Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Rios.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Pretty Petals Arrangements was born during the lowest point of my life. I had lost everything, was struggling financially, and developed severe carpal tunnel syndrome that left me unable to work. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life, but it also became the beginning of something I never expected.
I’ve always found peace and inspiration in nature. Creating with flowers became a way to express that love while bringing beauty and joy into other people’s lives. I started with very little, learning as I went and pouring my heart into every design. What began as a way to survive slowly grew into a business built on creativity, resilience, and purpose.
Today, my daughter and I proudly run Pretty Petals Arrangements from our studio in La Selva Beach, serving Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Bay area. We specialize in weddings, proposals, events, bloom bars, luxury picnics, and custom floral designs. Looking back, what felt like the end of my story became a new beginning. Losing everything taught me resilience, and rebuilding my life through my business has been the most rewarding journey of all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many small business owners, the road has been filled with challenges. Building Pretty Petals Arrangements from the ground up required taking risks, learning through trial and error, and continuing to move forward even when the future felt uncertain.
One of the biggest challenges was relocating my business, not just once, but twice. The second move wasn’t by choice; it was necessary to keep the business alive. Had we stayed, we likely would have lost everything. Each relocation meant rebuilding my client base, earning the trust of a new community, and essentially starting over. It was exhausting, but it also made the business stronger.
Entrepreneurship has required resilience, adaptability, and faith. Looking back, I’m grateful for every obstacle because each one has made me a stronger business owner and a stronger person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Pretty Petals Arrangements, we offer a wide range of floral and event services designed to create unforgettable experiences. From bold ramo buchón bouquets to elegant, high-end floral designs for weddings and special events, we enjoy bringing every client’s vision to life. We also specialize in luxury proposal setups, romantic room décor, customizable beach picnic experiences, and interactive Bloom Bars where guests create and take home their own bouquets.
What I’m most proud of is the versatility of our business and the personalized service we provide. Whether someone is planning an intimate proposal, a wedding, a corporate event, or a celebration with family and friends, we can design an experience that feels unique to them. Every event is customized with thoughtful details, colors, and styling to reflect our clients’ personalities and vision.
I believe what truly sets us apart is our creativity, versatility, and wide range of services. We don’t just create beautiful florals—we create meaningful experiences that people will remember long after the event is over.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is everything. There were many times I could have given up, but every challenge taught me to adapt, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t built overnight. It comes from consistency, treating people with kindness, and always doing your best, even when no one is watching. Building genuine relationships with clients and creating work I’m proud of has been far more valuable than chasing quick success.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that setbacks don’t define you—they prepare you for what’s ahead. Sometimes your greatest challenges become the foundation for your greatest accomplishments.
Pricing:
- Wedding and event florals are custom quoted based on each client’s vision, floral selection, and guest count.
- Ramo Buchón bouquets starting at $120.
- Luxury beach picnic experiences starting at $250
- Proposal setups starting at $850
- Complimentary consultations for weddings, events, and proposals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prettypetalsarrangements.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretty_petals_arrangements?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/pretty-petals-arrangements-la-selva
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretty_petals_2021?_r=1&_t=ZT-98JSAGnCNxu
