Why Did I Become a Florist?
As a child, I always wanted to be an artist. I filled my days with piano and painting classes, dreaming of a creative future. But art didn’t align with my parents’ wishes—especially my dad, who hoped I’d join the family business. So, I followed the path laid out for me and studied insurance, earning a BA in Insurance Management, then later a Certificate of Proficiency. I spent years working in large insurance companies, achieving milestones that made my family proud. Yet, my heart still longed for a creative outlet.
I vividly remember the day I passed my final CIP course. Sitting in my car, a sense of freedom washed over me—I’d fulfilled my duty to my family and was finally free to pursue what I truly loved. I signed up for event planning at BCIT and floral design classes at Maureen Sullivan Floral Design School, immersing myself in what I was truly passionate about.
When I felt ready, I laid out all my strengths: a natural artistic eye, experience with colors and textures from years of painting, floral and event planning training, a strong background in business from my insurance days, and a love for people and problem-solving. My husband encouraged me to take the leap. Together, we found and bought my first shop, “Amazing Florals” in Burnaby. A few years later, I established Petalino Flower Bar and Events in North Vancouver, merging my artistic vision with business skills and my love for floristry. Since then, I’ve published five books for the funeral industry and run workshops to inspire young dreamers. My journey may have taken a detour, but I believe you should always follow your dreams, move forward, and create a life that brings you joy. It may sound like a cliché, but I’m proof that it’s true.
Meet Marcela – The Heart of Petalino’s Creative Flow
Marcela is more than a team member at Petalino – she’s the pulse behind our design magic and seamless event coordination. Originally from Mexico, Marcela brings a vibrant cultural perspective to her work, speaking both Spanish and English fluently. A professionally trained and licensed floral designer with a BCIT degree in Marketing, she effortlessly blends her floral expertise with marketing savvy. When she's not crafting beautiful arrangements, you might find her channeling passion through flamenco dance. Her love for animals, unwavering kindness, and belief in spreading love infuse everything she touches at Petalino. Simply put, we can’t imagine Petalino without her!
Meet Rhino – Our Adorable (and Essential!) Moral Support Specialist
Don’t let his tough name fool you—Rhino, our lovable French Bulldog, is as soft as they come! Known as “Rinoceronte” by Marcela (Spanish for rhinoceros), Rhino is a cherished member of the Petalino team. His main job? Brightening our days with his cuteness and boundless charm! With Rhino around, there’s never a shortage of smiles, tail wags, and that extra dose of moral energy that keeps us all going. Whether he’s napping between blooms or cheering us on in his own way, Rhino is as much a part of Petalino as any flower arrangement we create
