We recently connected with Marly Marquez Blanco and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marly, 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 is deeply rooted in the lessons and examples set by both my parents and my in-laws. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance, drawing from their own experiences and the challenges they overcame. Witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity shaped my own approach to overcoming obstacles.
Similarly, my in-laws’ journey of immigrating from Portugal to Venezuela serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of change and uncertainty. Their determination to build a better life for themselves and their family in a new country inspires me to persevere through challenges and pursue my goals relentlessly.
Additionally, the support and guidance I receive from my loved ones, including my spouse, family, and friends, bolster my resilience. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities empower me to keep pushing forward, even in the toughest of times.
Ultimately, it’s the combination of these influences – the lessons from my parents and in-laws, my personal experiences, and the support of my loved ones – that form the foundation of my resilience.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Welcome! I’m delighted to share a bit about myself with you. I’m a proud Venezuelan, a mother of two beautiful girls, and blessed with a husband who’s not just my partner but my rock of support. In Venezuela, my in-laws ran a flourishing family-owned florist for over 60 years, where I gained nearly 20 years of invaluable experience.
In 2017, faced with challenges in our homeland, we made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States, determined to carry forward our cherished family legacy. Despite humble beginnings and taking on various jobs, including washing dishes, our commitment to success never wavered. Through perseverance, dedication, and unwavering faith, I’ve remained focused and resolute. I worked at a wholesale for nearly two years, enriching my experience and understanding of the market. I freelanced, collaborated with various designers, and participated in workshops, always eager to learn and grow.
Then, in 2020, we embarked on our own venture, launching our online store. We crafted a beautiful website and offer exquisite bridal bouquets, wedding decorations, and arrangements for every occasion, including special events. My greatest joy lies in not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of my clients. Here, in this new country, I discovered my purpose. I adore what I do. Working with flowers brings me immense happiness, knowing that each day, I bring a little more joy into someone’s life.
The next step will be to establish a physical store, solidifying my passion for floral art. We are actively working and preparing to achieve this goal, eager to continue spreading joy through our love for flowers.
Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my journey with you. I’m thrilled to continue this adventure, embracing every opportunity to spread love and beauty through my passion for floral artistry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I’ve come to realize that three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have played pivotal roles in shaping my path: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Resilience has been my steadfast companion throughout the ups and downs. It’s what kept me going when faced with obstacles and setbacks. Cultivating resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from challenges; it’s about drawing strength from adversity and emerging even stronger.
Adaptability has been essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of life and business. Embracing change and being willing to adjust course when necessary has allowed me to stay agile and responsive to new opportunities and challenges. For those starting out, I recommend cultivating a mindset of flexibility and openness to change, viewing it not as a threat but as a chance for growth and innovation.
Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my journey. Whether through formal education, hands-on experience, or seeking out new knowledge and skills, the commitment to lifelong learning has propelled me forward. In today’s rapidly evolving world, staying stagnant is not an option.
My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, allowing them to strengthen their resilience muscle with each obstacle overcome, and prioritize learning and personal development, seizing every opportunity to expand their knowledge and skillset.
Whether it’s through workshops, courses, mentorship, or simply diving into new experiences, the pursuit of knowledge is key to staying relevant and thriving in any field.
In essence, resilience, adaptability, continuous learning and faith, have been my guiding lights on this journey. By embracing these qualities and committing to their cultivation, I believe anyone can chart a course to success and fulfillment in their own endeavors.
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?
One book that profoundly influenced my development is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. Its powerful message about following one’s dreams and listening to the heart resonated deeply with me. It taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and embracing the journey, no matter how challenging. The idea that the universe conspires to help those who pursue their dreams inspired me to stay focused on my goals and trust in the process, even during uncertain times.
Contact Info:
- Website: marly@lifeflowershop.com
- Instagram: @lifeflowershop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeflowershopf
- Twitter: @lifeflowershop
- Youtube: @lifeflowershop5891
Image Credits
Jacob Orlando
