Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachela Zamora.
Hi Rachela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Art is a huge part of who I am. I have always enjoyed crafting. Over the years, I explored many types of art, including drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, and dance. In 2024, I left my full-time teaching job to focus on my health. After visiting a local farmer’s market and meeting many kind vendors, I had the idea to start my own small business. I knew I wanted to sell handmade products. I decided to combine my passion for art with my love for plants and flowers! In spring 2025, I joined my first market. Since then, Chel’s Sentiments has been blooming every day!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having a small business has its challenges. I’ve struggled with bad weather at markets, which has resulted in losses. There have been times when I made little to no sales. At one point, I felt very overwhelmed and wondered if starting my business was even worth it. Seeing everyone’s successes on social media had me doubting myself. So I took a little social media break to center myself and remember that my path is different from others. I also have to give myself some grace because I only started a year ago. Even though there have been some bumps along the road, there have still been many successes!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All my products are handmade and sold in person. My products are centered around plants and flowers. I create flowers out of satin ribbons and floral arrangements! People often mistake my flowers and arrangements for live flowers, and I take that as a compliment! Everything at my table is handmade, and these flowers are meant to last forever.
Every month I join at least two pop-ups in the DMV. My products can also be found at a recently opened store called the Wildflowers Collective located in Rockville! In addition to joining local events, I have also been organizing a monthly pop-up in Columbia, MD for almost a year now. The Pop & Shop features amazing local small businesses. We are located in a residential building. It’s kind of like a “hidden” pop up. I also recently organized a mini market called Soft Glow Sunday at The Market at Caplan’s in Old Ellicott City. This market featured small businesses centered around self care. A gentle yoga class was also offered during the market.
I am proud of starting this new chapter in my life. I would have never thought I would own a small business and organize events. Ever since I started working, I have always been teaching. I started off by assisting dance classes for preschoolers around 2016. Then, I studied Early Childhood Education at Howard Community College. I earned my 90-hour certification within my first year at HCC so I could start teaching in preschools while still being a student. I taught at two local preschools in Howard County. During the pandemic, I stopped teaching in person and started teaching online classes that I created for preschoolers. It was an art class centered around social and emotional development. In 2021, I started teaching in person again at a different school in Columbia. I started off as a floater and gradually made my way to being a Lead Pre- K teacher. Leaving that job in 2024 was a huge decision. I did not want to stop being a teacher, but after being consistently sick and ending up in the hospital twice, I decided it was time for me to leave. I spent about eight months seeing many specialists and getting numerous tests done to see if there was any underlying condition. Although I have ongoing health challenges, I am thankful that I am doing better. I miss my teaching days, but being healthy is what matters to me the most. Now, I get to spend my time creating and sharing it with others!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I underestimated how much time and effort is put into owning a small business and organizing events. I thought I could follow some type of 9am – 5pm structure, but that’s not always the case. It’s hard to put my art supplies down when I am in my zone.
If you are interested in starting a small business, go for it! It is normal to have doubts, but imagine all the things that could go right! You will never know how things turn out unless you try. Live life in full bloom!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chels.sentiments/
