#WeAreSouthQueens - Kalpanna Seegobin

This #WomensHistoryMonth, South Queens Women’s March is partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill @queens_edc to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill! Presenting now the story of Kalpanna Seegobin of Blossom Marimuthu, located at 98-03 101 Avenue. Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Kalpanna's journey!

This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!

: Debora Chaitlall / South Queens Women's March

#wearesouthqueens #itsinrichmondhill

Here is Kalpanna’s interview:

Where did the name “Blossom Marimuthu” come from?

"The name came with the hope that this business will blossom like the tree of life. Marimuthu is the Tamil goddess of rain. There’s no garden without rain water, everything needs rain in order to blossom. "

What inspired you to get into the flower business?

“When I was growing up, I was always intrigued by flowers. I did this as a hobby for a couple years. then I got really good at it. My mom and dad encouraged me to start doing it as a business. It went really well and one day I woke up and decided to open a shop. When I was younger, I went through a lot. Flowers helped me relax and let go of my anger. They were the only thing that took me back to something I love. Whenever I give someone flowers, it’s out of love and care. It is a way of releasing everything that’s going on inside of me.”

Where are you from? When did you open your business?

“I opened my shop on July 31, 2021. I am from Richmond Hill. It's a mixed Community and everyone is welcoming. The neighborhood has been amazing, including my landlord. They’re amazing people and they became like family. It’s a bond that we’ve built over time.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“I balance two jobs. It's pretty tough. I have a team of about four to five people. Thank God, I haven’t faced any challenges for now."

What are some of your goals for the future?

“The goal right now is to branch out to more shops in Queens, two in Brooklyn, and maybe one each in Manhattan and Long Island. At the end of 2022, I want two more branches to be opened up. I don’t think it’s going to be under the same name. I’m just going to branch up from ‘blossom’ to being grown and flourishing. The name will keep elevating.”

What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs?

“Don’t listen to your friends. Do what you have to do. Follow your heart, and work hard everyday. It’s going to be a lot but don’t give up. Keep doing what you love. It’s not easy, lots of sleepless nights and long days. You’re going to be tired but at the end of the day it’s always worth it because you’re doing what you love.”This #WomensHistoryMonth, South Queens Women’s March is partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill @queens_edc to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill! Presenting now the story of Kalpanna Seegobin of Blossom Marimuthu, located at 98-03 101 Avenue. Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Kalpanna's journey!

This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!

: Debora Chaitlall / South Queens Women's March

#wearesouthqueens #itsinrichmondhill

Here is Kalpanna’s interview:

Where did the name “Blossom Marimuthu” come from?

"The name came with the hope that this business will blossom like the tree of life. Marimuthu is the Tamil goddess of rain. There’s no garden without rain water, everything needs rain in order to blossom. "

What inspired you to get into the flower business?

“When I was growing up, I was always intrigued by flowers. I did this as a hobby for a couple years. then I got really good at it. My mom and dad encouraged me to start doing it as a business. It went really well and one day I woke up and decided to open a shop. When I was younger, I went through a lot. Flowers helped me relax and let go of my anger. They were the only thing that took me back to something I love. Whenever I give someone flowers, it’s out of love and care. It is a way of releasing everything that’s going on inside of me.”

Where are you from? When did you open your business?

“I opened my shop on July 31, 2021. I am from Richmond Hill. It's a mixed Community and everyone is welcoming. The neighborhood has been amazing, including my landlord. They’re amazing people and they became like family. It’s a bond that we’ve built over time.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“I balance two jobs. It's pretty tough. I have a team of about four to five people. Thank God, I haven’t faced any challenges for now."

What are some of your goals for the future?

“The goal right now is to branch out to more shops in Queens, two in Brooklyn, and maybe one each in Manhattan and Long Island. At the end of 2022, I want two more branches to be opened up. I don’t think it’s going to be under the same name. I’m just going to branch up from ‘blossom’ to being grown and flourishing. The name will keep elevating.”

What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs?

“Don’t listen to your friends. Do what you have to do. Follow your heart, and work hard everyday. It’s going to be a lot but don’t give up. Keep doing what you love. It’s not easy, lots of sleepless nights and long days. You’re going to be tired but at the end of the day it’s always worth it because you’re doing what you love.”