We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha J García and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Samantha J, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There are many steps we take that ultimately lead us on a path to the next chapter in our lives. I jumped into the wedding industry in 2021 out of sheer luck when I responded to a job posting for a wedding and event floral company. With my background in administration and law, I knew I would be a great fit behind the scenes. It was no surprise to me that I came to love working with florals and being on-site, watching an event come to life instead of staying in the office. As anyone in the wedding industry knows, it is not for the faint of heart. Your weekends are non-stop, and without proper boundaries in place, it is inevitable that you will burn out. It happened to me, and I couldn’t do it anymore. I loved the industry, but I needed to work at my own pace, where I could control my daily life. I knew there was a reason I stepped onto this path, and I wasn’t going to let one unfortunate experience alter my future with florals and events. It was all a wonderful learning experience, and I have immense gratitude for it all.
As a creative, I always dreamed of finding a way to incorporate the things I love with a steady flow of income while maintaining a fulfilling family life. Flor y Amor Designs has helped me achieve exactly that.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As with any business, you always want to find ways to stand out. I’ve never been one to see any other business as competition. I believe in the phrase “El sol sale para todos” which means “the sun comes out for everyone”. All I wanted for my business was to show my love of florals, bring curated visions to life and add a touch of my roots. Taking the leap to network and create bonds with others has been such a profound lesson for me as I’ve navigated through this industry. You can do a good amount on your own but together you can go further. It’s wonderful to meet such amazing vendors in this industry that elevate each other in many ways. Owning and operating Flor y Amor Designs has helped me grow in more ways than one. This year has been about consistency and investment, so I am excited for what’s to come. What started as a seed planted in my thoughts has flourished into a dream business with endless possibilities.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A perfect weekend in Houston would definitely be during the fall-winter season. The weather is nice and the time is just right for outdoor activities. An ideal Friday night would be a delicious dinner at Steak48 or B&B Butcher’s. If you’re looking for takeout,
I highly recommend Rice Box! Saturday mornings are for outdoor adventures, so a nice stroll or picnic at Buffalo Bayou or Hermann Park is the perfect way to start the day. Make your way to the art district to visit the museums. I love a movie night so my favorite place is Star Cinema Grill. On Sundays, we love watching sports whether it’s at home, Texans at NRG Stadium or Minute Maid for an Astros game.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my endeavors, there is no one who has supported me more than my fiancé. On Mother’s Day in 2021, he gifted me floral design courses at the Houston School of Florals because he knew just how badly I wanted to learn. I would have never applied for that first job had it not been for his persistence in encouraging me to pursue it. He believed in me before I believed in myself, and I will always be grateful to him for that. I’d also like to thank my mom.
The entrepreneurial spirit I inherited from her is what made me believe that I was capable of anything.
Website: https://www.floryamordesigns.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floryamordesigns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floryamordesigns
Image Credits
@leeloshots – 5th shot
@emilychappellproductions – 2nd shot
@marisavasquezphotos – 1st shot