Today we’d like to introduce you to Kez Sinoro.
Hi Kez, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A decade ago, I could never have imagined being where I am today. Growing up in the Philippines, I moved to the United States at 21 after graduating from college. As the only immigrant in my family, the past ten years have been anything but easy. I moved a lot and lived in several cities, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Springfield, Illinois, with Chicago holding a special place in my heart before I finally settled in San Diego in 2017.
I took on various jobs—working as a nanny, housecleaner, server, and front desk associate. The first three years were particularly difficult; I felt lost and unsure of where to begin. The world felt overwhelmingly large, and I felt so small, uncertain if I even belonged in it.
In the fall of 2017, I made the decision to travel to Europe, a journey that profoundly changed my life. It gave me a different outlook in life and exposed me to my deep passion for art and history. I realized during this trip that there was something within me that needed to be nurtured: artistry.
At 24, I became pregnant with my twin boys, which led me to set aside my career in the tourism and management industry to focus on being a dedicated mother for the next three years. When my kids started school at three, I decided to pursue an Associate degree in Marketing, on top of my Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Travel Management that I took in the Philippines. The goal is to re-enter the workforce with a strong resume despite my long break from employment.
In September 2022, I stumbled upon a flower workshop hosted by a florist based in Chula Vista and that’s how I started my journey into the flower business and events industry. I freelanced almost every weekend for a year trying to learn as much as I can. Even when my earnings from freelancing is just enough to pay the babysitter, I was dedicated and driven to be a floral designer. January 2023 is when I booked my first wedding and everything changed the next year. I became so passionate and driven to make my flower business happen.
In 2023, I pushed myself to the limits, taking 16 units in one semester, working 30 hours a week as a server, launching my small floral business, and still being a full-time mom to my children.
Now, as a single mom living in San Diego and successfully running my floral business for the past two years, I am grateful for all the experiences that have shaped me into the driven, resilient, and strong woman I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe success does not come without struggles and hindrances.
I moved to the US not out of a dream I wanted to pursue, but due to a tragedy that forced me to move on. Since then, my life has been a roller coaster ride of struggles and challenges. Being away from my family while adjusting to life alone in a foreign country was just the beginning of my experience here in the US.
My business began to flourish during a difficult time in my marriage, which ultimately led me to make the hard decision to leave the country with my children. I had to pause my event bookings to focus on my personal life. I realized that I have spent the last decade trying to survive but not live. The four-month period of soul-searching and learning to love myself was essential for me to become the best version of a mother for my children.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an event florist based in San Diego, I have two great passions besides being a mother: art and flowers. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a job that doesn’t feel like work. Being chosen to be part of such significant events in people’s lives, whether it’s a birthday or a wedding, is an immense honor for me.
What distinguishes me from others in the field is how deeply I invest in my clients and their journey toward their big day. For me, flowering is not just work or a job that have to be done but an expression–an emotion that needed to be felt. Hence, I always go above and beyond to make every event a one to remember! I never miss the chance to witness the bride walking down the aisle to meet the love of her life. It’s such a touching moment that never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One surprising thing that many might not know about me is that I have always been passionate and have a strong interest in various forms of art and history. I specifically enjoy art from the Renaissance and Victorian era. Although I primarily focused on academics while growing up, my deep-rooted interest in creative pursuits like painting and other art forms has always been a significant part of my life. This passion led me to pursue floristry, as it allows me to express ideas and concepts in a unique way, fostering a deeper connection with my creative mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifewthflowers.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lwf_floraldesign
Image Credits
Credits in order 1. Victoria Perez @victoriaperezphoto 2. Erica Brown @bohobabesphotography 3. Victoria Perez @victoriaperezphoto 4. Anamaria Vieriu @anamariavieriuphotography 5. Natalie Borton @nataliebortob_ Models: Lindsey Rummings and John Meisner 7. Eddie Chavez @chaedphoto
