MJ Bautista is the creative force behind Rock Paper Bloom, a homegrown, woman founded paper art company established in 2014 right in the heart of Summerlin. She prides herself as the company’s Chief Smile Ambassador because her ultimate goal is to make her clients smile with every paper creation delivery and event activation.
MJ is lovingly supported by her husband Arnold, a full time physical therapist who, on the weekends still manages to do the literal heavy lifting of the flowers and install hanging decor pieces. Her twin daughters, Luisa and Adrienne are 17, and have been observing their mom grow their business since they were 9. They now bring their creativity to the family business as custom colorists and petal preppers. Lorenzo, who at 7 years old has become an expert in opening boxes, unfurling crepe paper rolls and has the final approval on whether the flowers truly look magical. Lastly there’s Angie who helps cut and prep the petals, an integral part of producing those one of a kind pieces that wow guests at special events such as weddings, mitzvahs, corporate gatherings and various activations.
Philippine born and New York transplants, Arnold and MJ chose Summerlin because it is important to them that they raise their family in a safe community where good schools abound, leisure activities are in every subdivision, with easy access to the Strip and Red Rock Canyon. According to MJ, Summerlin checks all the boxes!
What do you love most about living in Summerlin?
MJ: “When we first moved here, I was surprised with people’s reaction every time I told them
we found a home in Summerlin. Since we were from New York, I didn’t realize that it was
regarded by locals as a prime location. I love how Summerlin has a distinct landscape compared
to other areas of the city. Summerlin is clean, the parks are family and pet friendly, and with the
variety of stores at Downtown Summerlin, we rarely go to the Strip to shop.”
Tell me about your business, Rock Paper Bloom
MJ: “I have always wanted to work from home so I can be with my kids and still contribute to
our family’s finances. When we acquired our photo booth company in 2011, I wanted to create
something to separate us from the pack. I have always been crafty, so I immersed myself in
learning how to make flowers made with card stock paper. My first wall was an all-white photo
booth backdrop for a local bridal show. Since then, I have been learning new techniques and
adding more mediums such as crepe paper, cotton paper and now, fabric.”
What do you love most about your business?
MJ: “I love the ability to create something beautiful out of paper, make people happy when they
see my flower creations, and the blessing to have a thriving business from home.”
What are your aspirations for Rock Paper Bloom in the future?
MJ: “I hope that more and more people will appreciate paper flowers as a true art form, and
that Rock Paper Bloom will constantly be at the forefront of bespoke paper decor for special
events in Las Vegas and beyond.”
