We’re looking forward to introducing you to María Isabel Martinez. Check out our conversation below.
María Isabel , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire me without hesitation.
Because I know I do my work to the highest possible standard, with a level of quality I personally protect and care for. My flowers last, my designs surprise, and I am not afraid to ask for everything I need to create something truly unforgettable — because I make anything possible. On top of that, you’d be negotiating with an authentic, genuine woman who has put her whole heart, effort, and determination into making this dream a reality.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am María Martínez, founder and creative heart behind Fleurette D’Amour, a floral design studio based in Katy, Texas.
My journey with flowers began in my childhood in Venezuela, working alongside my mother in her floral business. Years later, as a single mother in a new country, I transformed that early passion into a thriving brand that has been serving our community for over seven years.
Fleurette D’Amour is more than a florist — it’s a space where emotions are translated into flowers, where each arrangement tells a story. Our designs are known for their exceptional quality, longevity, and emotional impact. I personally ensure every detail, from the freshness of the blooms to the artistry of the presentation, because my goal is always to create unforgettable moments.
Now, I’m expanding my vision with Fleurette D’Amour – Café and Flowers, a space where people can enjoy the beauty of flowers and the warmth of coffee in an environment built around connection, authenticity, and stories worth sharing
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that most shaped how I see the world comes from my childhood in Venezuela, where my parents owned a funeral home. Our family lunches often revolved around stories of life and death — sometimes natural passings, other times unexpected and tragic, involving both the young and the elderly. Those conversations, and witnessing families in such vulnerable moments, taught me to value the present, to love openly, and to express that love every single day.
It also shaped my sense of service. Creating floral arrangements for people in those moments required deep empathy, patience, and the ability to listen beyond words. I learned to transform raw emotions into flowers that could bring comfort, beauty, and a sense of peace during the most difficult times.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
To be honest, yes — there have been many moments when I almost gave up. Not because of this country, which has been wonderful to me, but because as a migrant, my heart is divided. My parents are still in Venezuela, and part of me has always wanted to be there with them, supporting their flower shop and giving back the skills I’ve refined here.
Building a company as a migrant is challenging — it takes everything you have, and the immigration process can make it even harder. There were times when the weight of those challenges made me want to quit. But every time, I remembered why I started: to honor my roots, to show my daughter what perseverance looks like, and to create something beautiful that connects people no matter where in the world they are.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — the public version of me is the real me. I believe that’s what my community values most: my authenticity and honesty. My family taught me that when you try to deceive someone else, you’re really deceiving yourself, and that only leads to personal disconnection and broken relationships with yourself.
There’s nothing more beautiful than being real, loving yourself as you are, and showing up exactly as you are. And if there’s something you don’t like, you have the power to change it — but never to hide
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Without a doubt, I deeply understand that life is short — and that we are here to serve and express what we carry in our hearts. That’s one of the main reasons I have a flower shop: to help people in that mission.
I’ve seen how many people pass away every day, and how those left behind often live with the regret of not having said “I love you” before it was too late. That’s why I always offer my clients a card with their arrangements. Sometimes they say, “It’s okay, the flowers say it all,” but I gently insist: “Let me help you write it.” There’s nothing like expressing your feelings in words, and I know for many, that’s the hardest — yet most important — part.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.fleurettedamour.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurettedamour
