We were lucky to catch up with Amy Vargas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For as long as I can remember, flowers have been a part of my life. As a child, I would spend hours outdoors, mesmerized by the delicate petals and vibrant colors. There was something magical about the way flowers could brighten a room, calm a troubled mind, and even speak a language of their own. I didn’t know it at the time, but those early moments would lay the foundation for something much bigger than I could have imagined. In my adult years, I found myself working in a completely different field, one that didn’t feel aligned with my passions or purpose. Yet, no matter what I did, the thought of flowers and the idea of creating something beautiful kept creeping back into my mind. Once my kids’ school hours extended and I found myself with more time, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to finally pursue my passion for flowers. I needed to reconnect with the joy and creativity that flowers had always given me. That’s when the idea for Petal and Blooms began to take root.
Starting Petal and Blooms was not an easy decision. I had no formal training in floristry, and the thought of running my own business seemed daunting. But the desire to create something meaningful, to share beauty with the world, and to make others feel special through flowers was too strong to ignore. I decided to take the leap.
The first challenge I faced was developing the skills necessary to run the business. I spent countless hours reading and researching everything from flower care to design techniques. I practiced arranging flowers daily, learning how to make each arrangement unique and personal. Slowly, I became more confident, but I also had to develop a deep sense of patience. There were times when things didn’t go as planned—flowers arrived late, arrangements didn’t turn out how I imagined, or I struggled to get the shop to feel “just right.” But with each setback, I learned valuable lessons about resilience and persistence.
One of the most essential habits I cultivated during this journey was the ability to stay calm under pressure. Running a shop meant balancing inventory, managing clients, and ensuring everything was perfect for special occasions. There were days when it felt like the world was spinning too fast, but I reminded myself that no task was too big to handle with a clear mind and steady focus. I also learned the importance of building strong relationships, both with customers and suppliers. Creating an environment where people felt heard and valued was key to making Petal and Blooms a place where others felt inspired and connected.
Through hard work and dedication, I turned a small dream into a thriving business. But it wasn’t just about selling flowers—it was about creating moments of beauty and joy for people. From the brides who walked down the aisle with bouquets made just for them, to the quiet moments when someone picked out a handpicked arrangement for a loved one, I found fulfillment in knowing that my work had a lasting impact.
Opening Petal and Blooms taught me more than just floristry. It taught me the power of following your heart, even when it’s scary. It taught me the value of patience, persistence, and hard work. Most of all, it taught me that purpose is something you discover by creating the life you want to live, not by waiting for it to come to you.
Now, every time I step into the shop and see the colorful blooms, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. I’ve learned that finding your purpose is not about having everything figured out all at once. It’s about taking the first step, embracing the challenges, and letting your passion guide you along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! My name is Amy Vargas, and I am the proud owner and founder of Petal and Blooms, a flower and gift shop born out of my deep love for nature, beauty, and creating meaningful moments. What started as a childhood fascination with flowers blossomed into a full-fledged passion, and eventually, into the business that I run today. At Petal and Blooms, we’re not just about selling flowers—we’re about creating experiences and spreading joy through the simple, yet profound, beauty of nature. The most exciting part of what I do is witnessing the way flowers can connect people. Whether it’s a bride walking down the aisle with a custom bouquet, a thoughtful gift for a friend, or just a little something to brighten someone’s day, flowers have this incredible ability to express emotions when words fall short. It’s truly an honor to be able to help people convey love, celebration, and even comfort through what we create.
Our shop specializes in fresh, hand-picked flowers and unique gift items, but what sets us apart is our commitment to personalization. Every arrangement, every bouquet, is crafted with attention to detail and with our customers’ specific needs in mind. We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients to bring their vision to life, whether it’s for a wedding, a special occasion, or just a thoughtful gesture.
