Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulette Pea.
Hi Paulette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Paulette “Renee” Pea, and I’m the proud owner of P2 Events and Floral Design Services, LLC, doing business as FauxReal Flowers in Brandon, Florida. After serving 22 years in the U.S. military—including deployments to four combat zones—I transitioned out of the Department of Defense workforce ready to build something of my own. I wanted to create a business that blended creativity, sustainability, and purpose.
What began as a therapeutic outlet quickly turned into a vision. I saw a gap in the wedding and event industry: an opportunity to offer high-end, sustainable alternatives to traditional floral design. That’s when I discovered the unique niche of luxury floral rentals. FauxReal Flowers specializes in real-touch faux florals that are stunning, eco-conscious, and budget-friendly—designed to elevate events without the waste of fresh flowers.
I invested in a franchise opportunity and launched our Brandon location with a clear mission: deliver beauty, convenience, and elegance through floral rentals. Our motto is simple but powerful—Rent Your Dream Flowers. And we’ve been honored to do just that for weddings, corporate gatherings, and nonprofit events across the Greater Tampa Bay area.
Recently, we acquired the rights to the Tampa territory and are preparing to reopen that location soon, expanding our reach and ability to serve even more clients across the region. This business isn’t just about flowers—it’s about service, second chances, and redefining how people celebrate their most important moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been a beautiful struggle. As a new arrival to the Tampa Bay event industry and a first-time franchise owner, I stepped into unfamiliar territory just two years ago. My background is military, not weddings or florals, so every lesson has been learned in real time—I’ve truly been learning by fire.
One of the things that helped was the foundational training provided by the franchise. I received hands-on instruction in both administrative operations and floral design, which gave me the tools to launch confidently. But training can only take you so far—the real education starts when you open your doors.
What makes our journey even more unique is the niche we operate in—luxury floral rental services. Unlike traditional florists, we offer high-end, real-touch faux floral arrangements that are eco-conscious and reusable. While this is a major strength, it’s also a hurdle. The concept of renting flowers is still new to many people, so educating the market has been a big part of the process.
Building brand trust, gaining visibility in a competitive market, and balancing the structure of a franchise with local demands hasn’t been easy. But I didn’t expect it to be. Every challenge has made me more resourceful, more focused, and more committed to showing what’s possible in this growing industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.?
At FauxReal Flowers Brandon, we specialize in luxury floral rental services—a unique niche that provides real-touch faux floral designs for weddings, corporate events, and nonprofit celebrations. Our flowers are designed to look and feel like the real thing, but with less waste, more flexibility, and no surprises. From the initial consultation to delivery, setup, and pickup, we offer cradle-to-grave service so clients can focus on celebrating, not logistics.
We’re known for being strategic partners in the event industry. We proudly collaborate with Visit Tampa Bay, Bella Cosa, Fiorelli Winery, Nova 535, The Regent, and Invited Clubs to elevate events across the region. We also work closely with trusted vendors like It’s a Private Affair and On the Move Rental Service, ensuring that every event is cohesive and well-executed from start to finish.
What I’m most proud of is how deeply we stay committed to service—every single client, every single time. We don’t just rent flowers. We build trust. We listen. We solve problems. We show up and deliver beauty without the stress. That’s the heart of who we are.
Our franchise motto says it all: “Rent Your Dream Flowers.” And that’s exactly what we do—we take dreams and turn them into reality through high-end, real-touch florals that feel just as special as fresh ones, but without the waste or the worry. Our clients don’t have to sacrifice quality or elegance just because they choose faux. If anything, they get more: more consistency, more flexibility, more peace of mind.
Here’s what one client shared in a review:
“I cannot recommend FauxReal Flowers highly enough!!! … From the first consultation, she was professional, kind, and so attentive to my vision. … Guests could not believe they weren’t real flowers!” — The Knot
Another wrote:
“I NEVER felt any kind of stress working with Ms. P … My guests had zero idea we went faux floral and were incredibly impressed…” — The Knot
Those words remind me that we’re doing more than decorating a space—we’re delivering joy, reducing stress, and helping people celebrate their most important moments with confidence.
That’s what I’m proud of: turning service into an art form.
What sets us apart from others?
Start-to-finish service: From consultation to pickup, we handle it all so clients don’t have to.
Design and admin excellence: Thanks to franchise training in both design and back-end systems, we bring artistry and structure to every event.
True-to-life quality: Our real-touch faux florals are often mistaken for fresh flowers—they’re that good.
Strategic industry partnerships: Our vendor and venue relationships mean smoother events, greater exposure, and reliable excellence.
Education and transparency: Many people are new to floral rentals, so we take time to explain the benefits and then deliver results that exceed expectations.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely—mentorship and networking go hand in hand, and both have played a major role in my growth as a business owner. I’ve always been a bit on the shy side, but the right people and communities have helped me come out of my shell and step confidently into my role as a leader.
I’m a proud member of the National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP), Gulf Coast Chapter, the Tampa Wedding Network, the One Stop Wedding Shop and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These organizations have not only introduced me to incredible planners, vendors, and venue partners, but have also connected me with mentors and business resources that have made a real difference. The support, encouragement, and knowledge shared in these spaces have helped me grow as both a creative and a businesswoman.
My best advice? Just show up. Go to the meetings. Attend the mixers and workshops. Even if you’re new or unsure of yourself, being present is half the battle. The right mentors will recognize your potential and help guide you forward.
Networking isn’t just about exchanging cards—it’s about building relationships and finding your community. If you’re serious about growing, you need people around you who challenge, support, and believe in your vision.
Pricing:
- We have floral packages starting @ $1,000
- Administrative fees start at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brandon.fauxrealflowers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fauxreal_brandon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FauxReal.Brandon/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/fauxrealflowersbrandon
Image Credits
Dana Brandt. @danabrandt78 (Featured Photo)
@jerzynievesphotos
@nativ.len
@cantorhousemedia
@heartandrootphoto
@omgeniephotography
@osimagery
@all_for_one_creations
