Every day sees new ventures spring up in Cuba. Wandering the streets and discovering a new business is common, but finding one that delivers on love is what all customers are seeking.
And love is precisely what can be found at Atalanta, a florist’s located in La Lisa municipality. The owner is Vannesa Castro, a graduate in Spanish Literature, who a year ago decided to open her own business.
“I launched without knowing how to put together a bouquet. But luckily, I have the best teacher: my mum. In just a few months she taught me the basic techniques, her tricks and every day I learn something new.”
Atalanta offers natural as well as artificial flower arrangements with imported and national flowers, and cold porcelain statuettes, cacti, dreamcatchers, incense, handmade candles, balloons, gift bags, and also offers made-to-order products.
However, it remains a small business, and its owner notes that she would like to find a larger, more centrally located shop, and have access to a wholescale decor market.
Vannesa has created a florist’s offering distinct aesthetic tastes, as each bouquet is personalized, with details that customers recognize.
“We also work to order, even orders from abroad, we have several clients who like to surprise their loved ones here. It’s great to see people’s reactions, when they aren’t expecting anything, and have no idea what can be done,” the young florist explains.
“I feel good. I’m fulfilled. Working with flowers is like working with human souls, when they are alive they perfume their surroundings, like people when they learn,” Vannesa states, revealing her inner teacher.
