We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nati Sanchez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nati below.

Nati, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I was always encouraged by family and friends to go on this adventure but I never felt ready or was able to distinguish it between a hobby or business. When I was laid off by my previous employer of 10 years it made it easier to go onto my journey. I do not regret starting earlier because creatively and mentally I was not where I am today. My years with my previous employer plays a great role in my business today because of all the experience and knowledge I took from it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have a background in graphic design, when I graduated from college I had total different goal from where I am today. I always pictured myself working for an entertainment company in New York, little did I know that my goals would not go as I intended them to go. When I moved back home from Los Angeles it was very hard for me because of the dreams I aspired. Finding work in graphic design was very difficult as it was not a career in demand in my hometown of Santa Maria, CA. Months later I was hired by Verizon where I got very comfortable because of the pay and benefits. In the meantime I enjoyed putting together family events but I always took it as a hobby. Those who saw my potential always encouraged me to start my own business in decor. I would always just smile and shrug it off. As time went on I realized that I enjoyed it more than a hobby but it was a very scary feeling to leave my job and follow this new dream. I had two kids now and a mortgage, the idea of investing and failing was very imitating for me, but not for my husband as he had so much faith in my talent. When I was laid off in 2020 I took it as a blessing in disguise, but I did not build the courage to create my business until November of 2021. I decided to put together a surprise Business Launch party for my closest friends and family. When they realized what was happening they were so happy and we can say relieved that I finally did it! I went to show them the small jobs I took on privately without telling anyone and how just from the few jobs I had already done I had learned so much.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Networking, I had to really throw myself out there. I knew how te sell but to sell myself was a different thing.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner came easy to me because she is the first person who saw my talent and pushed me to start my own business. She is so creative and her work ethic is exceptional.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.sweetpeafloralsanddecor.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetpea_florals_and_decor?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Sweet Pea

Image Credits
Jennifer Depew Photography, Briana Perez Photography, & Jose Fuentes