This year’s International Women’s Day Campaign is all about #BalanceForBetter and it focuses on building a more gender-balanced world, one that promotes the participation of women in leadership positions both in public and private sectors. The campaign highlights how businesses like ours can be champions in generating and cultivating that change.

Women are fundamental actors in the floral business—they account for 80% of the Colombian floriculture workforce and 64% of these women are single mothers (Asocolflores, 2017). These are extraordinary figures given the fact that most are not only full-time employees but also heads of households. We, at Golden Flowers, believe in the power of women and the importance of creating more opportunities in order to have a #BalanceForBetter world.

In honor of this year’s International Women’s Day, we wanted to give the spotlight to several women that make everything we do possible (and honestly make our lives easier in the process). We wanted to tell their stories and get to know them better. We wanted to show how these women can do anything & everything and are truly our superheroes.

(Oh, and throwing pretty flowers in the mix never hurt anyone!)

Anne Hernandez

Sales Advisor

Tell us a little bit about your background:

I was born and raised in Miami. Both my parents were born in Cuba, my dad was an American born abroad.

Where can we find you on your days off? 

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me with my husband, friends and family just sharing good laughs. 

To you, what makes our products Grown to Last? 

Our products are specifically grown and chosen to perform at the highest quality possible but our relationship with our customers is what’s Grown to Last.

If you could give one piece of advice to young girls what would it be?

Be who you are, be kind, be generous with your time and your talent.

Angela Bustamante 

Team Leader, Debuttoning  

Tell us a little bit about your background: 

I was born in a municipality west of Antioquia called la Ceja del Tambo. I have 4 siblings (2 brothers and 2 sisters). I have spent my happiest moments in this beautiful municipality, I have been witness to the massive growth and progressive. Today, it’s almost a city.

How long have you been working in the Floral Industry? 

I’ve been in the industry for 24 years, 20 of those have been in Flores el Trigal. For 19 years, I have worked as team leader in different fields.

What’s your favorite flower?

All flowers are beautiful but the one that grabs my attention the most is Anastasia Green (Chrysanthemum) because its color represents hope.

How do you feel about being in an industry where the majority of employees are women?

It makes me feel very proud because my team is made up of hard working women that are always looking to accomplish their life goals. I admire them for their capacity to handle each situation that comes their way. Our strength and bravery makes us a “Winning Team”.

Juliana Gutierrez

Marketing Department

What’s your favorite flower?

Working in the flower industry for 12 years has made me appreciate all flowers and their unique beauty, but ever since I was a kid I’ve always loved sunflowers.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A lot of people don’t know that I am into art. In my free time, I love to paint on canvas.

Goal for 2019:

Gain new experiences. I want to grow in my personal life as well as professionally. I also want to get more involved with the community and give back!

When you think about International Women’s Day, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?

All the women that I’ve been lucky to know throughout my life. 

Maria Helena Mesa

Production Supervisor- Spiders & Cremons

What’s your favorite thing about working at Flores el Trigal?

What I love the most about working at Flores el Trigal is how I have the opportunity to grow on a professional level and a personal one as well. I also enjoy being able to use new technology and the innovation the farm is committed to implementing. Being able to contribute my personal knowledge to the group I direct, the confidence they have in me and the recognition that they give us for the results we obtain are all qualities that I cherish about working here.

One or two words that you would use to describe your outlook on the future for women:

Tenacity & Empowerment.

We talk about Helping People Express Feelings with Flowers all the time, what does that mean to you? How does working in an industry that promotes positive emotions make you feel?

We have the ability to transmit a message of love to a lot of people all over the world, thanks to our products. This makes me proud, happy and satisfied about the work I do.

What lessons have you learned from working in the flower industry?

To reach a goal, you need discipline and extraordinary leaders- people that have values such as tolerance, patience and love for what they do.

Kareena Fonseca 

Mass Market Sales

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a lawyer, I think it was because I’ve always liked to argue and I thought it would be a great position for me.

What do you like to do during your time off?

I actually love to travel and go hiking. When I go visit customers, I try to have take some time off so they can show me around and I can explore the area. 

Goal for 2019:

Make it through the floral holidays and wedding planning—I’m getting married in June!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far? 

Moving up through the ranks is probably my greatest achievement. Eight years ago, I started as a temp at Golden Flowers, then got promoted to an assistant and now I handle Mass Market accounts– I get to design beautiful bouquets every day!

Maria Isabel Garcia

Director of Planning of Riofrio SAS

How long have you been working in the floral industry?

I have been in the industry for 19 years. On April 8th, I will celebrate 8 years in RQ.

What’s your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is Godetia. I think it’s a unique flower—it seems like a delicate flower but in reality it’s very strong and resistant.

If you could give one piece of advice to young girls what would it be?

My advice would be: develop discipline and good work ethic, learn to live happily and enjoy those moments you get to spend with the people you love.

One word that you would use to describe the future for women:

Leaders.

Liliana Cabrera & Sandra Albornoz

Administration & Organizational Effectiveness

Liliana

How long have you been working at Golden Flowers? 

I’ve been in Golden Flowers for 9 years.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I always loved teaching and medicine. In Cuba, I got my degree in Nursing and was a nursing professor. My dream is to be able to validate my degree in the U.S. because I love my profession.

When you think of International Women’s Day what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Empowerment & Flowers

If you could give advice to young girls what would it be?

Never abandon your dreams—always keep going. You will find obstacles along the way but these obstacles will only make you stronger. In the end, if you persevere, you dreams will become a reality. 

Sandra

Tell us a little bit about your background:

I was born in Bogota and lived there until 2003. I studied Communications and Journalism.  My two beautiful sons were also born in Bogota. The move to the U.S. was not easy at first because adapting to a new culture and language is always a challenge. However, if you ask me today, I feel both American and Colombian. 

What is your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is the yellow daisy because as I kid I would play “he loves me, he loves me not” with them in Colombia. I love them because they remind me of a really nice time in my life.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Something people might not know about me is that I am finishing a book about my life. It’s also an artistic feature because I discovered my love of art due to this phase in my life that I am living.

We talk about Helping People Express Feelings with Flowers all the time, what does that mean to you? How does working in an industry that promotes positive emotions make you feel?

I love that Golden Flowers focuses on both the products and people. There is a reason why Golden Flowers is recognized in the industry—and that’s because of our high-quality products. However, we also make it a priority to focus on the human side of this industry.  That’s why we’re always looking for that personal touch. “Expressing Feelings with Flowers” is beautiful because it’s true.

**Special thanks to Flores El Trigal for providing us with photos and video shots.