We recently connected with Ana Pedraza and have shared our conversation below.

Ana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2010 I found myself amid the dissolution of my marriage with my 3 young children. My situation was not an amicable one and as a trusting Latina wife, it ended with financial hardships that included no home, no vehicle, and negative credit. The positive side was I had my children with me and a stable job, lots of courage, and a drive to improve our lives. With God’s blessings and a creative mind, I was able to get a vehicle, secure a home, and made a purchase with a local store, Conn’s to begin the journey to repair my credit. One income proved to not be enough; therefore, I took second jobs. Although this helped with money, it was too much time away from my children and I didn’t want that either.

I decided there had to be another way to help myself and this is when I decided to turn a hobby and interest of mine into a business. I had no idea what all was necessary to do this, what I did know is I am a good researcher and student; in fact, I had learned through the law library everything I needed to represent myself in court for the divorce proceedings and had gained sole custody of my children. I proceeded with choosing a name for my business and creating my own logo which I first drew on paper and then recreated digitally. I obtained a DBA, EIN, and even an agriculture license to be able to purchase floral wholesale. It was small investments with what felt to me like huge achievements. I didn’t have any material or funds to work with and no knowledge of small business, so I did it in a way to keep going forward, I did it my way. My first clients were referrals from friends who I had helped in the past with events as it was just a hobby for me in the past. I would basically do the event for the cost of the materials I was using, and this is how I was able to build my inventory. In time, I was able to save on the overhead cost of materials because of having done this and began to see profits. The best part for me was being able to bring my children along to help me and this way I didn’t lose time with them. As I share this, I realize how easy I make it sound, but trust me when I say, it was not easy at all. Even though the investments were small, for my pocketbook at that time, it was a sacrifice that I knew could end up in failure. What I didn’t do was give up on myself and certainly not on being the best provider I could be for my kids. I felt I had failed them with a broken marriage and all I wanted was for them to learn that a person does not have to remain in a bad situation, that there is a way out and a better way of life. Starting a business at the time I did was a huge risk for me. I took it because the alternative was not a choice anymore.

How did it all turn out?

I am still in business 12 years later and even survived the pandemic. I have a very personal reason why I have not yet moved to just being a business owner and not having full-time employment. My middle child was born with a congenital heart defect. After his birth, I decided I needed to position myself in a place where I could get quick answers and solutions should he need further medical attention. This is how I ended up working for a hospital here in Houston, Texas and I have been with them almost 20 years. In my time at the hospital, I also found a passion for helping people and I love what I do at work, and I also love doing my business. I feel most fortunate to live a purposeful life and to do things day to day with intention. Assisting a family to plan for a joyous occasion and sometimes even for solemn moments with remembrances of loved ones, is a role that is very enriching to my being. Creating and designing individual designs that come from my clients’ wishes and my vision to life is very fulfilling and dear to my heart. I find peace and enter another world when I am working with my hands to design floral pieces or present food in a manner that entices the visual senses. I know what I do is ultimately a business, but for me it is so much more than that.

The best part of all is my children have grown into young adults that makes me proud in so many ways. We have our flaws and our moments, but that’s also what makes my little family circle special to me because I know we keep it real with each other and at the end of each day we know we are there for each other. We have so many fond memories of the times shared together on these business adventures, and I know they have an appreciation for what I do.

Taking that leap of faith, or risk as you may call it, was the best decision I could have made.

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

What I do and what my business philosophy is goes much further than its conception in 2011.

I share this also on my website at www.youniqueaffair.com as one of my self-standards is transparency.

I am the founder and creative director of Younique Affair, a planning and event design company.
Prior to integrating YouNique Affair in 2011, I had already established myself as a coordinator as previously shared, with one of Houston’s flagship quaternary care hospitals where I currently hold a 19 plus years tenure.

Outside of work and amongst family and friends, I would be found front center helping them out with their personal events with design, décor, and a follow-through with vendors and timelines from beginning to end. I absolutely had and have a love for what I do.

My passion for design and creativity began at a very young age. I loved the arts and displayed this as far back as I can remember. I have stories of painting rocks and putting together stage creations with neighborhood friends as a form of playing. The professional trade unfolded at the age of 13.

My story begins with the Texas known homecoming mums. Even at that time I had developed my foundation, “It’s all about you!” Each mum I created was tailored to the client. Not one mum was made the same as the other and were personalized not just with using some of the common items used in making mums, but also incorporating chosen characters or items geared to some of the persons favorites items or colors, even candy goods. I went as far as to add in musical boxes which at the time had only been used with porcelain dolls or actual jewelry boxes. This was not anything being sold in the mid to late 80’s.

I still carry the same thought process, drive, and passion for all elements design and decorative. I am meticulous with attention to detail, and I believe this notion of individuality has set me apart. Everyone has that extra ingredient that lets you know they have stamped their work and I believe mine is to be myself and let being different shine through.

Working as a coordinator has allowed me to gain knowledge regarding guest experience, an insight to unique perspective on event harmonization, and solution-oriented mindset.

It is all of this collectively that allows me to create highly personal concepts delivered in a creative and organized manner.

It is a pleasure of mine within the arts to connect with my senses, whether by sight, aroma, sound, touch, and or taste. I most delight in indulging in life by parenting, creating, designing, writing, dancing, running, cooking, socializing, and volunteering. I feel most fortunate I am able to do the majority of these on a regular basis.

Being a Mom and a Nana to my granddaughter and grandson is by far the best life has given back to me. Alongside my fiancé, I enjoy spending time at home, traveling, or working on a YouNique Affair project. We laugh, but YouNique Affair is a family affair.

As an individual, I like alone time. I use this time to manage my thoughts and enjoy the silence. The only communication I allow myself is connecting with God. Although I do joke sometimes about how much I bother Him throughout the day as well. I know I couldn’t have made it this far without Him.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Driven by my mission to find ways to spread joy through my business and give back on a large scale. Now I give in small ways such as gifting any floral that is left to be discarded to retirement homes, medical offices, placing at cemeteries, and distributing amongst family and friends, etc. Flowers bring a certain feel and even a smile to the receiver most of the time. Many of my family and friends have also reaped the benefit of family/friend’s discounts and Pro Bono’s.

I have also set a goal for myself on a project in which I would be able to offer an all-inclusive event experience. I already broke ground with this venture and am hoping for completion within a couple of years.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been referrals. There was a time I did have social media and built my business page on two separate platforms. I learned a hard lesson when all my work with sharing posts and content was deactivated permanently by the company on both portals due to a false report, with no substantiating information to support said report. Despite my insistent attempts with the company to have them review my pages and reinstate, I was unable to reach an actual person and none of my emails received a response. I no longer have or even care to use social media. Like everything, it has its pros and cons. In my situation, it has turned out favorable to not have and instead concentrate the time used on these platforms in other ways that better benefit my business. When everything happened in September of 2022, I sat and thought about what business had I generated from having social media and I realized all my business had been based on personal referrals from someone who I had done a service for. Oddly enough, that October through December was one of my busiest and 2023 has been a good year as well. I am most grateful to my repeat customers. Having gone through this experience, I have chosen to be exclusive. My focus is YouNique Affair and I restrict myself to the clients I am servicing. This goes along with the confidentiality relationship I am building with my clientele and fostering trust in what I do. In turn, I hope it results in future recommendations.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.youniqueaffair.com