Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Aquarela Gifts & Flowers
- September 26, 2025
- 3 minutes read
Meet Alejandra Gonzalez, owner and lead designer of Aquarela Gifts & Flowers in Monrovia, CA.
Originally from Venezuela, Alejandra moved to the U.S. and chose to explore her artistic side.
I decided to enter floristry after having a background in finance, because I wanted to explore my creative and curious side.
At its heart, Aquarela is more than a store. It is a canvas, a place where culture, artistry, and community blend like the hues of a watercolor painting. Rooted in heritage and built with passion, Aquarela stands as a celebration of tradition while embracing the beauty of modern expression.
Roots That Run Deep
The name Aquarela, Portuguese for “watercolor”, reflects fluidity, creativity, and the richness of diversity. Just as colors flow together to form a painting, Aquarela was founded on the belief that heritage, identity, and art are meant to connect people. What started 10 years ago in a garage with her mother has grown into one of California’s top flower shops, known for its unique garden-style arrangements and community-centered workshops that bring people together. Inspired by family traditions and cultural pride, the store was born from a vision to create something beyond retail, a welcoming space where heritage could live, breathe, and inspire.
A Store that Feels Like Home
From the moment you walk through its doors, Aquarela invites you into a story told through colors, textures, and details. Each item has been chosen with intention, not only for its beauty, but for the story it carries. Whether handcrafted pieces, floral artistry, or modern designs, every product reflects the spirit of authenticity and creativity.
One day, my mother and I were walking around our town and I spotted a for rent sign on one of the shops. That was my sign to go for it! For me, flowers are therapeutic and a way to connect with nature and colors.
The atmosphere is warm and vibrant, echoing the cultural influences at the heart of Aquarela. Customers don’t just shop here; they connect, discover, and often find pieces of themselves reflected in the store.
Building Community, Celebrating Culture
Aquarela is more than a flower shop. It is a cultural hub, a place where traditions are honored and shared. From seasonal celebrations to everyday exchanges, the store creates opportunities for people to come together, sparking conversations about heritage, artistry, and community pride.
Its mission has always been clear: to uplift culture while creating a space where everyone feels at home. In doing so, Aquarela has become not just a business, but a cornerstone for connection and belonging. As Alejandra puts it:
For me and my community, flowers represent cultural connection and joy, no matter the occasion. We strive to support all of our local Hispanic-owned businesses just as they support ours.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/XkWFzK32BnQ?si=KwsFT6vZyvtGyuVO
