Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Mantilla.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nancy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Colombia, South America. I came to Boston for college, studying to be a lawyer at Simmons College. I changed my mind and decided to pursue my real passion of being a designer. I started working as a florist at the Ritz Carlton and Winston Flowers, and also developed my eye for detailed design as a French pastry chef at the Ritz. I worked very hard, but always knew that I wanted my own business someday. My first customers were residents of the Ritz (the Carlton House), and when I decided to start my own business they stayed with me. I opened the doors of the first Flores Mantilla location in Marblehead in 2000. The community is very welcoming, and I grew my client base doing flowers for parties, holidays, events, and anything requested. In 2017 I opened my second location in the South End, which was the realization of a long-held dream.
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?
The 2008 financial crisis was a very difficult time as a small business owner, especially in the floral industry. The economy was down, so sales were down. I got used to closing the register every day without having made a single sale. I knew that eventually, things would turn around so I went to work every day and made sure I made payroll every week. It was very hard, but I put everything I had into my business as always, and eventually we did recover. You have to believe.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Flores Mantilla story. Tell us more about the business.
Flores Mantilla is a full-service florist, specializing in elegant European design. We are very proud of our timeless, classical floral aesthetic. Beautiful, abundant, traditional garden flowers will always be in style. Flores Mantilla has earned a reputation across Greater Boston for working around the clock, taking on jobs of any size, and always delivering impeccable style.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe it is a combination of different things – having good luck, remaining positive, having good energy around you, staying away from negativity, working hard, staying consistent, keeping focused, always being kind to others, and believing in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 595 Tremont Street Boston MA 02118
- Website: www.floresmantilla.com
- Phone: 8573503001
- Email: floresmantilla@comcast.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/floresmantilla
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/floresmantilla
Image Credit:
Nancy Dion
Eyal Oren
Wednesdays in Marblehead
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