February 19, 2020

Meet Trailblazer Noemi Quillin

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noemi Quillin.

Noemi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Some of my fondest childhood memories consist of me playing in Texas dirt with my mom, Cristina. She would plant tiny seeds using her hands and a trowel. By the end of Spring, we would have a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables to share with the neighbors. I delighted in delivering such treats to our elderly and widowed neighbors. It usually meant I could help put the goods away and I would hear the most fascinating stories from the women about their lives. My mother taught me how to take cuttings and propagate plants and how to overwinter our most beloved tropical treasures. In the cold months, our house was filled with the scent of earth and a jungle of beautiful green foliage. I remember one plant that found it’s permanent home in the living room, when at the end of winter, it had grown so tall, it reached the ceiling. It was determined, that’s where it was “happy” and needed to stay. Mother would say, “Plants bring life to a home.” And growing up, it really did feel that way. Not only did they bring life through the fresh air we breathed, but they also brought music in the songs my mother sang while affectionately caring for them.

I was born and raised in Dallas. I graduated from Duncanville High School and then with Honors from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Chemistry and Psychology. I believe growing things is both chemistry and a state of mind. Throughout high school and college, I had lots of different and interesting jobs, but in my spare time, I always found time for gardening. Then, through a series of fateful events, I met a wonderful woman named Belinda at the AgriLife Extension office. She hired me to help with her residential landscape business while she recovered from rotator cuff surgery. She had raised her family while building a successful business on her own terms. I didn’t realize it at the time, but she was not only an inspiration but also a mentor. Later I was recruited to run a commercial landscape company owned by two women. It was wonderful to work with women throughout my career and gain experience working with both residential and commercial clients.

Blooming Vistas grew from an idea into a reality in 2009 and it is still surreal to me that every day I get to do one of the things I love most. Many of my clients have become dear friends. On many lovely occasions, as we are installing a client’s landscapes, I get to hear the most fascinating stories just like when I was a little girl. I delight in the time I am privileged to spend with women like, Florence Quillin, Fran Shelton, Amy Moore, Desiree Komuves, Donna Dinsmore, Ashley Samber, Selena Stagner, and Cindy Dodson who have entrusted me with something as special as their landscape.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any worthwhile endeavor will have challenges, but I thank God for His faithfulness. My journey has been both literally and figuratively full of sunshine and rain, sweet breezes and scorching heat, straight paths and uncertain bends. Both laughter and tears have given life to my business. In the early days, it was hard to discern which clients were a good match for me and my strengths and talents. Through experience, and asking the right questions, I can now more easily determine if we are a good fit. Working in a male-dominated industry, many times I would be the only women-owned company among all the trades. What I found is, it is not the size of your truck that matters, it’s the size of your heart that makes the difference. Creativity and ability to connect with people is key, because they are important, irrespective of doing business together. If someone is just starting their journey, due to age or re-invention, I highly encourage them to seek out a mentor who can provide wise council. Having a community to share ideas and lift you up is the best gift anyone can have.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blooming Vistas – what should we know?
Blooming Vistas specializes in adding beauty to all things in a family’s outdoor spaces. From carefully selecting plants to creating flawlessly cohesive looks: we design and build custom landscapes reflective of our individual client’s interests, style, and aesthetics.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Absolutely! I firmly believe God created women with gifts and talents that allow us to bring value to every industry. Our foremothers overcame insurmountable obstacles to give us many of the opportunities we now enjoy and we have adapted to masterfully juggle the complexities of life; from running a business, to caring for aging parents, to teaching and shepherding our children, to being intentional about investing in relationships.

My life started with earth, plants, songs, and stories. It started with my mother’s hands in the earth and hearing her voice and the wisdom in her lessons. My life continues from there to my hands and now the hands of my children, and the legacy of love and light that builds enduring relationships that span generations.

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