Today we’d like to introduce you to Anahi Leon
Hi Anahi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I didn’t come from a very physically affectionate family, so as I became an adult, I found a unique way to show my love for others—through flowers. I’m a firm believer in giving people their flowers while they’re still alive rather than waiting until it may be too late. I didn’t always have the right words to express my feelings to family and friends, but I knew I could always show my affection with a beautiful floral arrangement.
What began as a personal outlet for creativity and love slowly blossomed into something more significant. I often caught myself gifting flowers to my family and friends, and to my surprise, people enjoyed my floral arrangements more than I initially anticipated. Eventually, I began receiving floral requests from complete strangers, and that’s how Como La Flor began to bloom into more than just a hobby.
In everything I do, I strive to incorporate my Mexican culture. Naming my business Como La Flor was a way to honor my roots and pay tribute to our beloved icon, Selena Quintanilla. “Anything for Selenas!” My mom has also been a huge inspiration throughout my journey, instilling in me from an early age the importance of pursuing what brings you joy.
Como La Flor is not just a floral affair for me; it’s a heartfelt expression of love and culture. Every arrangement I create carries a piece of my heart and my heritage, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that with others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely been a learning experience, and it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the significant struggles I faced in the beginning was learning to charge the worth of my work. At first, it didn’t always feel right to put a price on something that came from my heart and passion. I found it challenging to balance my desire to share my floral creations with the need to run a sustainable and profitable business.
Over time, I realized that valuing my work appropriately was essential not just for the business aspect but also for myself and my craft. It took a lot of self-reflection and confidence-building to understand that my skills, time, and creativity deserved to be compensated fairly. This shift in perspective was crucial in allowing Como La Flor to grow and thrive.
Another challenge I had to overcome, is comparing myself to other floral businesses. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inadequate when looking at others’ success, especially when first starting out. Imposter syndrome is definitely real and can hold someone back if we don’t work to challenge our inner critic. I’ve learned to focus on my unique journey and the value I bring. Embracing my own path and progress has been vital in maintaining my passion and dedication to my craft.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Como La Flor, I specialize in creating garden-style floral arrangements with a minimalist approach that minimizes waste. My commitment to sustainability is deeply influenced by my vegan lifestyle, and I place a high value on taking my environmental footprint into consideration in as many areas as I possibly can. This dedication shapes every aspect of my work, from the choice of wrapping materials to the floral mechanics I employ.
One of the core principles at Como La Flor is avoiding the use of excessive floral paper. I believe that using unnecessary amounts of paper, which often ends up in the trash, does not align with my values or aesthetic. Additionally, I avoid using floral foam as much as possible. Floral foam is made from non-biodegradable plastic materials that can take centuries to break down in landfills, contributing to plastic pollution. I strive to create beautiful arrangements without contributing to environmental waste.
What sets Como La Flor apart is this strong commitment to sustainability and my minimalist style. I am most proud of creating beautiful, meaningful arrangements that honor both my artistic vision and my dedication to the environment.
What does success mean to you?
Success is obviously subjective and can mean different things to different people. To me, success is not something you can measure, but rather something you can feel. It’s about the sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from doing what you love and staying true to your values.
In my work as a florist, success is the happiness I see on people’s faces when they receive their floral arrangements. It’s the satisfaction of knowing I’m creating beauty in a sustainable way that aligns with my commitment to the environment. Ultimately, success is anything that brings you joy and allows you to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @comolafl0rsd
- Other: sdcomolafl0r@gmail.com
