Meet Zenia Ruiz of Flor Del Monte in Pilsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zenia Ruiz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The flower world wasn’t a place I was remotely familiar with growing up, yet somehow, I stumbled into it and let it become a source of beauty and simplicity in my life. While pursuing my MBA, the opportunity to partner with my mom in a small, Pilsen retail flower shop presented itself. It was definitely not a path I envisioned, but it felt like the challenge I needed. At first Flor del Monte offered standard, traditional flower arrangements, but we began learning more about contemporary designers and new flower varieties. When the recession hit at the end of 2007 we were forced to rethink our business model since retail was taking a huge hit. It was at that point that we focused our efforts on growing within the event industry and slowly, went from booking 5 weddings a year to an average of 50 within 5 years. We took our passion for floral event design to another level three years ago and bought a building in Pilsen where we created a clean, open studio filled with light that would inspire greater creativity.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a small business owner can be overwhelming since you have to wear so many different hats, you have to wear all the hats actually. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day to day needs so you have to constantly remind yourself that there is a bigger picture, long term goals that need attention as well. Fortunately, I made some wonderful industry friends early on and we’ve become a sounding board for each other, a great outlet to share ideas and not feel alone.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Last year we celebrated 15 years of flowers and design. Flor del Monte provides full service floral designs for events as well as weekly, custom arrangements for corporate accounts and seasonal beauties to celebrate every day moments. We love flowers. Love their lines, hues, fragrances and hope to evoke peace and joy with our designs. There is a tranquility that flowers provide, this same feeling has framed how we do business; with much care and attention to our clients and staff. We’ve created a physical environment of warm, natural light where flowers take center stage as do the people that walk through the door. Working with Flor del Monte should leave you with a feeling a trust and comfort.

What were you like growing up?
I have always been an intense person, very passionate about my interests, my loves. In my youth I was devoted to books and to knowing as much about the world as I could. It’s a tradition in many Mexican homes to celebrate turning 15 with a Quinceñera, I balked and asked for a trip to Spain instead. In general, I balk at tradition and at doing what is expected which on some level explains how I ended up making a life in flowers. Yet, I work with my mother, married my high school love and continue to grow my family and business in the neighborhood I was raised, which doesn’t seem rebellious in any form. It’s a lovely contradiction that has allowed for a simple life peppered with exciting travels that push me out of my comfort zone.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1951 W 22nd Place
  Chicago, IL 60608
• Website: www.flordelmonte.com
• Phone: 773.592.8099
• Email: info@flordelmonte.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordelmonteinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flordelmonteinc/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flor-del-monte-chicago?osq=wedding+flowers

Image Credit:
FDM Quince Photos by Hinojosa Photography

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