We were lucky to catch up with Nonette Llabres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nonette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

It’s a question that I have thought about and wondered where I would be if I had taken the creative path sooner. If I had pursued what I envisioned my life to be since I was a kid, which was to be an Artist.

As a little girl growing up in the 90’s, I was asked, “What are you going to do when you grow up?” I always responded with, “I want to be an artist!” They often responded with, “Are you sure? What else do you want to be?” As a kid, that’s honestly all I knew I was good at and was not interested in anything else. I loved to draw, paint, color, and I loved to learn about art. I would even watch PBS (what I call the learning channel before YouTube) and they would have art tutorials that I would follow along with, but could not rewind. Lol.

So, I didn’t feel entirely encouraged or supported in pursuing a creative path. Because of that, I halted my creative pursuits and took another path which led me to pursue Marketing. I eventually went back to school for Design while working full time and that decision to go back to school was a decision that changed the trajectory of my career into the creative field and eventually pursue my own creative endeavors in art. I went full circle!

As I reflect back, I think it was important for me to start my creative journey later in life because it gave me a chance to learn what I needed to learn, meet people who I needed to meet, and experience what I needed to experience to be here now. I believe I’m where I’m supposed to be. This path allowed me to gain the skills I needed in Marketing and Design coupled with my own creative drive, talents, and abilities. I’m happy with where I am and the goals I want to achieve. Going full circle is what I am grateful for in my creative path.

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?

My name is Nonette Llabres. I’m the artist and creator of Florish & Thrive, a stationery and paper goods business, which I started in 2022. We create artistic stationery, journals, stickers, and paper goods made to inspire and uplift our audience.

Grow everyday and thrive for life. With intentional growth, you can thrive and be a better person. It takes time to get unstuck, it takes work, and it takes inspiration that resonates with you to make a difference in your life. I believe that what we say to people can truly make an impact on their lives for the better. So creating this company has helped me share encouraging and thoughtful messages to help my audience especially during moments of sadness, distress, tension, or when they simply need to be lifted up.

I’ll tell you a story. In 1990, my family and I came to America from the Philippines when I was 5 years old. I am of Filipino and Mexican descent. As someone coming from another country, it was honestly hard to fit in among certain kids my age and I felt like I didn’t belong. I would often get criticized because I looked different and spoke differently then what was considered normal. I was often made fun of for my name because it was different, my teeth since I had silver caps because I ate a lot of candy and coming from a developing country, we didn’t readily have access to the same dental care as the US. As a kid, I really felt like I didn’t fit in. It was tough as a kid and as a teenager.

Growing up I found comfort in people who believed in me even just saying simple things like, “I believe in you” or “You’re a great friend” as well as reading inspiring statements and poetry would help because I would deeply reflect on how I felt.

By encouraging, strengthening, and even providing a sense of peace with creating nature centered artwork, I believe it does help people in times when they need support, encouragement, and love. You never really know what someone is going through in their inner world even when it looks like everything is “fine” so providing them with products that lift them up is meaningful and fulfilling.

Another reason why I started Florish & Thrive is because I had been designing for others my whole career and I wanted to start something of my own to express my love for art, nature, personal growth, and stationery. I wanted to utilize my talents and abilities coupled with my knowledge of design and marketing. It’s my first year in business, so truthfully, I’m still figuring things out.

What I am most proud of is listening to myself in starting something of my own and giving myself a chance, being heard and being seen. As someone who has struggled with doubts and inner fears, it was a big accomplishment to pursue something that is fulfilling and makes a difference even in the smallest way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

What illustrates my resilience is overcoming the challenges, the self-doubt, the inner fears of being judged or criticized with sharing my artwork. I wasn’t on social media for the longest time and once I signed up, I was hesitant to post, share, and express myself with my art and creativity. It’s something I have overcome these past years, which has been a big win for me.

Reflecting back on the hardships I’ve faced, I’ve come to realize that no matter how daunting, stressful, or hard a situation may be, there are infinite solutions to problems — you just have to think outside the box.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The 2 books that come to mind are:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
• Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon by Dr. Joe Dispenza

Both books have changed my mindset, especially “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” because it has helped me become more empathetic to others, have a win-win mentality, and seek first to understand the situation.

“Becoming Supernatural…” was helpful in understanding the science and data behind manifestation. How we think, act, and feel greatly affects the outcome of our future. And how we can reprogram ourselves for a better life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://florishandthrive.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florishandthrive/
• Other: Also available for freelance brand design: https://nonettellabres.com/

Image Credits
Nonette Llabres