The most rewarding part of running Petal and Blooms is seeing how our creations can impact others’ lives. It’s more than just flowers—it’s about the connections and memories we help people make. As I reflect on how far we’ve come, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do what I love every day. It took time, dedication, and learning from both my successes and setbacks, but I can honestly say that I’ve found my purpose in this journey.
In terms of exciting developments, we’ve recently expanded our services to include event florals! We now offer custom arrangements for corporate events, intimate gatherings, and everything in between. This expansion allows us to reach more people and contribute to even more special occasions. Additionally, we’re always adding new, unique gift items to our collection, so our customers can find something truly special for any celebration.
I’m always eager to see where this journey takes us, and I’m so thankful for the community that has supported us along the way. If you’ve been looking for a place to create a memorable moment with flowers or a thoughtful gift, we’d love to welcome you to Petal and Blooms. Come visit us and let’s create something beautiful together!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey with Petal and Blooms, there are three qualities and areas of knowledge that I believe were most impactful in helping me get to where I am today. They not only shaped how I approached building the business, but also how I’ve navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes along the way.
Creativity and Design Skills
Flowers are beautiful on their own, but the art of creating meaningful, personalized arrangements takes a certain level of creativity and design skill. Whether it’s learning how to balance colors and textures or mastering the art of flower placement, I had to develop a strong sense of creativity in order to make each arrangement special. Over time, I also learned to trust my instincts and experiment with new ideas.
Advice for Beginners: If you’re just starting out, I recommend practicing as much as possible. Take workshops, study floral design, and keep experimenting. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it—just trust your creative vision and keep learning.
Patience and Resilience
Starting a business wasn’t a smooth ride—it took time to find the right suppliers, build a loyal customer base, and get the word out. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned, whether it was dealing with delays or struggling to make ends meet. I had to develop patience and resilience, learning that setbacks weren’t failures, but opportunities to grow and improve.
Advice for Beginners: Understand that the road to success is rarely linear. There will be bumps along the way, and that’s okay! The key is to stay patient, keep pushing forward, and embrace every challenge as a chance to learn. Your persistence will pay off.
Customer-Centric Mindset and Relationship Building
Over the years, I’ve learned that business is as much about people as it is about products. Building strong relationships with customers, listening to their needs, and delivering a personalized experience is what truly sets a brand apart. I made it a point to get to know my customers, understand their preferences, and make them feel heard and valued.
Advice for Beginners: Focus on building authentic relationships with your customers. Always take the time to listen to them, understand their needs, and exceed their expectations. A loyal customer is not just someone who buys from you—they are your biggest advocates and the heart of your business.
In conclusion, creativity, resilience, and a customer-first mindset were the pillars of my journey. For anyone starting out on their own entrepreneurial path, my advice is simple: embrace the learning process, be patient with yourself, and always strive to connect with the people you’re serving. It’s not just about building a business—it’s about building relationships and creating something meaningful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Petal and Blooms, we’re always excited about the possibility of collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses who share our passion for creating beauty and spreading joy. Whether it’s through floral design, unique gift curation, or hosting special events, we believe that great things happen when creative minds come together. We’re particularly interested in collaborating with:
Event Planners: If you’re planning weddings, corporate events, or any special occasions, we’d love to work with you to provide the perfect floral arrangements and gifts that elevate your event.
Local Artisans: We love working with local creators who specialize in handmade gifts, home decor, or artisanal products that align with our aesthetic. Together, we can offer our customers something truly unique.
Photographers: Flower arrangements are often featured in photoshoots, and we’d love to collaborate with photographers who want to showcase our designs in their work.
Other Local Businesses: Whether you’re in hospitality, wellness, or retail, if you share our commitment to quality and community, we’d love to find ways to support each other and build something special together.
If you’re interested in collaborating with Petal and Blooms, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or connect with us on Instagram @petalandblooms_. Let’s bring some beauty to the world together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petalandblooms.com
- Instagram: @petalandblooms_
- Facebook: @PetalandBlooms
- Yelp: Petal and Blooms
