We were lucky to catch up with Eva Barrientos recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eva , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being different can be intimidating, and sometimes discouraging. Highlighting the uneven playing field. The longer I am in the industry I have seen more immigrant children take the leap and begin their own businesses. This makes us unique and opens the door for new opportunities. Everyone has a story to tell, and ideas to share, find your people and your community, the world needs our voices and ideas. If I push through the fear and doubt, hopefully it will be easier for the next person and that is how change happens.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Jardin del Eden began as a passion project. I had many hobbies and crafting was always my creative outlet. Flowers were always in my life and designing with them allowed me to combine different skills and bring me a sense of purpose and joy. Being able to run my own business gave me the opportunity to build the company I envisioned for my clients, my team and my family. I am very proud of what it has become and being able to take people’s vision of one of the most important days of their lives and their celebrations. Our focus has become special events floral designs and installations and we can’t wait to continue creating and pushing designs to new levels.
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?
I started my floral journey much later than some of my peers, but the path taught me so many skills that helped me be the well rounded business owner I needed to be. I went to university and received a math degree, which I attribute the ability to work through difficult problems. Later worked as a tutor and helped admin a teaching program for grade levels kinder through high school. This taught me scheduling, client managing, and ability to work with various teams. When I left that company I joined an accounting team, started from data entry level to corporate accountant, and as any business owner knows, being able to maintain organized books is such a valuable skill. It was during this time that I started taking classes, teaching myself and practicing my design skills. Life isn’t linear, it’s ok to try new things and keep going even when it’s hard. Anyone thinking of starting a business or going out on a creative career, I recommend taking business classes in addition to refining your craft, You need to make a lot of decisions, and being able to know where your business is financially can help you make strong decisions.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My biggest cheerleaders have been my family, partner and friends. Community is immensely important, building your professional community will help you reach your goals faster. My partner was the first one to encourage me to develop my artistic path and pursue it as my career. He is an artist as well, he has helped me make design choices. My family helps a lot as well, my sister in particular has been my right hand to help run event set up days. They were the first team members and the core of our team. Finding people you trust to help create the vision and understand the importance of what you are creating is like finding gold, we have a great group of freelancers that support with designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: JDEflowers.cooom
- Instagram: @jardindel.eden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jardindel.eden.EB
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jardin-del-eden-south-pasadena
Image Credits
Lily Tapia Photography Pixels and Prints Kenzie Kate Photography Leslie Joy Photography Kristyn Taulane Photo
