Rosa’s Journey: Making Her Dream Bloom Again

Rosa María Cisneros discovered floral design and her passion 25 years ago in Mexico.

“I didn’t even know I had this artistic side until I started working with flowers,” Rosa says. “It came so naturally. I realized it was my life’s purpose.”

She fell in love with flowers unexpectedly, captivated by their colors, shapes, and the emotions they evoke. She dedicated herself to learning about the industry, studying at top floral design institutes, and obtaining numerous certifications.

In Mexico, Rosa built a successful floral design business, collaborating with hotels, government entities, and corporations. She also ran a training school for hundreds of aspiring designers and operated a distribution business for floral supplies. “I had 20 employees working for me,” she recalls.

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

When Rosa moved to the U.S., she brought her passion and business dreams with her. But starting over as an immigrant came with challenges: navigating new tax systems, understanding different business practices, and overcoming language barriers.

“When you arrive in a new country with a new language and different systems, everything becomes complex,” Rosa explains.

The road was not easy. Rosa worked multiple jobs, from housekeeping to construction and painting.

Her turning point came in 2021, when she joined her first bazaar in Kent. Even though she didn’t sell all her flowers, the experience reminded her the joy of doing what she loves. That’s when she decided to start rebuilding her business step by step while working part-time jobs.

Rosa gradually started expanding her client base. “I started doing small events and bridal bouquets. People began hiring me,” she says. By 2022, she was participating in Seattle Wedding Show at the Convention Center.

Slowly, Rosa rebuilt her business: RMC Floral Designs.

“People asked me, ‘Are you sure about this?’” she recalls. “Yes. This is my dream. I have to do it. No one is going to stop me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Finding the Right Partnerships

In 2023, a friend introduced her to Business Impact NW. Rosa began attending networking events and workshops, enrolled in training programs, connected with coaches, and embraced every learning opportunity she could. “I believe knowledge is power,” she says.

Since then, Business Impact NW has offered the guidance and ongoing support she needed.

“Business Impact is different. They genuinely want you to grow, evolve, and advance.” Rosa explains.

In the past year she began working with Lynette Vargas Garcia, a Business Advisor at Business Impact NW. With her guidance in business operations, Rosa built a structure and systems for following up with clients.

A Dream Space Becomes Reality

In 2025, Seattle Restored offered her a retail space, an opportunity Rosa had been pursuing for over a year. Initially, she was not selected due to a lack of funding for renovations. But Rosa maintained relationships and demonstrated her commitment.

“This is a turning point in my life,” she says. “It’s something I had always been waiting for.”

She transformed a vacant downtown storefront into a reflection of her creativity. Full of flowers, plants, furniture, and decorative details, the space is now a destination for passersby and loyal clients.

RMC Floral Designs is open from Monday through Saturday inside Seattle Cedar Hall. Rosa fills orders for weddings, special events, deliveries, and walk-in customers. The location attracts steady foot traffic from nearby offices and the popular Olympia Coffee Roasting across the street.

“Rosa’s success story is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets preparation,” says Lynette. “Her determination, creativity, and willingness to embrace growth opportunities have been remarkable to witness.”

What’s Next for RMC Floral Designs

Rosa’s vision for her business extends beyond her studio. She is preparing to launch an online platform allowing customers nationwide to order flowers for local delivery. She is also pitching her services to local hotels and venues. Her goal is to balance delivery orders with events.

Her next dream? To grow her business and create jobs, just like she did in Mexico.

“When you’ve built something once, you know you can do it again,” Rosa says. “It would be wonderful to create job opportunities for others again.”

Teach and Inspire

Rosa has dedicated her life to this art form. But it wasn’t just about flowers. For Rosa, it was about teaching, sharing her craft, and helping others find their own path through creativity and entrepreneurship.

“One of my passions is teaching. Helping others discover that floral design can be a viable business.”

She ran her design school for 14 years in Mexico, and today, Rosa is still teaching, giving floral design classes and community workshops through local cultural centers.

Community Support

Rosa’s success was not built in isolation. She stayed active in the local community, attending every networking event she could, sharing her business cards and making real connections.

“I have knocked on many doors, and some have opened,” she says. “I’ve worked hard, every single day, and now everything is connecting.”

Through Business Impact NW, she found more than technical support. She found understanding and community. “I feel valued,” she reflects. “With Business Impact NW, I feel at home.”

 

Rosa’s story reminds us that with determination, community support, and continuous learning, entrepreneurial dreams can bloom anywhere. Follow RMC Floral Designs and Rosa’s journey: Facebook & Instagram.

Inspired by Rosa’s story? Learn more about how Business Impact NW can support your dreams here.