Rising Stars: Meet Evelyn Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Perez.

Hi Evelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always surrounded by flowers and plants, as my mother and grandmother loved to garden. Alcatraces remind me of my late grandmother and orchids are my mom’s favorite. I was without a job in 2020 shortly after the pandemic began due to job burnout in the mental health field. I came across a one-time free floral workshop to do a Christmas arrangement and I fell in love! My dad joked that I had an “eye” for floral design and I could start selling flowers. My boyfriend also suggested that I try floral design and become a florist. As my bills continued to accrue, I decided to sell Valentine’s Day arrangements in 2021 at the corner of my block. I then began taking floral classes with a well-known floral designer which greatly helped to expand my knowledge and skill set.
Simultaneously, I borrowed library books to mock designs, learn flower names and seasons for flowers. I also watched YouTube videos and browsed the internet to learn pricing. I took a leap and opened my business Instagram account Evy’s Florals on March 30, 2021 with my furrbaby (cat) Sylvester inspiring the design of my logo. I slowly increased my account followers as friends and family began referring me. A friend introduced me to small business pop-ups and my reach expanded as I began selling flower arrangements at pop-ups and the community began seeing and appreciating my work. Almost two years later and here I am, still making it.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My first obstacle was expanding my reach and trying to show others who I am and what my work is, as I tried to expand my portfolio. I underpriced my work due to inexperience and I had to learn to manage and navigate a business in order to be successful. Behind the scenes, I also incur obstacles such as not finding specific flowers or colors due to weather, flower shortages or not finding materials needed. This has been a learning process overall and I appreciate every obstacle because it’s molded me into the florist I am today. The unwavering support of family, friends and my community has made it all worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work ranges from everyday bouquets and arrangements to funeral wreaths and centerpieces. I also love to host paid raffles where I create new designs and you can enter for a chance to win a floral arrangement! I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, and I aspire to keep learning and challenging myself. I am humbled when my name is mentioned in a room of opportunity, as that is the highest compliment considering there are many other florists that could have been mentioned. Many people notice my business since my cat is my logo; it’s a great conversation starter! I believe what sets me apart from others is that I love creating new designs and showing clients flowers they never knew existed since there are thousands of different flowers and colors. I love seeing the smiles when they see my floral designs!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can support me by viewing my Instagram account @EvysFlorals. I cordially invite you to view and follow my page if my work resonates with you; sharing also goes a long way! How can people work with me? I would love to collaborate with other SELA florists for events and continue growing my business. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, I am forever thankful for this opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evysflorals/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100068884881084/
• Other: Tiktok- https://in.tiktok.com/@evysflorals