We had the good fortune of connecting with Anabela De La Fuente and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anabela, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well, two big things pushed me to finally start my own business. First, I needed more flexibility in my schedule for my family. My son needed therapy, and I didn’t have the time in my schedule to get him the help he needed. Second, I’d been looking at my career and realized that even though I was moving up, my time was getting more and more stretched. I wanted to spend more time with my family and challenge myself to use all the knowledge I’d gained over the years in the industry.

When I decided to start a business, I was trying to find a product that was lacking in color variety in the industry. People wanted a flower that was affordable, elegant, and filled up a lot of space in an arrangement. I also wanted to make sure the product would be available year-round with a stable price and stay fresh for a long time. When I received samples of tinted hydrangeas from our farm I realized we could create custom-colored hydrangeas that would give people something luxurious and within their budget. Now, we can offer our clients a way to send us a color sample of any color, and we can match it for any occasion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I founded Hydrangea House in 2018 with the vision of creating a business dedicated to delivering the highest quality flowers from around the world to floral buyers in North Texas. While we specialize in hydrangeas, our commitment extends to sourcing a wide variety of premium blooms globally. Through our online portal—developed in partnership with growers, brokers, and logistics providers—we ensure our clients receive flowers of exceptional quality and freshness, right to their door.
We are proud to maintain a close relationship with our partner farm in Colombia, where we collaborate on developing new colors and dyes, including custom color matching for our clients. We also prioritize ethical and supportive labor practices, including providing free daycare for workers’ children.
Our procurement team in Ecuador plays a vital role in identifying the finest farms and floral products, further enhancing our global sourcing network. In addition, we work closely with vendors in Holland and regularly attend international floral shows to stay at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Oak Cliff Strolling + Local Flavor
Start the day at Oak Cliff Bread—get there early to snag a warm focaccia and a fresh pastry before they sell out. Then head over to Little Joy Coffee in Elmwood for a perfectly made latte and take in the cozy vibes, friendly community feel, and charming neighborhood. Just next door, stop by Herby’s Burgers for a classic smashburger and queue up a favorite song on the jukebox. In the afternoon, wander through the local shops in Bishop Arts District, discovering unique boutiques and handmade goods. End the evening with an unforgettable dinner at Lucia, one of Dallas’s most beloved Italian spots.
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Day 2: NorthPark, Florals, and Italian Indulgence
Start your morning with a coffee at Nespresso inside NorthPark Center, then enjoy some leisurely shopping. Grab a casual lunch in the food court before heading to Eataly for a floral design class with Bellissimi Fiori—a beautiful, hands-on experience. Stay for dinner at one of Eataly’s many restaurants, and don’t leave without a scoop (or two) of gelato to end the evening on a sweet note.
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Day 3: Hydrangeas, BBQ, and the Arboretum
Begin your day with a visit to Hydrangea House to see where we check quality and prepare your floral orders—get an inside look at the process and our products. Then head to Slow Bone BBQ for a no-frills, authentic Texas BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, take your time exploring the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, soaking in the seasonal blooms and peaceful atmosphere. Wrap up the day with dinner at Salsa Limón for bold, flavorful tacos and vibrant energy.
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Day 4: Garden Escape + Floral Fun
Grab a coffee and avocado toast at La La Land Kind Café in Southlake—a bright, uplifting space with a mission as beautiful as their lattes. Spend the afternoon exploring the Grapevine Botanical Garden at Heritage Park, a hidden gem with walking paths and tranquil scenery. For a light, healthy lunch, stop by Sweetgreen. In the evening, head to The Floral Bar for a themed floral design class that’s both creative and relaxing. Finish the night with dinner at Chiloso Mexican Bistro—fresh, casual, and satisfying.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am deeply grateful for the inspiration I receive from my family, friends, and colleagues. My husband, Fernando, consistently offers invaluable guidance. He has always recognized my potential and motivated me to strive for excellence. My dear friend, Nadia, has always been an ambitious individual. She established her own business six years prior to my opening Hydrangea House and consistently expressed her belief in my ability to succeed. She provided the final encouragement I needed to launch my business and offered constant support throughout the process. I extend my gratitude to JP for his unwavering belief in my vision and his assistance in bringing it to fruition, as well as to Monte for his support and confidence in my business. Furthermore, I would like to express my appreciation to Hannah for her contributions to the continued growth of Hydrangea House; I am fortunate to have her on my team.

When I encounter a challenge and feel disheartened, I often find inspiration in observing my team and their unwavering dedication. Reflecting on this industry, I am consistently impressed by the collective effort, from those diligently tending the fields and harvesting flowers to those meticulously preparing orders after the harvest. It extends to individuals like myself, who began with administrative tasks in Ecuador and progressed to roles such as procurement director and supply chain manager for significant wholesalers in Dallas. We all share the common goal of striving for excellence. The journey of a single flower to a wedding or special event involves numerous individuals, each handling it with utmost care to ensure complete customer satisfaction. The dedication of everyone in our industry motivates me daily and encourages me to continue my passion of selling flowers and evoking emotions.

Website: https://www.hydrangea.house

Instagram: @hydrangeahouseus

Facebook: Hydrangea House US

Image Credits
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