We recently connected with Angelica Negrete and have shared our conversation below.

Angelica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a woman-led landscaping business in south Florida , we pay close attention to detail and prioritize honesty in everything we do. Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t need to lower my quality standards to fit into a niche that doesn’t align with our values. Some clients only focus on price, but our ideal clients are those who value great service, long-term results, and integrity.

We don’t cut corners. Instead, we educate our customers so they understand what “quality” truly means in landscaping. That’s what sets us apart. We aim to build relationships for life, and those clients often refer others who share the same expectations.

We also take pride in giving back. We support sustainability and small business growth by volunteering with the University of Florida’s Green Industry Best Management Practices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping programs, and through SCORE to mentor new entrepreneurs.

As a woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, I believe it’s essential to keep advocating for diversity. This industry needs more women, and I’m committed to creating space for them, not just through words, but through real opportunities, training, and mentorship.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About Me & My Business
I’m Angelica Negrete, the founder of Royal Gardens Landscaping and Design, a woman-led landscaping company based in South Florida. I started this business with a clear mission: to bring quality, honesty, and professionalism to every project while creating a company that reflects my values as a mother, entrepreneur, and immigrant.

We specialize in high-end commercial and residential landscaping, offering services in design, installation, and maintenance. With over 10 years of experience, we are fully licensed and insured, and proud to have received awards recognizing our quality, service, and community impact.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to doing things the right way and our passion for giving back. We support sustainability and community development.

Being a woman in a male-dominated field has pushed me to speak up and lead by example. I believe this industry needs more diversity and more voices, and I’m proud to be creating space for others through training, education, and advocacy.

This business has been a labor of love, and I take pride in delivering not only beautiful landscapes but also a message: with dedication, purpose, and integrity, you can thrive while staying true to who you are.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a time when I believed that working harder and moving faster was the only way to grow. But the truth is, my most resilient moment came when I did the opposite , when I slowed down.

I was expecting my second baby, juggling the pressures of motherhood and running a growing business. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, but I kept pushing. Until one day, I realized I couldn’t keep going that way. I had to let go, trust the process, and focus on what really mattered. My family, my purpose, and the kind of business I truly wanted to build.

That shift changed everything. I created better systems, learned to delegate, and made space for the right opportunities to come. Clients showed up who aligned with our values. Our work improved. I felt more grounded.

Resilience, for me, isn’t just about pushing through. It’s about knowing when to pause, when to trust, and how to lead from a place of faith and clarity, not just survival.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For a long time, I believed that doing everything myself was the only way to keep things running the right way. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I felt I had to prove myself constantly , not just by doing the work, but by being on top of every detail.

But I’ve realized that doing it all doesn’t mean doing it well. It’s exhausting, and it limits growth. I’ve had to start unlearning the idea that control equals quality. What I’m learning now is that leadership isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters and building the right support around you.

I’m making changes. I’m setting clearer priorities, building systems, and learning to trust others with parts of the process. It’s a shift , and one that’s already starting to make a difference

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.royalgardensfl.com
• Instagram: I’m on Instagram as @royalgardensfl. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?igsh=10n9c666584zw&utm_content=3ug1pn6
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-negrete-6a7ba5298?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app