We were lucky to catch up with Myriam “mylo” Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Myriam “Mylo”, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The concept for Mylofleur Biophilicture originated from my extensive experience in the floral hotel industry, which I began at the age of 16 in Las Vegas. I worked my way up from basic cleaning tasks to processing and eventually designing elaborate floral arrangements. Throughout this journey, I was also pursuing my studies in landscape architecture at UNLV. My fascination with architecture led me to earn a master’s degree in hospitality architecture. Despite my passion, I often faced scrutiny for not having traditional experience in architectural firms, yet I remained committed to my projects and my love for flowers.
While developing my thesis, I recognized a significant disconnect between architecture and the narrative of landscape forms. This realization inspired me to explore the concepts of biophilia and structural design, ultimately giving rise to Mylofleur Biophicture—where I envision floral design as a new form of architecture. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a stark absence of biophilic elements in our environments, both visually and aesthetically. As I was tasked with enhancing various spaces, it became clear to me that there was a broader lack of understanding regarding the integration of science, mathematics, and design across disciplines.
These elements are intrinsically linked, all contributing to the overall experience of those who inhabit these spaces. I recognized this connection as the cornerstone of my thesis and the driving force behind my work.
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.
The journey that has shaped my identity began in 1989, deeply influenced by my childhood experiences along the border between Mexico and California.
As I grew up, my family faced significant financial challenges, especially during the economic crisis that hit Mexico in the 1990s. We even endured a period of homelessness, sleeping outdoors on nothing but a mattress. One particular memory stands out: with just one peso in my pocket, I walked to a nearby bodega, hoping to buy a box of Sonrisas cookies. The cashier told me that I didn’t have enough money and asked me to return with three pesos. Devastated and in tears, I went back home to find my parents equally distressed over their inability to provide for us.
In that moment, I promised myself to work hard so that one day I could not only afford those cookies but also create a better life for my family and me. This determination ignited my desire to learn English and eventually return to the United States. The resilience I developed from these early hardships taught me the value of pursuing growth through education and dedication. This journey ultimately led me to create my little paradise, Mylofleur Design Studio | Biophilicture.
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At MYLOFLEUR DESIGN STUDIO, we are passionate about transforming spaces through the natural beauty of florals and the immersive essence of biophilic design. Our love for nature drives us to craft environments that engage the senses and nurture a deep connection to the earth.
With a strong commitment to innovation, we bring our clients’ visions to life, designing custom pieces that harmoniously blend artistry with nature. From vibrant installations to breathtaking structures, we believe that if you can dream it, we can create it—turning every event and space into a living masterpiece.
We offer more than just floral arrangements; our comprehensive fabrication services can bring any concept for your event to fruition. Whether you need custom-built structures, eye-catching statement pieces, or intricate installations, we are ready to turn your imagination into reality.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Upon returning from Eastern Europe, I reconnected with a close friend who also aspired to become an entrepreneur. We both possessed artistic talent but lacked business acumen, which proved to be a tough lesson for us. Despite our good intentions, there were times when we spoke about our plans but failed to take action. Then, tragedy struck—I was in a car accident that left me with broken arms, making it impossible to manage my two jobs. This setback created a financial strain for both of us, and one night I received a message from her stating that she no longer wanted to continue our partnership, leaving me with the responsibility.
That experience taught me one of the hardest lessons of my life. A few years later, I unexpectedly encountered her again, and she firmly believed that I owed her money. When she saw that I was doing well, she approached me in front of my client, insisting on payment. It was apparent that she was upset. At that moment, I had the amount she thought I owed her and was fortunate enough to settle it. I chose to do this out of respect for the excitement we once shared at the beginning of our journey together. I remain grateful for that experience and for her influence.
If I could offer any advice, it would be that good deeds can sometimes be overlooked amid the twists and turns of life. It’s crucial to have clear agreements documented from the outset of any partnership, especially when the excitement of collaboration is high. Have compassion for each other, as both parties are doing their best. As long as you approach situations with a pure heart and maintain transparent transactions, you’ll find yourself on solid ground.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Living with synesthesia and dyslexia has profoundly shaped my perception of the world. Individuals like me, known as synesthetes, often experience one sense through another—seeing numbers or music in vibrant colors, tasting words, or even feeling sensations on our skin triggered by certain scents. This unique way of experiencing life deeply influences my designs, as each creation is colored by my personal experiences.
Synesthesia is essentially a term for when sensory perceptions intertwine. Throughout my college years, I struggled academically, often failing tests and even repeating some classes. I internalized those setbacks and felt like a failure. However, as I matured, I began to realize that the testing methods didn’t align with my way of learning. It was during this period of reflection that I took a step back to rediscover myself, leading to my diagnosis of synesthesia and dyslexia at the age of 33. This revelation has provided me with a clearer understanding of my experiences and has allowed me to embrace my unique perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mylofleur.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylofleurflorallv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylofleur/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriam-mylo-lopez-ba6ab646
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYu1UpQ0z74VRcpzUnTKHLw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mylofleur-las-vegas
Image Credits
https://albertchernogorov.com/