ABINGTON, Pa. — Flowers have always been part of Alina Ortiz’s life, but in 2023 they became something more — a business. The Penn State Abington student has transformed her passion for floral design into Flores de Alina, serving weddings, corporate events and creating individual pieces for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day for clients across the Philadelphia region.
A business management and marketing major graduating in May, Ortiz credits her entrepreneurial drive to her mother and to the opportunities she found at Abington.
“My mom worked in corporate and then became a full-time fitness trainer,” she said. “When COVID hit, she turned her business into a virtual gym at home. Watching her hustle really inspired me.”
That mindset carried to Ortiz, who began experimenting with floral arrangements at home, sharing her work on social media and creating bouquets for family and friends. Interest quickly grew through word of mouth and online visibility, supported by a website built by fellow Penn State Abington student Joshua Waldron, an information technology major.
Today, Ortiz’s work elevates large-scale events, including creating floral arrangements for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s Y Honors, a fundraiser that draws corporate and nonprofit leaders from across southeastern Pennsylvania. Weddings, bridal showers and bloom bars have also become a core part of her business.
“Weddings are my favorite,” Ortiz said. “They’re intense and challenging, but I love every part of the process.”
Ortiz designs and creates every arrangement while managing client relationships, budgeting, inventory and logistics. Her parents assist behind the scenes, often turning their home into a floral design studio.
Education has been essential to her success. Ortiz developed her creative foundation at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush in Northeast Philadelphia, studying media, visual arts and photography. At Abington, she refined those skills through business coursework, an internship and working with faculty mentors.
Ortiz chose the campus after visiting with her brother, who began his biology degree at Abington and is also graduating in May from University Park. Staying close to home — and saving on costs — made Abington the right fit.
“I loved the campus right away,” she said. “And getting to go to school with my brother made it even more special.”