From Budding Interest to Blooming Business

Client Spotlight: Guillermina Perez 

Guillermina Perez arrived in the U.S. with little more than hope—and soon found a calling that would reshape her future. An experienced marketer, she moved to the United States five years ago from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and took a job at a flower shop. With little knowledge of floral arrangement, she spent late nights studying — not out of obligation, but out of passion. 

What began as curiosity soon became a calling. She’d watch tutorials, practice endlessly, and push herself to improve. Those nights were not easy. Between long shifts and caring for her family, Guillermina often found herself exhausted, surrounded by beautiful flowers. But with every bouquet there was victory and proof that with patience comes virtue.

“God has put art in my hands,” she happily recalls.

Soon after, Guillermina and her husband began selling floral arrangements from home. Around the same time, she discovered  El Centro through her church and joined a free eight-week program, Camino Financiero, hosted in Spanish to learn about financial management and business. Through this program, the Cumbre Empresarial (Business Summit), VITA, and personalized coaching, she was able to open an account at Chase. This allowed her to access credit cards and start planning a secure financial future.

The couple’s combined passion has turned into a growing business, and they are currently planning to open their first storefront. They specialize in arrangements for a variety of occasions– birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and more– showcasing what creativity and dedication can turn into.

Guillermina’s goal is to become one of the best florists in New Orleans. During her busy season, she creates jobs for others while also inspiring surrounding immigrant entrepreneurs. Through her consistent dedication and discipline with the support of El Centro, she is evolving her dream into a blooming and resilient business.