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

Hi Thalía, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I decided to open a flower shop in Houston, TX, because it has become a special place in my heart ever since I moved from my native country Peru to receive cancer treatment at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since Houston is where I’ve learned the importance of living with gratitude, I wanted to give back to the city that literally saved my life in the most beautiful way I knew how – through flowers.

After returning to Peru, I started my first small business, which led me to pursue an MBA at the University of Houston. It was here that the idea of a floral shop came to be. Opening Isidora Flower & Gift Shop was not an easy task, but it did teach me the importance of having an open mind. I learned that I needed to be compassionate with myself and accept that I didn’t have the answers to everything. It’s okay to keep asking questions and continuously learning on the job. It was also important to recognize when I needed help and welcome the support of others. I would love for people to know that Isidora was created to celebrate the small things from everyday life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I would love for people to know that Isidora Flower & Gift Shop was created to help people enjoy all of life’s moments. I want to spark an emotion among those who receive Isidora flowers as a gift.

We carefully curate our selection of blooms weekly and design all our arrangements inspired by color palettes. We also take particular importance in selecting our vases; we love using ceramic or special-shaped glass containers. At Isidora, you can also find gifts produced by small businesses in the US, a succulents bar, plants, and gift boxes. Our philosophy at Isidora is that every day is a special occasion for celebrating life because today is a present.

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.
If my best friend were in town, I would make sure to show my friend everything Rice Village has to offer, which is where Isidora Flower & Gift Shop is located. I would make a reservation at Helen Greek Food and Wine. We would sip a cup of coffee and delight in the best tiramisu at Croissant Brioche. Then we would stroll through the Rice University campus and take in all its beauty. We would pamper ourselves at Beautique Day Spa & Salon and then indulge in a varied selection of top wines at Sixty Vines. It would be a week to remember.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially my sister and brother-in-law. They ignited a spark in me to take the plunge and start my own business. From reviewing my business plan to helping me find my way in floral design, they’ve always had my back and continue to believe in my abilities to grow and succeed.

Website: https://www.isidoraflowers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isidoraflowershop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Isidora-Flower-Gift-Shop/100072441245527/

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