Second Career as Florist Paid Off for Venezuelan Immigrant

By Jill Brooke

The centerpiece of Fleurs de Villes’ Hudson Yards Show in New York City was themed “Voyage,” marking an incredible journey for “Best in Show” award-winning florist, Serbio Uzcategui.

Serbio, originally the owner of a successful eyeglass store in Venezuela, fled his home country and obtained political asylum in the United States in 2017. Like many immigrants starting anew in New York, he initially worked as a waiter in various restaurants. To supplement his earnings, he also waited tables for catering companies, where he noticed numerous discarded flowers from weddings and corporate events.

“I would take the flowers that were about to be thrown away and create my own arrangements,” he recalls. “I had never worked with flowers before but found myself deeply drawn to them.” Soon after, he began learning more about floral design.

His supervisors at Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards recognized his knack for floristry and entrusted him with a flower concession stand.

As Florists Review and the New York Post’s Page Six have reported, I witnessed his talent firsthand at the restaurant as well.

There’s no need for grand proclamations to identify talent. Many skilled florists quietly fulfill their daily duties with little time to highlight their abilities.

While chatting with him at the restaurant, I offered to connect him with Tina Barkley, owner of Fleurs de Villes, who was auditioning NYC florists for the October 2023 Hudson Yards show.

This highlights an important aspect of this inspiring story: sometimes, helping someone only takes a moment—a simple email—and then life goes on.

Months later, as a judge for the Fleurs de Villes’ Hudson Yards show, alongside Corrine Heck of Details Floral Solutions, I was amazed to discover that the top winner we selected was Serbio, now the proud owner of Piropo Flowers.

“I love this country,” says Serbio, attributing his success to the kindness of strangers, his hard work, and his willingness to try something new.

He gratefully shares that his life is now “blossoming” with clients such as Rolex, Baccarat, Piaget, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Additionally, winning the Best in Show award from Fleurs de Villes is opening even more doors.

To give back, Serbio also founded a nonprofit that donates flowers monthly to those who need “a little hope.”

Meanwhile, Fleurs de Villes is already preparing for its next show on November 5th in Boston, continuing to spread joy through its 89th event.

This story resonates deeply because it illustrates the ripple effect of kindness. No good deed ever goes unnoticed.

Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist, and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazines. She is an author, editorial director of FPD, and contributes to Florists Review magazine.