We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alejandra Pringle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alejandra, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from survival—but not just surviving for the sake of it. It comes from facing life-altering challenges and choosing to come out stronger, wiser, and more grounded each time.
Life has always been my best teacher. When hard things happened, I didn’t let them define me—I learned from them and made something meaningful out of them. I had a major spinal surgery my freshman year of high school that changed everything. I lost my sister while I was still in college. I’ve navigated family instability, grief, and moments that could’ve easily broken me. But they didn’t. I don’t just get through things—I lead through them. I show up, even when it’s hard, and I don’t quit.
My time in Army ROTC during college also shaped a lot of how I carry myself. It taught me structure, discipline, and how to lead from the front—with clarity, purpose, and integrity. I don’t ask for respect, I earn it. And I know how to make decisions when things are uncertain.
Resilience, to me, means being adaptable, sharp, and effective no matter the circumstances. It’s knowing how to adjust—to trends, to people, to the environment—and still remain deeply true to yourself. I carry that into everything I do, and people feel it.
And truthfully, knowing that people look up to me—that I’m someone others turn to for strength—that’s one of the biggest forces that drives me. I don’t have the option to break. I lead by example, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder and creative director of Pétale Haus, a floral design studio and garden rooted in storytelling, color theory, and intentional design. What began as a personal outlet quickly grew into a full-service design haus where florals aren’t just decoration—they’re part of the emotion, energy, and memory of an event.
Pétale Haus specializes in event florals with a sculptural, natural style. We work on everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings, always bringing a refined yet expressive approach to our designs. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter arrangements—we design with the season, the setting, and the person in mind.
What makes our studio different is the heart behind it. I come from a background in psychology and public service, and I carry that emotional sensitivity into my work. It helps me read between the lines—to understand not just what people say they want, but what they’re really trying to feel. I’m not just arranging flowers—I’m translating feeling into form. Every bloom is chosen with care, every color has a purpose, and every piece tells a story.
Right now, one of the most exciting expansions is Pétale Haus Gardens—our seasonal flower farm where we grow many of the premium stems we use in our work. It allows us to control quality, cultivate rare varieties, and create designs that feel fresh, intentional, and truly local. We operate as a sustainable and organic (though not certified) farm, and we’re proud to use foam-free techniques in the studio to minimize waste and stay aligned with our values.
We’ve recently launched a limited wholesale offering for select florists, including San Antonio Flower Co, where the public can now shop our farm-grown blooms. We’re also planning to open the farm to the public this summer for a few special pick-your-own flower days—likely once or twice during summer and fall. Stay tuned for dates.
At the core of everything we do is a commitment to artistry, sustainability, and soul. Whether you’re hiring us for your wedding, ordering a bouquet, or simply following along—you’ll always experience something curated, heartfelt, and a little unexpected.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful elements in my journey have been: adaptability, emotional intelligence, and vision.
Adaptability has been crucial. From navigating personal challenges to shifting career paths and running a business that depends on seasonality and trends, I’ve learned that staying flexible—without compromising who you are—is a superpower. My advice: don’t be afraid to evolve. Learn to read the room, the market, and yourself—and adjust accordingly. The ones who thrive are the ones who can pivot with purpose.
Emotional intelligence is the quiet force behind everything I do. My background in psychology and public service taught me how to really listen—not just to words, but to energy, tone, body language, and unspoken needs. That sensitivity shapes how I work with clients, how I lead my team, and even how I design florals that feel right—not just look beautiful.
If you’re early in your journey, start by getting to know yourself. The more grounded you are internally, the stronger your external impact will be. Whether you’re in business or the arts, people want to feel seen. Begin with self-awareness: know how you respond to pressure, how you handle conflict, how you communicate—and keep refining those skills. Emotional intelligence isn’t a soft skill. It’s a foundational one.
Vision is what keeps me aligned. I’ve had to hold a clear sense of where I was going—even when no one else could see it yet. That inner clarity has allowed me to make bold decisions, say no to what doesn’t fit, and build something that’s not just beautiful, but deeply connected to my values, my story, and my creative voice.
My advice: take the time to develop your eye, your voice, and your why. That’s what makes you unforgettable in a crowded space—and that’s what gives your work longevity.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause. I’ve learned that doing more doesn’t always mean I’m being productive—it just means I’m running on adrenaline. So I step back. Sometimes that means walking through the fields at my farm, sometimes it means turning off my phone and sitting in silence for a few minutes. Nature has a way of recalibrating me—it reminds me to breathe, slow down, and come back to myself.
Overwhelm usually shows up when I’m carrying too much, trying to do too many things perfectly, or saying yes when I should’ve said no. So I check in with myself: What’s actually urgent? What’s mine to carry? And then I reprioritize from a place of clarity, not panic.
I lean into systems and structure. My time in Army ROTC shaped a lot of how I respond under pressure—it taught me mental discipline, strategic thinking, and how to stay clear-headed in high-stress situations. Those habits have stayed with me. I don’t just react—I create contingencies. I move with strategy, not survival. Whether I’m designing, farming, or managing the business side of Pétale Haus, I approach challenges with tactics—not just emotion. That’s what keeps me steady when things get chaotic.
My advice? Don’t ignore the overwhelm—learn to read it. It’s usually trying to tell you something about your limits, your boundaries, or your pace. Take the pause. Reset. Then get back to it with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://petalehaus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalehaus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pet%C3%A1le-Haus-Floral-Design/100092502182141/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-o-torres/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@petalehaus
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pet%C3%A1le+Haus+Floral+Design/@29.3762288,-98.5833032,10z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0xad3da3b3cae0236b:0x7621fb6e64a84444!8m2!3d29.3762288!4d-98.5833032!16s%2Fg%2F11stq4thzg?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDUyNy4yKgBIAVAD
Image Credits
Andrea Jang Photography
Brittney Welch
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.