From an early age, Yomara Hernandez helped her mother make fabric flowers for bridal bouquets, and decorations for weddings with natural and artificial flowers. Her mother used to sell them as complete sets, and now Yomara makes her living selling flowers, too.
Owner of Florist Angel’s in Schuyler, Nebraska, Yomara began selling floral arrangements to friends out of her garage which has now grown into a full-fledged business.
“Some friends used to ask for my help to decorate their parties, and they told me I should have my own business,” she said. “Little by little, I’ve expanded the florist shop space occupying my garage completely, and that is where I currently operate my business.”
Through the Center for Rural Affairs, Yomara obtained financing to make her business dreams come true.
“Through the Center, I received valuable information and guidance,” she said. “I also learned about marketing tools to promote my business, and many other resources.”
Due to her tireless efforts to build and expand her business, Yomara has been chosen by the Center for Rural Affairs to receive the 2019 Latino Entrepreneur Award.
The Latino Entrepreneur Award is presented annually to an entrepreneur who has effectively utilized the services of the Center, is successfully operating and growing their business, and who best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that is so crucial to Latino-owned businesses and the rural Nebraska communities they call home.
“Yomara has been a client since 2013, participated in different trainings throughout the years, and received multiple sessions of technical assistance,” said Kim Preston, Lending Services Director. “She is a great client, and has grown her business from the very beginning with us by her side.”
The business owner has become a well-known entrepreneur in Schuyler, Columbus, and surrounding areas, and has clients in Omaha. She participates in city events and has volunteered her time and her business at the annual Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce event.
“The [Center] business classes are very good,” Yomara said. “They’ve helped support my dream to see my small business do well. I hope to continue with the support of the Center and growing as a business.”
Learn more about Yomara and her business in our blog from August 2019.
