There are moments in life that feel like they’ve been quietly waiting for you. This past weekend at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026, I stepped into one of those moments.

As a first-time author, standing at the Pages Bookstore booth, signing copies of my book Flower Energy, I had to pause and take it all in. The energy, the people, the stories—it felt like a living, breathing celebration of creativity, connection, and courage.

From Flower Shop to Festival Stage

Not long ago, I was in my flower shop in Redondo Beach, designing arrangements, connecting with people one-on-one, sharing what flowers mean energetically. Writing a book felt like an extension of that—but this weekend, it became something bigger.

At the festival, I wasn’t just a florist or a business owner.

I was an author in Los Angeles, surrounded by thousands of people who came to discover stories.

And somehow, my story found them.

A Full Circle Moment with Pages Bookstore

What made this experience even more meaningful was being there with Pages Bookstore from Manhattan Beach—the very first bookstore that believed in me and hosted my first book signing.

There’s something deeply special about loyalty and beginnings.

I remember telling them: you never forget your first signing.

And here we were again—this time at one of the biggest literary events in the country—sharing space, sharing energy, and celebrating something we built together.

That kind of support stays with you for life.

Sold Out of Flower Energy

The moment that still gives me chills?

We sold out of every single copy of Flower Energy at the booth.

Every book found a home. Every conversation mattered.

People came up curious, open, and ready to connect—not just to the book, but to the idea that flowers carry meaning, healing, and intention. I shared flower “prescriptions,” listened to stories, and watched people light up as they realized this book was something they could feel—not just read.

That’s when I knew:

This book is doing exactly what it was meant to do.

The Energy of the Festival

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 is more than just a book event—it’s a pulse point for creativity in Los Angeles.

Writers, readers, dreamers, and storytellers all gathering in one place.

I met incredible authors, watched crowds gather around booths, and felt inspired by the momentum of people stepping into their purpose. To be part of that—especially as a first-time author—was both humbling and electrifying.

Why This Meant So Much

This wasn’t just about selling books.

It was about:

* Being seen in a new way
* Sharing my voice beyond flowers
* Connecting deeply with people through storytelling
* Watching an idea turn into something real, tangible, and impactful

A year ago, this moment didn’t exist yet.

Now it’s part of my story.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning.

More book signings. More speaking. More opportunities to bring Flower Energy into people’s lives in a deeper way—through experiences, workshops, and of course, flowers themselves.

If you missed me at the festival, you can still find signed copies, connect with me in person at upcoming events, or visit my shop in Redondo Beach.

Because whether it’s through a bouquet or a book…

I’m here to help people feel something real.

⸻

Shop the Book

Get your copy of Flower Energy here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jenny-barker/flower-energy/9780762489060/