Florists of BloomNation: Amor del Bueno

Amor del Bueno: A Journey of Faith, Flowers, and Resilience

Nilyans Paternina—known as Nina here in the States—never imagined she’d one day own a floral business in Houston. Originally from Venezuela, Nina found her passion for creativity in the world of fashion design, crafting lingerie, and dreaming of a life where she could express her artistic vision. But Venezuela’s turbulent economy put a halt to her dreams, and the business she had poured her heart into could not survive. She and her husband arrived in Houston on March 3rd, 2020, searching for a fresh start. Little did they know, the world was about to shut down. The pandemic seemed like a sign from above—a calling to reinvent themselves in a new country and to find purpose in a new craft. And from that challenge, Amor del Bueno was born.

Nina’s journey into floristry came as a surprise to her. “I never imagined I’d become a florist,” she admits. “I used to work in journalism and fashion design, but flowers? That was never the plan.” But one Mother’s Day in 2020, with $200 worth of blooms, she created arrangements that brought in around $2,000 in profits. What started as a spontaneous way to make ends meet quickly turned into something deeper. Nina soon realized that being a florist wasn’t just about sales—it was about touching lives. “You help people celebrate their happiest moments, and you help them mourn their saddest. You’re there for all of life’s occasions.”

Her transition to floristry was a blend of fate, faith, and family. Nina speaks passionately about how the business has grown, but she’s quick to share credit with her husband, Albert. A former engineer with a sharp business mind, he manages the marketing and operations, while Nina pours her soul into each design… “I’m the face, I’m creating everything,” she says. “But without my husband, we wouldn’t have been able to grow the way we have.” Together, they are a team—a seamless blend of creativity and business acumen, navigating the world of floristry with two young children in tow.

Their business has grown rapidly, but Nina speaks with humility about their beginnings. “We started with scissors from the dollar store and paper from Hobby Lobby. I had to be resourceful. We didn’t have much, but we made the most of what we had.” Today, Amor del Bueno is more than a floral studio—it’s a reflection of Nina’s Venezuelan roots and her deep love for beauty and design. Every arrangement tells a story, and Nina’s Caribbean soul can be recognized in the vibrant colors and textures of each arrangement. “I play with my vision, my ideas. There’s a little bit of my heritage in every bouquet.”

With a background in fashion, Nina has a unique approach to flowers—seeing them as she once saw fabrics, as tools for creative expression. Her work is bold, daring, and unlike anything you’d expect from a traditional florist. Bright tropicals, pops of color, and even hot peppers and fruit find their way into her arrangements.

“I don’t follow trends; I make my own,” she says. “Fashion isn’t about what’s trendy; it’s about being unique, about expressing yourself. And I want our flowers to do the same.”

Nina’s heritage plays a profound role in her artistry. Growing up in Venezuela, she remembers walking through long hallways lined with exotic blooms, like birds of paradise, orchids, and other tropical flowers that were commonplace there, but are now seen as luxurious in the U.S. “I love to bring those tropical flowers into my designs. They’re part of who I am.” And Houston has embraced that difference. “When we started, it was all red and white roses—the classics,” she recalls. “But now, our clients are asking for the colorful, the tropical, the different. They want to see who we are.”

Amor del Bueno means “The Good Kind of Love,” a name inspired by a dream Albert had. “It’s about the love of God, the best kind of love. And we try to bring that into every arrangement we make, whether it’s for a joyous occasion or a somber one,” Nina shares. Every design is made with intention and emotion. “We see all kinds of emotions in this business. But behind each arrangement is love. We don’t just see a customer—we see someone sending something meaningful to their loved one. Our core value is simple: Treat every arrangement like you’re making it for your own mother.”

Today, Amor del Bueno is more than just a flower shop. It’s a place where Nina holds “flower therapy” sessions—intimate gatherings where clients can learn, arrange, and connect through the beauty of flowers. “It’s therapeutic for me too,” she says, smiling. “I never thought people would enjoy arranging flowers so much. But to see a man carefully creating a bouquet, or a mother and daughter sharing that moment—it’s beautiful.”

As Nina reflects on her journey, her voice is filled with gratitude. “We started with nothing. The U.S. gave us opportunities we didn’t have back home. I’m so grateful. Every sale, every arrangement, is a step of confidence for me.”

Looking ahead, Nina has big dreams for Amor del Bueno. Inspired by her fashion background, she plans to launch “Buena Fortuna Atelier”—a floral studio where each event is custom-designed with a focus on style and storytelling. “It’s not just about being a florist,” she says. “It’s about being a floral producer, about bringing a vision to life. I want to put our Latin essence into everything we do and create something truly unique.”

For Nina, flowers aren’t just a business; they’re a way of life. “I see myself as a florist until the day I die. It’s my passion, my purpose. And I know that if I keep learning, keep creating, and keep loving what I do, our flowers will continue to touch people’s lives.”

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Amor del Bueno is a premium BloomNation florist located in Houston, TX

Visit their website: https://amordelbuenoflowers.com/ or in-store at 11020 Katy Fwy Unit 209, Houston, TX 77043 or call at (346) 350-0612