Inspired by nature and the beauty of the most exquisite flowers when creating many of our designs, we are thrilled to present and support, in this fourth edition of Mumit Talks, the florist and founder of Marengo Flores, Jimena Muñoz. As recognized as she is admired for her good taste and attention to detail, Jimena delights us with her floral art while we chat with her about her career, her life, and her dreams.
Tell us a bit about your story, what pushed you to leave everything behind and start your own business? Did you feel dizzy?
I always knew I wanted to dedicate myself to something related to the creative world. I am lucky to have been born into a family full of artists and I have experienced it at home since I was little. The truth is that I had been combining my work in a pharmaceutical company with my flower hobby for just over a year when, suddenly, on a trip to Mallorca where I went to visit my aunts, they encouraged me to quit and dedicate myself to floristry. They were the first to help me. I remember it as a time of great uncertainty but at the same time exciting and fun. I traveled to France to train in the sector and learn about floristry techniques, as until then I had been self-taught. It was an incredible experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. When I returned, I decided to set up my own flower workshop. Without a doubt, the best decision I have ever made in my life!
If you believe in your project and surround yourself with people who believe in you, it's much easier.”
JIMENA MUÑOZ | MARENGO FLORES
What inspires you when you create?
What inspires me most is nature, the countryside... But living in the city, this gets complicated, so I love to browse botany and landscape design books. I also spend many hours online looking at the work of florists from all over the world. We receive flowers daily at the workshop and I love this, as we make new creations every day. My favorite moment is undoubtedly the selection of the flowers, choosing the different possible combinations to then be able to make the arrangements.
Starting from scratch is complicated, have you felt supported all the time? Currently, how many people are part of your workshop?
It's true that starting a business is complicated, but I've always thought that if you believe in your project and surround yourself with people who believe in you, it's much easier. Luckily, I've felt very supported from the beginning. As the business has grown, we've brought in great professionals who also believe in Marengo. For me, this is essential, as sharing achievements with people who believe in what they're doing is even more rewarding. Right now, there are 5 of us on the team, and without them, this project wouldn't be possible.
Do you think social media has been a key channel for boosting your business?
In my experience, I believe social media plays an essential role in growing a business. It's a fundamental tool for giving visibility to your work. It also helps you build a community of clients or potential clients, which is crucial for a business to prosper. Furthermore, both Instagram and other social media platforms have given me a lot in terms of finding inspiration and connecting with professionals in the sector in other countries.
What do you think about turning your hobby into your job?
Those who can turn their passion into their profession are fortunate. Obviously, there are times when it's uphill, just like any other job, but when it's your project, you end up finding strength from somewhere. It's a constant learning path. During the process, you make a thousand mistakes, but from every mistake, you always get something positive that will enrich you and help you improve.
How do you think jewelry and your work can be related?
Both involve a significant creative process; there's prior work in design, material selection, and manual and artisanal craftsmanship.
What has been the most special personal commission or the most important milestone achieved to date?
I remember a project with particular fondness: decorating the Cibeles catwalk in 2018 for one of the fashion shows. It was a significant challenge for me; I remember not sleeping for days due to nerves, but in the end, everything turned out perfectly.
How would you describe your clients? What do they look for in your art?
Most of our clients trust us during the most important moments of their lives, something very similar to what happens to you at Mumit: births, weddings, important events... They are people who pay attention to detail, who place great importance on aesthetics, but above all, who want to convey affection to their loved ones through flowers. And that is our job, to convey everything our clients want to say, all the affection they want to send.
What woman/women inspire you?
My mother, a great example for my sisters and me.
A life motto and a song.
Work hard to get what you want in life. And the song: Je te laisserai des mots, by Patrick Watson.
A professional dream and a personal dream to fulfill.
I would love to do floral sculpture and ephemeral installations. I've been thinking about it for a while, I don't know if I'll ever achieve it. As for personal dreams, I have many, I wouldn't know which one to choose.
Your secret to balancing personal and professional life.
I haven't mastered this yet... I find it very hard to switch off from work, but I'm trying very hard to improve. It's essential to disconnect when you get home because, otherwise, it ends up being very tiring and stressful. I can't share good secrets because I still have a lot to learn on this topic.
Happiness for you summarized in five words.
Surrounding myself with people who add value.
Where can we buy your wonderful creations?
We operate 100% online. You can buy arrangements or request a quote on our website. Also, all our new products, collaborations, and projects are always announced there and on our social media. We'll be delighted to welcome you!
