Meet Debrielle Lopez

We recently connected with Debrielle Lopez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debrielle, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

The conditions that allowed me to develop empathy were shaped by one remarkable woman who showed me the true meaning of empathy since middle school. It was a dreary evening after school, and I was hanging out with my best friend, Brian, and his mom, Eileen. We were discussing how people’s circumstances often shape their lives and, in many ways, are beyond their control. I remember spouting off the same rhetoric I had been raised on: “People take advantage of the system. Paying taxes to support people on government assistance is not okay,” and so on. Curious about Eileen’s perspective, I asked her if she was okay with her taxes going toward people in need of government assistance. I thought I had made the perfect point—maybe even left her speechless—but I was completely wrong. She responded, “Absolutely.” She went on to explain that there are people in need, people who were born at a disadvantage compared to others. People need help. People deserve kindness. With so much hatred in the world, everyone deserves to feel heard and seen. From that moment on, Eileen’s words have stayed with me. In my daily work as a public school librarian, I encounter many students facing significant disadvantages. With Eileen’s wisdom in the back of my mind, I always strive to meet students with kindness and respond with empathy above all else. Especially nowadays, many students face challenges we can’t even imagine. You never know what someone is going through. Through Eileen’s words, I’ve learned that offering empathy is one of the kindest and most meaningful things you can do for another person, especially for students.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I work at a public school library, and in my spare time, I run my own LLC as an event florist. I love what I do. I get to engage with students daily and make a difference through our small school. It is these very students who pushed me to go full sing with my business. I do not know where I would be without my husband, son, and students pushing me to do my flower business daily. There have been many times when I want to give up and they push me to thrive in my flower business. I try to provide quality florals at half the cost of other florists. I do not have the typical overhead that most florists have. It’s just me and my husband and on occasion- students who are interested in floral design. My dream is to be able to open a storefront and employ students so they can kick-start their resumes. I lead with empathy when I say students are incredibly vulnerable and deserve to have equal opportunities. Currently, I operate from home in a designated area to work with flowers, providing joy to others. I believe what makes my flower business special is the people who stand behind me and support me every day. I make flower arrangements for the community and with cost always in mind. I’ve never felt that my dreams are as attainable as they do now!

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?

Receptive: In the early stages of floral design I was met with very tough but critical criticism. I think being open to making your work the best it can be–helped me immensely when I was starting. It also taught me how to teach others how to floral design in the same respect.

Patience: Learning to trust the process is HUGE. I also teach people how to arrange flowers and I think sometimes getting that person to reach their full potential takes time– and that is okay!

Understanding the flower world is the bare minimum of the knowledge I believe has been most impactful in my journey. Color theory and composition are HUGE. Knowing the audience of who is looking at your designs, the market in general! You cannot arrange flowers willy-nilly! There are some experiences and knowledge that go into making beautiful bouquets, arrangements, arches, etc!

At times, the future may seem uncertain but do not give up. I am so thankful I did not let go of my tiny business. I have made a small yet significant impact in my vibrant community. Spend the extra effort in things you take pride in– you will not be disappointed with the outcome.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“Things usually work out in the end.”
“What if they don’t?”
“That just means you haven’t come to the end yet.”
-Jennette Walls, The Glass Castle

Do not give up. This book left a mark on me that has never truly gone away.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Debriellesflowershop
• Facebook: Debrielle’s Flower Shop

Image Credits

Myself. Betty from Mayesh, Alaina Kellenberger