Carlos Cortez headshot

13642 North Florida Ave, Tampa

What is your hometown?
Meriden, Connecticut
What types of products/services do you offer?

We provide custom floral arrangements, hand-tied bouquets, wedding and event florals, sympathy and funeral arrangements, plants, gift items, seasonal designs, holiday arrangements, centerpieces, corsages and boutonnieres, and flowers for everyday occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, congratulations, and “just because.” We also create custom designs tailored to each customer’s vision and occasion.

What areas do you service?

We proudly serve the greater Tampa Bay area, including communities throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. Our floral services extend across Tampa, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas for everyday deliveries, weddings, special events, sympathy arrangements, and corporate floral needs.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to start my own business because I wanted to create something that felt personal, meaningful, and connected to the community around me. Flowers have a unique way of becoming part of the moments people remember most—weddings, celebrations, new beginnings, difficult goodbyes, and even the simple “I was thinking of you” moments in between.

I wanted to build more than just a flower shop. I wanted to create a place where people feel welcomed, where creativity can thrive, and where every arrangement tells a story. Seeing our work become part of someone’s most important memories, supporting the talented people on our team, and continuing to build relationships with families and businesses in our community is what keeps inspiring me to grow.

What makes your business stand out from others in your category?

What makes our business stand out is the heart, creativity, and personal attention we put into every arrangement and every customer experience. We believe flowers should feel personal—not mass-produced—so our team works closely with each customer to create designs that reflect their story, style, and occasion.

We are also proud to be an inclusive and welcoming business that supports the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates love in all its forms. Every couple, family, and customer deserves to feel respected, represented, and comfortable when they walk through our doors.

Beyond flowers, we strive to be a positive part of the Tampa Bay community by supporting local relationships, celebrating individuality, and creating meaningful connections through our work.

Describe your ideal client:

Our ideal client is someone who values creativity, quality, personal service, and meaningful details. They may be planning a wedding, celebrating a milestone, honoring a loved one, sending a thoughtful gift, or simply looking to brighten someone’s day.

We love working with clients who want something personal and unique rather than a one-size-fits-all arrangement. Our ideal customer appreciates working with a local florist who listens to their vision, respects their budget, and creates something that truly reflects the person or occasion.

Most importantly, we welcome clients from every background and walk of life. Whether someone is celebrating love, family, friendship, a new beginning, or a difficult moment, we want them to feel comfortable, respected, and cared for.

What is something vendors would be surprised to know about you?

Something vendors might be surprised to know about me is that, as much as I love flowers and design, I can probably talk even longer about food and my English Bulldog. I’m a huge foodie, a proud dog dad, and outside of the flower shop I’m really just someone who loves good people, good meals, and a little bit of chaos.

Fun facts:

A few fun facts about me: I’m a huge foodie and will absolutely plan my day around a good meal. I love discovering new restaurants, trying different cuisines, and I’m always happy to talk food.

I’m also a very proud English Bulldog dad, and my bulldog is a huge part of my life. If you have pets, especially dogs, we’ll probably have something to talk about immediately.

I’m proudly part of the LGBTQ+ community and love supporting inclusive spaces, local businesses, and people who aren’t afraid to be themselves.

Favorite place to meet with other vendors:

One of my favorite places to meet with other vendors is Kaleisia Tea Lounge on Fletcher Avenue. It has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to sit down, have a good conversation, and actually get to know each other. That said, we’re always flexible! We’re more than happy to visit another vendor’s business, studio, venue, or favorite meeting spot.

Favorite gift to receive from another vendor:

I’m a big foodie, so anything local and delicious is always a win! I’d love to see things like gourmet snacks, chocolates, coffee, restaurant gift cards, or specialty treats from local businesses. I also love candles, fun or unique home items, and anything with a little personality behind it. And if there happens to be a treat or toy for my English Bulldog in the box, you’ve probably won me over immediately.

Peer Recommendations:

About the Company

La Maison des Fleurs (Formerly Northside Florist)

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