Her Story
About Serena
With over ten years of professional experience across diverse industries, my career path has been distinctly non-traditional, reflecting a commitment to purposeful work that aligns with my values of care, community, and sustainability.
I began in the restaurant and customer service sectors before pursuing formal education in nursing, where I served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and medication technician. During this time, I encountered systemic constraints that limited the depth of compassionate care I sought to provide, signaling that clinical healthcare was not the ideal long-term fit.
Subsequently, I launched a successful wedding photography business, which flourished until the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a pause due to health concerns and increasing burnout from extended time away from my family. As a mother of seven children, I prioritized opportunities that allowed greater flexibility and presence at home.
This pivot led me back to my lifelong passions for gardening and cooking. In 2019, I began patio gardening in repurposed buckets—entirely self-funded and resourcefully improvised. What started as a modest endeavor quickly grew, inspired by my daughter’s food allergies, my own upbringing with limited access to nutritious food and reliance on food pantries as a young mother, and a profound desire to nurture others through accessible, wholesome sustenance.
In 2021, I established Wild Bloom Garden Company as a nonprofit organization, following with founding Wild Bloom Farm Cafe as a limited liability company (LLC), in 2025. These entities form an integrated seed-to-plate initiative dedicated to promoting fresh food access, particularly for women and children, regardless of background or circumstance. My vision centers on fostering community through shared experiences: enabling people to witness the origins of their food in the garden and farm, and to gather at a communal table—united rather than divided as in conventional dining settings.
Drawing from my Puerto Rican heritage and my husband’s Italian, Portuguese, and Greek roots, I specialize in preparing fresh, culturally inspired dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and diverse flavors.
In 2025, I collaborated with an urban farming nonprofit and successfully catered my first large-scale event for 200 guests using produce harvested directly from the garden—an experience that affirmed the viability and impact of this model.
Late last year, my family relocated from North Carolina to Memphis, Tennessee, following an exceptional career opportunity for my husband. I am now rebuilding in this vibrant new community, actively forging strategic partnerships and collaborating with local authorities to secure suitable land for an agritourism-focused operation. This next chapter will expand access to regenerative agriculture, education, and communal dining, further advancing my mission of equity, connection, and nourishment for all.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Serena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I credit much of my success to the unique circumstances of my early life: becoming a young mother and navigating the profound disappointment of family members and guidance counselors who viewed my path as predetermined toward failure. They often cautioned that I would simply become another statistic, destined for limited achievement. Rather than accepting those limitations, I resolved to forge a different trajectory—one rooted in my innate creativity and artistic inclinations, rather than the conventional routes of medicine or law that others insisted were the only paths to financial stability and success.
My primary motivation has always been to demonstrate—to my children, and ultimately to myself—that early parenthood and a challenging upbringing do not define one's potential or limit future accomplishments. I needed to affirm my own validity and prove that it is possible to rise above difficult beginnings without remaining confined by them.
What continues to drive me is witnessing other mothers striving amid similar obstacles. I am committed to showing them that struggle is not inevitable, and that success is attainable regardless of their starting point or chosen field. Whether pursuing entrepreneurship, traditional roles, homeschooling, or any other pursuit, it is entirely possible to build a fulfilling life that honors both family and personal ambition. Motherhood and professional achievement are not mutually exclusive; one can embrace family priorities—such as being present at home, nurturing children, and maintaining cherished traditions—while still realizing meaningful goals.
From an early age, I was told that success required following a narrow, prescribed set of steps that never aligned with my values or passions. My heart has always been drawn toward supporting and connecting with children and families. As a young mother, I deeply felt the absence of spaces where I could be truly heard and validated. That experience inspired me to create those very spaces for others—offering encouragement, visibility, and proof that we can all redefine what is possible, no matter our age, circumstances, or the expectations placed upon us.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The most effective way to begin any endeavor—whether personal, professional, or entrepreneurial—is simply to start, regardless of how modest the initial steps may be.
You do not need ideal conditions, substantial resources, or a perfect plan. Begin wherever you are: on a windowsill, in a small patch of rocky soil outside your home, on a patio, or with whatever materials are at hand—even something as simple as recycled items like toilet paper rolls. The key is action itself.
It is essential to cultivate a clear vision, idea, intention, or aspiration—and then to have sufficient faith in yourself to commit to it. Demonstrate that belief by investing in your own potential, even when resources are limited. In my own experience, I began with virtually nothing. Yet I consistently set aside a small portion—perhaps 10%—of whatever I had and dedicated it to progress. There were moments when it seemed impossible, but I persisted anyway. That small, determined start gradually compounded into meaningful growth.
As you move forward, you will acquire invaluable knowledge and experience. Opportunities will arise organically: you will encounter the right individuals at precisely the right moments, often without deliberate intent. In hindsight, these connections will feel like timely affirmations, guidance, or support that you needed but could not have anticipated.
Ultimately, progress begins with decisive action and self-belief. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that momentum will build from there.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The primary challenge I face is building visibility and accessibility—ensuring that the right people discover my work and feel compelled to say "yes." Securing meaningful support, particularly funding, remains difficult. I launched a GoFundMe campaign with a clear explanation of the vision, and while many have responded positively ("That's a great idea"), the next step—simply sharing the campaign—often proves elusive.
At its core, progress depends on belief: someone believing in the idea (and in me) enough to amplify it through a share, an introduction, or direct support. That single act of endorsement can connect me with the right partner or resource to move this forward.
I firmly believe this opportunity is not zero-sum. Far too often, there's an underlying perception that one person's success limits others', but I reject that mindset. This vision is inclusive and scalable—everyone can participate, contribute, and benefit. I actively invite others to join me at the table, collaborating rather than competing.
In today's fast-paced, often negative environment, we need spaces and initiatives that foster peace, connection, and shared purpose. My project aims to create exactly that: a collective effort where people come together to build something meaningful and restorative.
If this resonates, I welcome your support—whether through sharing the campaign, making a contribution, or connecting me with others who share this belief. Together, we can turn this idea into reality.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the heart of my daily life is a commitment to finding peace and grounding, especially amid the chaos. No matter how demanding the day has been—whether it's a string of rejections in business, the kids' energy running high, or unfinished homework—I make it a priority to end each evening by centering myself. This often involves prayer, journaling, reflection, and intentionally focusing on something that restores my spirit and brings a sense of closure. It's that one reliable anchor that helps me reset and carry forward with renewed calm and clarity.
Equally foundational is my deep gratitude for my husband and the partnership we've built. We've worked tirelessly together, and moments like the recent one—when I found myself in tears realizing we're now collaborating with the city to secure land for my agritourism vision—remind me how far we've come. That dream involves creating an experience where people can connect with agriculture, while also establishing our own property where we can grow food, raise animals, and sustain our family. His dedication has made it possible for me to stay home, build this independently, and involve our children in meaningful ways. It's a profound privilege, and one I never take for granted.
Above all, my life revolves around my family and children right now. Time passes so quickly—my oldest son just turned 20 and is serving in the military, while my youngest is only two months old. These contrasting stages are a constant reminder to cherish every moment, prioritize what truly matters, and nurture the relationships that give life its deepest meaning.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Tennessee
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.