Bodega Blooms Turned 1 — Here’s What I’ve Learned

I still can’t believe Bodega Blooms is a whole one-year-old.

Truthfully? There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t feel some level of fear—fear of failing, fear of not standing out in a sea of candle brands, fear of not getting it "right." Starting this business has been a rollercoaster of emotions: I’ve felt joy, doubt, frustration, hope, sadness, peace—and sometimes all of it in the same week.

There have been moments when I’ve asked myself: What the heck am I doing? I’m an introvert who hates selling or pushing a product. I never imagined myself as someone who’d launch a business. That idea felt so far away from who I thought I was.

And yet... here I am. I did it. I started it. And now I’ve made it a whole year.

Maybe this is what they call imposter syndrome. Maybe it’s just the growing pains of building something from the ground up. But what I do know is that I’m not the same person who hesitated to take that first step. I’ve been tested. Stretched. Inspired. Humbled. But I’ve also seen glimpses of what’s possible, and that gives me hope.

As I step into Bodega Blooms’ second year, I want more than just sales. I want connections. I want to grow through mentorship, build meaningful relationships, and continue learning how to perfect this craft. I want this brand to be more than a pretty candle—I want it to take people back to their roots, their abuela’s kitchen, their childhood block parties, their quiet Sunday mornings. I want it to mean something.

I don’t know how I’ll get there. But I’m walking in faith and perseverance until God says otherwise.

So today, I pause to celebrate the milestone. To sit in gratitude. To be proud, even if I’m still growing into the belief that I can actually build something that lasts.

Bodega Blooms turned one. That’s no small thing. And if you’ve been rocking with me, cheering me on, buying, liking, sharing, praying—I see you. Thank you.

Year two, let’s go. I’m not done blooming yet.