Today we’d like to introduce you to Gladys Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gladys. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always loved flowers, growing up my grandmother had a garden full of flowers and fruit trees. Always felt happy helping her water her plants and hanging out with her learning about flowers, plants. My parents also have land out in Palmer, TX and they grow veggies and fruit. I guess it is something that we enjoy doing. Back in 2009, I was expecting my daughter Zoey. I was not working and I was home all day, so I decided to take a weekend floral class at a community college. I LOVED it and took the next class that was offered. And that’s how it all started. After I had Zoey, I went back to work regular 8 to 5 at an oil and gas company as an accounting clerk. However, I also started doing floral on the side weekends. When that job ended I would still do floral to make end meet but not enough for medical insurance. So, started another accounting job. Not until 2012, I was still working a corporate job but went part-time because I had bookings every weekend. So, I would stroll in with my flower boxes into my office Thursday morning and work floral Friday and do weddings all weekend. Until I realized, “hey I make more money in 3 days doing floral”. Instead of sitting in an office Monday to Thursday. I gave my notice and waited 6 more months for my boss to take my notice serious. And stepped into the world of wedding flowers full time 2013 worked from home at first. Moved into space with other wedding photographers for a year in 2017. We grew our business and outgrew our location everyone moved out, I stayed because I was too busy with weddings. That I did not have time to look for a new location. So, stayed and now, I have my own Studio.
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, it has been a struggle for me, from not knowing anyone in the industry. Not knowing where to start what pricing to start with. It was hard and still is for me.
I did reach out to another florist back when I started and was kind of shrugged down. So, I never reached out to anyone else. My salesman has been the person to guide me. But I knew the happiness, peace, and joy that flowers brought to me this was what I was meant to do. Because of my first experience to reach out was not a pleasant one. I decided to read and research about my new career choice. I am obsessed with learning everything floral, color palettes, decor, it really doesn’t have to be floral to get my inspiration going. My advice to anyone who is struggling either deciding to follow their passion is to grab it by the horns and handle it. LOL Read about what you want to do research and do it, believe me, it will work out. Yes, hard work does pay off. Do not compare your work to anyone else because when you do that, you second guess your self – stay focus. And it will work out and be worth every minute of it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Zoeys Garden Flowers story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in wedding floral. Specifically, bridal bouquets, my bouquets are huge. I create every single bouquet for every wedding, I have done and will do. In my head, when I am creating, I am making it for me. Of course, thinking of my bride the whole time I am creating. However, I see and think to myself ” Gladys if you were walking down the aisle would you be happy”. Until I am happy with the bouquet, I stop adding flowers. I am not sure what others do but this is how I work and how I have been able to set my bridal bouquets apart.
So, in my head, I walk down the aisle every weekend a couple of times every Saturday.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Love my Holly Chapel newsletter. As big and famous and successful as she is, she actually replied to a message I send her. Open my eyes to a whole other world of floral. Podcast, yes, I started listening to Katie O. Selvidge a florist out of Oklahoma. And the mind-blowing community of Botanical Bruhaha website and podcast. Also, love advice from Jessica Zimmerman and do her webinars.
I have learned so much by these ladies in the last few months than I have in the last 4 years about my industry.
Current book I am reading is Color Me Floral by Kiana Underwood. Hunted this book down at 3 different books stores. Until I bought the only book available. Yass Win!
Pricing:
- Minimal for a wedding starts at $1,000.00
- Bridal Bouquets depending on the season and flowers start at $180.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 309 Centre St Dallas, TX 75208
- Website: zoeysgardenflowers.com
- Phone: 214-454-5282
- Email: zoeysgarden2010@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeysgarden2010/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/zgardenflowers/
Image Credit:
1st pic Alarcon Studios, 2nd pic Bianar photography, 3rd pic, No name bride forward pic, 4th Charming fox photograph, 5th pic Chelse Kay photography, 6th pic Christine Heri photography, 7th Bianar photogrphy, 8th GM Photography, 9th pic Charming fox
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
