We recently connected with Severina Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Severina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room that stands out—whether by gender, ethnicity, or simply by perspective—comes with a unique set of challenges that, honestly, I’m still learning to navigate. It’s something most people might not realize I struggle with because I make a conscious effort to project confidence, even on days when I’m feeling the weight of it all. For me, the first step is feeling good in my own skin, and that starts with dressing in a way that reflects my best self. It might sound simple, but when you look good, you feel good, and that positivity has a way of spilling over into everything you do. It’s my little reminder that confidence is something we can cultivate from the outside in.
The other side of it is realizing that I’m not here by accident. I believe there’s a purpose behind every opportunity, and I remind myself that if I’ve been given the “address,” it’s because I belong there. I’ve learned to embrace that feeling of sticking out as a strength rather than a setback. My authenticity—my quirks, my humor, even my dad jokes—are what make me, me. I believe the world needs a dose of who we truly are, not who we think we’re supposed to be. So whether I’m in the room with a CEO or the President, I’m going to share a dad joke or two because that’s part of who I am.
In the end, showing up as our true selves is what changes rooms. It’s how we inspire others to bring their authentic selves into the mix, too.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I run a company called Bubbles & Blooms, where we host flower arrangement workshops and brunches at my studio, Studio 127, in North Hollywood. But more than just arranging flowers, Bubbles & Blooms is a unique experience designed to bring people, especially women, together in a way that feels freeing, fun, and uplifting. We also take this experience on the road, bringing our workshops to bachelorette parties, tea parties, brand activations, team-building events, and so much more.
What excites me most about Bubbles & Blooms is our commitment to creating a sanctuary—an inviting, safe space where women can finally take a breath, let down their guard, and give back to themselves. We live in a world where women are often pouring into everyone else’s lives, from family to career, and there’s so little time left for them to reconnect with their own sense of peace and joy. Bubbles & Blooms aims to change that by offering an experience that feels restorative, where creativity meets community.
Before I started Bubbles & Blooms, I attended a few flower arrangement workshops myself, but they felt transactional, almost clinical. I knew it could be so much more—an opportunity to make genuine connections, laugh, and create memories that last beyond a single afternoon. Now, when people leave one of my workshops, I want them to feel a shift: to have laughed so hard their cheeks hurt, to feel renewed and inspired, and to walk away knowing they’ve connected with like-minded women. It’s about cultivating an experience that nurtures both creativity and friendship.
Ultimately, Bubbles & Blooms is here to bring a little more beauty, joy, and relaxation to the world—one arrangement at a time. We’re creating not just floral designs, but memories that last a lifetime.
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, there were three key areas that really shaped my journey: understanding and standing firm in my worth, putting my whole self into my work, and mastering the art of authentic marketing.
First and foremost is knowing your worth—both personally and as a brand—and refusing to dilute it. When I first started, those self-doubts would creep in: “What if people think it’s too expensive? What if no one buys tickets?” I used to worry, “Will people feel they got their money’s worth?” But then I stopped myself. The value I’m offering is real. I spend countless late nights setting up and designing spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply intentional. Every aspect, from the curated seasonal art installations to the food and every detail in between, is crafted with care. The truth is, attending a Bubbles & Blooms event is worth the price because of the heart and effort behind it. And I’ve learned that the right people—the ones who truly resonate with my vision—will recognize that worth without hesitation. My advice to others is this: don’t try to please everyone. You’re not meant for everyone, and that’s okay. Embrace that. Stay true to what you’re worth, and the people who value what you do will come.
The second quality that’s been essential is putting my all into everything I do. Life gives us one chance at this moment, so why hold back? Every detail, every decision, and every ounce of effort I put into my work is something I can look back on with pride. I would tell anyone starting their journey to give 100% every single time. Don’t wait to go all in; do it now. You’ll never regret pouring yourself fully into something meaningful.
And lastly, marketing has been absolutely pivotal. It’s more than just selling—it’s about telling your story in a way that feels true to who you are. Authentic marketing allows you to attract the people who genuinely connect with your vision. I’ve learned that when I market Bubbles & Blooms in a way that reflects who I am and what my brand stands for, I attract an audience that values those things too. To those starting out, remember this: be unapologetically true to yourself in your marketing. Don’t try to mold your brand to fit others’ expectations. When you’re real with your audience, you naturally attract the clients and customers who belong with you.
So, my main message to anyone early in their journey? Don’t undervalue what you have to offer. The right audience—the ones who see and appreciate your worth—will come. The right clients will invest in you because they see your value, and that’s what matters most.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it’s best to go all-in on our strengths, but with an open mind and curiosity for new knowledge. To me, focusing on our strengths is a way of honoring who we are, making the most of our time, and tapping into our unique gifts. I’ve always known that my talents lie in creativity; I thrive in the world of ideas, visuals, and bringing imaginative concepts to life. But numbers and grammar? That’s another story. Ironically, I’ve written a book, but if you asked me to analyze financial spreadsheets or spot every grammatical detail, I’d struggle—and truthfully, I wouldn’t enjoy it.
So rather than spending time trying to become someone I’m not, I choose to invest in my strengths, refining and expanding them to make the most of what I have to offer. I’ve learned that leaning into our strengths allows us to shine in ways that feel natural and deeply satisfying. And when it comes to areas I’m not strong in, I find it far more effective to bring in experts who excel in those fields. Hiring people who are passionate about what they do, whether it’s accounting, editing, or marketing strategy, not only elevates my work but allows me to focus on what I love most.
That said, I do think it’s essential to stay open to learning and exposing ourselves to different skills and ideas. Even if I don’t master them, those nuggets of knowledge keep me adaptable and engaged. I’ve found that by remaining open-minded, I can collaborate more effectively with others and even appreciate the areas that aren’t my strengths without needing to master them myself.
Ultimately, our time is precious, and I believe in focusing it where it has the most impact. We’re all here with unique strengths for a reason, and by fully embracing those, we create value not just for ourselves but for those we work with and serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lnk.bio/severina?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY0EOVNAyZYpWB6X47zxru9U3wrVCxwZxZSD2nlb_qLh0sKEB1ALsuzP3E_aem_qiBbM-NzniqqpIoGX3TRmw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsupseverina/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@severina.hernandez?si=aLLkbHCgGVIgwNou
- Other: https://a.co/d/2JDYHcd
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