance, pampas grass might seem like a simple home décor element — soft, feathery, elegant. But for Galee, founder of Pampas Gal, it sparked a much bigger journey.

“I discovered pampas grass while I was in California. It just brought me so much joy — the way it looked, how fluffy and full it was. I thought, if this can make me feel so happy, I need to bring it back to Canada and share that joy with others.”

That moment of inspiration became the seed for Pampas Gal, a boutique floral business rooted in texture, beauty, and emotion. Galee started with just pampas grass, sourcing and styling it for homes craving a soft touch of nature — especially during a time when we needed it most.

“I actually launched my business the same week COVID hit. People were stuck at home, thinking of ways to bring life to their space. Orders just started coming in, and I was packing and shipping non-stop. It felt so meaningful knowing I was bringing joy into people’s homes when everything outside felt so uncertain.”

The Joy in Every Stem

While Pampas Gal has grown in size and scope, its purpose has always been personal. One moment Galee recalls fondly was when a loyal customer at a farmers market surprised her with a touching gesture:

“There was a lady who came by every single weekend and bought from me. I didn’t even realize how often until she showed me a photo of all the arrangements she had at home — there were at least 15 of them on her vanity. When I told her I was closing down the booth, she was so sad. She bought one last piece to remember me by. That kind of connection means the world.”

As Galee experimented with different textures and floral combinations — from neutral-toned bunny tails to pastel-hued arrangements — the product line evolved naturally. But she never strayed far from her signature aesthetic: earthy, warm, and comforting.

“People started asking for more color — pinks, blues, even Hello Kitty designs. At first I was hesitant. I only did neutrals. But eventually, I leaned into it. AsiaFest actually pushed me to explore even more bold, cultural, and playful designs.”

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How AsiaFest Helped Pampas Gal Bloom

While Pampas Gal had built a following online and at local markets, AsiaFest became a true turning point — not just for business, but for identity.

“AsiaFest gave me a platform to reconnect with my Asian and Chinese roots. Being in Edmonton, it can be hard to find that cultural niche, to figure out where you belong. AsiaFest felt like home. It gave me a space where I could both express my heritage and serve a community that gets it.”

That sense of belonging turned into inspiration. Galee began designing more culturally-inspired pieces: pink cherry blossom baskets, red-toned Lunar New Year florals, and her fan-favorite Hello Kitty arrangements, which she'll be bringing back (with new twists!) for this year's AsiaFest.

“I’m so used to creating for a general market, but AsiaFest challenged me to think deeply — what do we as an Asian community want? What speaks to us culturally and emotionally? It really expanded my creative vision.”

And beyond the booth space, AsiaFest provided something even bigger: perspective.

“Seeing over 20,000 people walk through in a single weekend made me realize how powerful community really is. AsiaFest may be rooted in Asian culture, but it welcomes everyone. It’s like traveling through Asia without leaving Edmonton.”

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What’s Next for Pampas Gal?

This year, Galee is working on even more playful, interactive designs — with color, scent, and personal touches.

“I’ve started recommending people spray their arrangements with essential oils. It turns them into natural diffusers, and even helps moisturize the pampas. People love it — it’s a multi-sensory experience now.”

From neutral-toned mini bouquets to vibrant Hello Kitty centerpieces, Galee’s mission stays the same: to spark joy, one stem at a time.

🌸 You can find Pampas Gal this September at AsiaFest — with brand-new designs, old favorites, and that signature warm energy. Got a special request? Slide into her DMs — she just might bring it to life.

🎉 See you at AsiaFest!