Check Out Drew Rios’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Rios.

Hi Drew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From my early years, watching my father shape bonsai trees in our yard, I fell in love with floral artistry. When you grow up around flowers and plants, you begin to appreciate their every detail. When I got older, I rebelled and decided I wanted to take a different career path as a nurse. After working three years in that field, I felt dissatisfied and underappreciated so I decided to start my own floral company. But I wanted the freedom to design things my way. Uniquely, wildly. Florists of color were not as visible when I first started and I wanted to help change that boldly.

Now almost ten years later, I find myself the most satisfied with the art I create.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a person of color in any business in this country has always served up its challenges. I used to feel I had to work ten times harder than anyone else just to be noticed for the work I did. Some clients would approach cautiously, doubtful of my abilities or would price undercut my proposals simply because they thought they could.

In my family life, my son was diagnosed with autism and I struggled with balancing my business demands and creating a life my son deserved. Some nights I wouldn’t sleep because he couldn’t and I would have to wake up early the next morning to pick up a floral order of lead a team on a large event.

It’s through those struggles that helped to refine who I am today, and they continue to refine me. It’s humbling, it’s heartbreaking, but it’s triumphant.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the owner and lead designer of Rogue&Fox Floral Co and I specialize in over the top floral installations that defy the norm. My company is known for having a creative edge and taking basic design concepts and amplifying every angle. It’s challenging and backbreaking but oh so rewarding and fun.

I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built. Being kind and generous to everyone, no matter who they are is so incredibly needed. One can do amazing work, yet they radiate negativity and eventually that catches up with them. Radiating joy, love, and positivity puts others at ease and helps me create the most satisfying art.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite child memory was watching my father create and weld structures in our garage. He taught me everything I know about carpentry and welding and those skills I use to this day to create many of the backdrops you see on my Instagram. We didn’t talk much while we created, but it almost felt like we were communicating by creating together. The best memories.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rogueandfoxfloral.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/rogueandfox
• Facebook: facebook.com/rogueandfox