Rooted in Passion: How Paola’s Floral Boutique Blossomed with Fox
From Side Hustle to Main Street Success
“Blooming Your Way Since 2021.” That line is prominently displayed on the home page of Agave Azul Floral Boutique, owned by floral designer and arranger Paola Gonzalez.
And that’s exactly what she’s been doing since she established the business in a small room in her home. At first, Agave Azul was a “side hustle,” as Paola worked to grow the business while juggling her day job as a paraprofessional.
Early Beginnings
Now approaching her “make-or-break” five-year anniversary, she has moved to a permanent location on Main Street in Green Bay to accommodate her growth. “When I started, I created floral wreaths using artificial flowers. I had my first sale for Mother’s Day 2021,” she says. “I was just out there exploring a new horizon.”
At first, Paola mainly sold arrangements to friends and around major holidays. Then, she started getting requests to do larger orders and events like birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and quinceañeras.
Agave Azul offers a menu of bouquets, accessories, and related gifts at various price points, but Paola also creates custom floral designs to meet the specific needs and tastes of her growing customer base.
Paola Partnered with Fox to Help Grow Her Small Business
What Paola has discovered is that with a growing business comes complexity. So, when she needed some assistance, she reached out to Jose Villa, Vice President of Commercial Lending – Green Bay at Fox Communities Credit Union.
“I'm not going to lie, numbers are daunting to me,” she says. “It was a huge blessing to have him in a position where he was able to help me. I already had my personal account with Fox, so it was familiar territory. And with Jose, I had someone I knew who was willing to help me. So, it just worked.”
Paola appreciates the ease and comfort of the relationship she’s developed with Fox. She wanted to run and grow her business with confidence, and Jose and the team at Fox had just what she needed to do that with helpful treasury management services and deposit accounts.A Blooming Future Ahead
Paola appreciates the convenience and comfort of the relationship she’s developed with Fox.
“I feel like they’re always open to questions and to orienting you when you need help,” she says. “I don't feel intimidated when I walk in or use the online app. It’s just very convenient, especially for a small business like mine.”
What does the future hold for Paola and Agave Azul? “I want to open at least one more location,” she says. “So, hopefully I'll be able to expand and then invest in some other things in my community and give back.”
And Fox Communities Credit Union will be at her side as her business takes root and blossoms.