Maria Navarrete-Olvera, owner and designer of Zena Florist in Kennett Square, embraced her interest in flower arranging after her best friend and mentor, Laurie Sicko-Szoke, passed away eight years ago from terminal cancer, writes Joan Holliday for The Daily Local News.
Navarrete-Olvera and Sicko-Szoke worked together at Penn State Extension in Chester County, serving the underserved and isolated populations for five years. They helped students and families access necessary resources and provided educational activities focused on character education, leadership skills, and career exploration.
“Laurie strongly encouraged me to pursue my dream,” said Navarrete-Olvera. “During the last months of her life, she became even more persistent about this pursuit.”
While she gravely experienced her friend’s death, Navarrete-Olvera realized she could honor her legacy by focusing on floral design.
Navarrete-Olvera opened Zena Florist in the spring of 2018, which moved to its current location in Kennett Square last year. Her goal now is to continue building her core business of offering beautiful floral arrangements for various occasions and events.
“I strive to use local flowers in season and have a special partnership with a farmer who works with me in planting the species that I would like,” she said.
Read more about Maria Navarrete-Olvera creating Zena Florist in The Daily Local News.
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