We had the good fortune of connecting with Deilis Curiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deilis, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was leaving the comfort and security of a corporate career to pursue my goal of owning my own business. Initially, when I attended college, my goal was to land a job at one of the top fashion brands. I was lucky enough to be hired by Macy’s Corporate at the age of 18, and so began my career in the fashion industry. As years passed and I worked for a few brands, climbing my way up the corporate ladder, I realized I felt no drive or passion behind my work. I didn’t feel accomplished at the end of my workdays and had to change that. As a 1st generation immigrant, leaving the security of corporate was terrifying but I knew that the regret of not believing in myself and pursuing my passion would haunt me for life. Against, everyone’s advice, I took the leap to quit my corporate job at the age of 30. It has been the most terrifying and yet satisfying decision I’ve ever made. No regrets!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Working with my hands is my therapy. As a set designer, being able to create worlds for music videos, plays, photoshoots, or film is utterly gratifying. As a florist, I treat each floral arrangement as a piece of art. Each one uniquely tailored to reflect the message being expressed with flowers. Even though I have a long way to go – arriving at this point of my career as a florist and freelance set designer took persistence, a whole lot of networking, and the most crucial ingredient for success – consistency! Remaining consistent with or without instant results is the most challenging thing. I see it as planting seeds, you won’t receive the reward right away but with patience & consistency (when it comes to my business, brand, and career path ) the outcome will be fruitful. Bloomed in Queens feels like my firstborn child. I have put all of me and then some into this brand and I hope that through my work the message is clear to world – you hold the power to create the life that you want. If this girl from Queens can do it, so can you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a native New Yorker, I would give my best friend a tour of my favorite boroughs. First stop – QUEENS! If you truly want to experience the diversity of cultures that New York City has to offer, Queens is the place. We can spend some time in the Queens Botanical Garden & Flushing Meadow Park. We can either go to Astoria for Greek or Mediterranean food, Flushing for some East Asian food, or Elmhurst for some Colombian or Mexican food and then end it at MOMA PS1. In Brooklyn, we can enjoy the grandeur of Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum followed by some Jamaican food ending the day watching the sunset from Brooklyn Bridge. The last couple of days would be dedicated to Manhattan. A full day of museum hopping, exploring Chelsea Market, followed by dinner in the Meatpacking district. The following day would be hitting a few art galleries in LES followed by some dinner and nightlife (Pianos anyone?). The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My close family and friends have truly been my biggest supporters. When I doubt myself, they remind me of the why. Why I started and what my end goal is.

I do want to give special thanks to Ayana Parker Morrison & Cristina Angeles! These two ladies are the exemplar of women doing the damn thing in this industry. They have mentioned my names in rooms of opportunity and placed me in positions of growth. Forever grateful.

Website: bloomedinqueens.com

Instagram: @bloomedinqueens

Facebook: Bloomed in Queens

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4TlZVJXida3aHWHpMgndrw

Other: Set Desing and production work Instagram: @fromd2u

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