We recently connected with Lidia Que Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lidia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The first time I became a business owner, I was just 15. I was obsessed with dance, choreographing routines, and teaching others. It was my passion, and I loved it. But life, as it often does, took me in unexpected directions. I got married, had my daughter, and over time, I found myself in a relationship where my then-husband wasn’t very supportive of my dreams. After eight years, I made the tough decision to close up shop and put that part of myself on pause. For years, though, that creative spark never really went away. I still craved the joy of doing something artistic, and it lingered in the back of my mind. After I left that relationship and life began to settle a bit, I decided to explore the idea of becoming a business owner again. I tried a little bit of everything—from glass etching to oil painting—and had so much fun with it, but nothing really stuck. It felt like I was still searching for that one thing that truly felt like me. Then came COVID. I got the first three variants, and my body’s response was severe. I developed fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes widespread pain and tenderness. Suddenly, I felt like I had lost so much—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I have two young daughters, and I couldn’t be the active, hands-on mom I once was. It was heartbreaking. I went through so much emotional turmoil, trying to accept that I couldn’t do the things I used to without suffering. One day, as I was searching for ways to cope, I stumbled upon flower arranging—and it felt like a light bulb moment. I found a sense of peace in it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Who am I? That’s such a great question—and honestly, I feel like I’m still figuring it out! But here’s a little about me. I was born in Mexico and raised in California. My heritage plays a huge role in my work, especially when it comes to floristry. I feel like every arrangement I create has a bit of my story in it, and I’m just getting started, but I’m excited for what’s to come.

As mentioned, I used to choreograph dances and the artistic side of me never left. Eventually, after taking some small business classes with our local Small Business Development Center, I decided to stop making excuses and just go for it. It was now or never. I had learned a lot on my own—thanks to YouTube and TikTok—and I jokingly call it my “TikTok University” degree! But it was enough to get me started.

My first real order was thanks to a friend, who convinced her boyfriend to be my first customer. He ordered a huge, glittery pink “ramo buchón” style—a big, circular luxury bouquet common in the Latinx community, typically with 50 or more roses. It was a big step for me, and the moment I handed it over was such a thrill. Seeing his reaction, the satisfaction I felt—it made me realize I was on the right path. It was the start of something I wanted to do more of.

I work full-time, so my business is currently run by me alone, and I work on a pre-order basis. While I primarily focus on creating custom bouquets, my style is always evolving. What I love most is working closely with my clients to bring their ideas to life—whether that’s for a wedding, a birthday, or even a funeral. No two arrangements are ever the same because I really try to personalize each one, making each piece unique and special.

I’ll be honest, I still consider myself a beginner in this industry. But every arrangement, every bouquet, feels like a little victory. And with every order, I get closer to mastering my craft. I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to grow. Right now, I’m taking courses at Centro de Arte Floral, where I have the privilege of learning from amazing florists like Master Florist Leopoldo Gomez, Florist Bogar Marin, and many others who have become close friends and mentors. It’s a humbling experience, and I can’t wait to keep growing and refining my skills.

For me, flowers are a luxury, but I truly believe that everyone should be able to experience their beauty. That’s why I created Con Amor—a platform where anyone can find their dream floral arrangement. Flowers aren’t just about decoration—they represent emotions, memories, and love. And that’s what I want my work to do: tell stories, evoke feelings, and celebrate life’s moments. It’s like writing a letter full of emotions but with flowers. Say it with flowers, say it Con Amor – with love!

I’m so proud of how far I’ve come in a short time, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. What I want people to know about me and my work is this: Con Amor is all about bringing your vision to life with love, care, and attention to detail. Whether it’s a small wedding or a simple bouquet to brighten someone’s day, I’m here to make those moments even more special. And above all, I want people to know that when you order from me, you’re not just getting flowers—you’re getting something made with passion and heart.

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

You know, I think the story of my resilience really starts with living with fibromyalgia. It’s a daily challenge, and I’ve had to adapt in a lot of ways. Right now, I work by pre-orders only, because the flare-ups are so unpredictable. Some days I feel okay, but there are many times when I’m dealing with muscle weakness and a lot of pain, especially when I have an order or an assignment to complete.

But even on those tough days, I find ways to push through. There’s a lot of inner dialogue I have with myself about whether I can keep doing this, especially as the pain and exhaustion take their toll. I’ve often wondered how long I can keep pursuing this passion of working with flowers.

But then I think about the joy I see in people’s reactions when they receive their order, or how happy they are when they see something I’ve created. That moment, when I see how much it means to them, makes all the struggles worthwhile. It reminds me why I’m doing this in the first place, and it gives me the strength to keep going.

So, in a lot of ways, living with fibromyalgia is my story of resilience. I’m constantly learning how to adapt, how to listen to my body, and how to find the joy in what I do, even on the hardest days. And every time I see the smile on someone’s face, I know it’s worth it.

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

Definitely, one of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is believing in myself. Imposter syndrome has been something I’ve struggled with for a long time, and honestly, it’s still something I’m working through. I catch myself thinking things like, “Why would anyone buy from me?” or “There are so many more experienced florists out there.” It’s tough to shake that self-doubt, especially when you’re putting yourself out there in a new field.

But what’s helping me work through those doubts is continuing to learn and grow. Being enrolled in a floristry course, has been such a game-changer. It’s a year-long program, and what’s really helping is the combination of gaining knowledge, practicing my craft, receiving feedback, and getting support from others. It’s not just about learning the technical side of floristry, but also building the trust and courage I need to believe in my work.

I think, for me, finding ways to keep learning—whether it’s through courses, connecting with other florists, or just staying up-to-date on trends—has really been key. The more I grow, the more I feel confident in what I can create, and that’s slowly helping me unlearn the doubt that used to hold me back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.conamorbylidia.com
• Instagram: @con_amor_by_lidia
• Facebook: Con Amor by Lidia
• Yelp: Con Amor by Lidia