We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmela Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought about starting my own business was a very tough choice to make. A lot of people say that it’s so easy to start a business, but in reality, it is a risk that you are willing to take. Now, not everyone wants to take that risk when it comes to starting your own business, but it takes to be uncomfortable to be comfortable in this position and all in due time your hard work will show wether it’d be in months or years. At the end of the day is dedication and the love you put into your business that you are building from the ground up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is my outlet to calm down and do what I love doing the most. Ever since I was little, I always had a creative mind when it came to art. Now that I have my own business that pertains to that is what really makes me happy. The way I got here today professionally, would be all thanks to my friends and my boyfriend that always pushed me to do my best. It was definitely not easy whatsoever, because I kept turning it away and taking too long to make a decision into starting this business, but with the determination and consistency to step out of my comfort zone, is where I am thankful to be today. Some of the lessons that I learned along the way was that I had to make mistakes for me to be able to learn and grow to be an entrepreneur, and honestly, that’s all what it’s about. It’s ok to make mistakes, so that later on, you can learn from those mistakes. I want the world to know about me and my brand that you can really build your dreams if you really put the work into it. If you have anyone that can support you in any good way, listen to them. Our days are not promised, so make the best of it when you have the chance to do something you love doing. Do what makes you happy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take my friends to small businesses that are amazing overall here in Houston. My most favorite thing about this city is that there is so much diversity that you can try so many things that you are not familiar with. Going to downtown, midtown and even the heights, is where you can find so many small businesses that you can truly enjoy and support at the same time. One of my favorite places to visit is the Railway Heights Market, you can find so many small shops and restaurants that you will truly enjoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people that I want to give credit to is my boyfriend and my friends that encouraged me into stepping out of my comfort zone to start my own business. Without their encouraging words and support, I wouldn’t even be where I am in life today.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/BloomConfidentShop

Instagram: @bloom.confident

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