Kez Sinoro shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kez, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
As a business owner, I believe integrity holds more weight than intelligence. Intelligence without strong character isn’t enough when it comes to leading effectively. Integrity is rooted in trust, values, and doing what’s right even when no one is watching.
Throughout my journey as a leader, I’ve learned that people are more likely to respect and follow those who lead with strong principles and character. Intelligence may make you capable, but integrity makes you trustworthy and in most areas of life, trustworthiness is far more valuable than simply being smart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kez Sinoro, a proud Filipina, and the owner and lead designer behind Life with Flowers, a floral and event design company serving Southern California and beyond. I’m also the co-founder of Ladies Who, a creative collective and social group founded last spring with a mission to bring women together to connect, empower, and inspire through meaningful community and collaboration.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust is one of the most powerful forces that connect us as humans. When broken, it can leave deep wounds but when restored, it can build even stronger and more genuine relationships.
A lack of trust can lead to a broken world where people distrust others, contributing to the ongoing division and conflict. The relationship between trust and the state of the world is not a simple cause-and-effect. It’s more of a cycle.
There’s a memorable line from a Disney movie that goes, “If we don’t stop and learn to trust one another again, it’s only a matter of time before we tear each other apart.” Today, our world feels fractured, and trust has become increasingly rare. It’s hard to give trust–but is the world broken because we can’t trust anyone or maybe it’s broken because we don’t trust anyone?
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me life-defining lessons that success alone can never provide. I celebrate my past and the journey that led to my success—whether in personal growth or career—because it strengthened my faith in my own resilience and the things I can do alone. The vulnerability and challenges I faced to reach where I am today have deepened my appreciation for growth beyond just achievements. While success often highlights the destination, suffering reveals the true depth of the journey and the character forged along the way. I have embraced every experience, especially the toughest moments, as they have been essential ingredients in shaping the proud person I am today.
Now, I confront life’s hardships head-on, knowing they will ultimately make me stronger.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
“Pakikipagkapwa” is a deeply rooted Filipino value that refers to relating with others with a shared sense of humanity–relating to others as equals and treating them with respect, empathy, and compassion.
I believe this cultural value is a key reason why Filipinos are often regarded as some of the most hospitable and warm-hearted people. It reflects a deep sense of shared identity and interconnectedness, where individuals see themselves as part of a greater whole and treat others as reflections or extensions of themselves.
It’s not just kindness–it’s deeper than that.
In modern terms, “pakikipagkapwa” could be seen as a combination of empathy, social responsibility, and communal care—core values that shape Filipino identity and relationships.
It’s a value I truly want to instill in my children, so they grow up carrying the same sense of connection, compassion and the ability to help when they are needed.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
It’s simple, really. Over the past two years, I’ve been on a journey of releasing hate and letting go of grudges. I’ve come to understand that people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves. Through it all, I’ve chosen to move forward with compassion, grace and understanding. More than anything, I hope that those around me feel seen, supported, and deeply loved–a safe space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifewithflowers.co
- Instagram: Life with Flowers
Image Credits
First Photo- Nika Libres @libresphoto
Second Photo- Lindsey Almquist @lindseymerriphoto
Third and Fourth Photos- Xi Zeng @xizengphoto
Fifth Photo- Sophia Savage @sophiasavagephoto
