Meet Wenonah Recio | Floral designer, mom of 4

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

Hi Wenonah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is a struggle I think we all go through!! When I started with my own flower shop I had a brand new baby that I brought to the flower shop with me and it was a struggle every day to balance between answering phones, making flowers, helping customers and taking care of my precious new bundle but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!
It was the only way to be with my baby and to be able to still do what I love which is designed flowers!
As my life got a little more busy with more children along the way I realized that the retail setting was not conducive to being at home when my children needed me which is why I decided to move my business to a home based business.
I can balance my work and my children’s life around our schedule. I can pick them up from school be there to help them with homework take them to activities and do flowers while they are at school or in the evenings after dinner.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my Floral career when I was 15 years old and wandered into a small little flower shop in Basalt Colorado. The owner took me under her wings taught me how to design and my love from there blossomed! She helped me go through Floral school and get my degree in professional floral design and related businesses. I eventually was the manager of their Aspen location for many years and worked at several different flower businesses from there on until 2004 I was given the opportunity to be a co-owner and buy an existing flower shop in Carbondale Colorado called the floral boutique.
It was there that I had the freedom to have my own shop ,have my children there with me and be close to home and have the retail experience and made a bond with many customers!
It definitely was not always easy I had many late nights staying past midnight to keep up with the demand of design, children , retail etc.
People always think that working with flowers is a carefree environment, when I hear this I chuckle I encourage them to come join me to make countless arrangements of roses for Valentine’s Day or several weddings a weekend!
In 2010 my career shifted when I decided to leave my retail shop behind and take my flower business home.
I had three small children at the time (which is now 4 girls!) my father was sick with cancer and I was really having a tough time keeping up with it all.
Sometimes it takes some thing in life for you to realize where you need to be .
I realized how short life is and that I needed to be with my children as much as possible but wasn’t ready to give up on my career that I work so hard for.
Speed up to today, this summer 2021 was my busiest wedding season on record!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I Love Glenwood Springs in the summertime! Its beautiful year-round but I am really into the summer activities here! The first thing on the agenda would be white water rafting , my family and I own a raft and it is our favorite thing to do!
I’m always in awe of the beauty of floating through Glenwood canyon and it’s a must to stop halfway through for a nice swim and a charcuterie lunch!
The Glenwood Hot Springs pool is another locals favorite in the summertime it’s a great getaway for the kids for endless hours of fun at the pool and the fun water ride Shoshone shoots !
Dinner at The Pullman is a must for us ,we love their constant changing menu and the staff is always fun and friendly!
Hiking is always a must as well sunlight mountain , red mountain, mushroom rock up to the rifle Falls etc. there’s so many places to explore in our valley!

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?
I couldn’t keep up with my business if it weren’t for my husbands support and knowing when I have four weddings on one weekend that he needs to take the kids out to do some thing fun so that I can focus! My career and flowers began when I was 15 years old at a shop in Basalt Colorado that was run by Shae Singer called Sashae.
She really helped me blossom along with Brenda that mentored me in designing, I wouldn’t be where I am if they hadn’t got me into the business!
Last but not least the continued support over my 26 year career,
my dad who always supported me and told me to go for my goals ,my mom who continued to help me watch my children so that I could keep going..
all my friends that continue to support me in my ventures and with my business everyday!

Website: Www.botanicalscolorado.com

Instagram: Botanicalsfloral

Facebook: Facebook.com/botanicalsfloralart

Image Credits
Carrie Johnson Photography