By Juan Fourneau, JEFAS Magazine
Between corporate spreadsheets and business meetings, Guadalupe Lopez found her true calling in a social media post. What began as a hobby for the first-generation Mexican American Des Moines native soon became Lupe’s Flowers, a culmination of her family’s agricultural heritage and her entrepreneurial drive. “I had previously done landscaping work and loved flowers. On social media, a friend posted that he needed some flowers for his girlfriend.” They wanted a flower arrangement, something Lopez had done for herself and her family but never for profit. Her friend was pleased with her work and Lopez saw an opportunity. “Lupe’s Flowers was just going to be a side hustle. But now it’s becoming something I love.” Today it’s more than just floral arrangements; it combines cultural pride, family history, and personal aspiration. Between her full-time career, pursuing a master’s degree, and nurturing a budding flower business, Lopez is an example of the new wave of entrepreneurship.
Photo by Jennifer Marquez / JEFAS Magazine
Chasing opportunities is nothing new for Lopez. Upon graduating high school, she got an associate degree in Business and Financial Administration from Des Moines Area Community College and went on to the University of Northern Iowa. After attending a diverse high school and community college she was hit with culture shock in Cedar Falls where she was often the only Latina in the classroom. She looked for ways to feel welcome and grow her network beyond her sister, who was also attending UNI. “My twin sister Laura has been an unwavering source of support throughout the years. Her encouragement and guidance have significantly contributed to my success.” Lopez found clubs and organizations that helped her build valuable skills. “My involvement in student organizations at the University of Northern Iowa, such as the Global Business Club, Women in Business, American Marketing Association, and UNIdos, significantly enhanced my professional network and exposed me to diverse perspectives.”
Armed with her bachelor’s degree in communications, college contacts, and her family’s support, Lopez began a career at Principal Financial Group, but starting a business was never far from her thoughts. “I’ve been surrounded by ambitious people. My parents had a profound influence on my life, exemplifying resilience and dedication. Their unwavering work ethic, often juggling multiple jobs, instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance.” This became the foundation for Lupe’s Flowers. “I am starting a local flower cultivation project to reconnect with nature and honor my family’s agricultural heritage. My parents have a rich history of growing flowers in Mexico and working in California’s fields. This year, we planted Cempasúchil flowers together. This endeavor is vital as it offers a meaningful getaway from the corporate world, allowing me to reconnect with nature after five years away.”
Her sacrifices have been many on her journey to opening her flower shop. She has waited to start a family, has not traveled much, and drives a modest car. She never went on spring break while attending college, and worked throughout her summers, but it helped her become a homeowner and gave her a place to start her business. As her sacrifices and investments in her education and network pay off, Lopez’s goals for her business are big.
“I plan to enhance our e-commerce capabilities and establish a physical storefront. My passion for this business drives me to invest more effort and love into every aspect, ensuring that our floral arrangements convey the beauty and significance of Mexican traditions. I hope to create meaningful connections with customers everywhere.” As Lopez continues to cultivate her business and dreams, Lupe’s Flowers stands as a vibrant model of determination, cultural connection, and the possibilities that bloom when passion meets opportunity.
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