Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoegry Isaza.
Hi Yoegry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Surprise Made with Love started back in 2017, when I began creating small gifts occasionally, mostly as something informal. It wasn’t until 2019 that I started taking it more seriously, although at that time I was still working multiple jobs — in a restaurant, doing childcare, and cleaning houses.
During that period, I slowly began building the business. I would wake up very early to prepare and deliver orders, or work on them in between my shifts. That’s really how Surprise started to take shape.
In 2020, when the pandemic started, the business grew significantly. Since people weren’t going out, they began sending gifts to their loved ones, and that created a big opportunity for me. That year, I started leaving some of my other jobs to focus more on Surprise.
By 2022, I was able to fully dedicate myself to the business, and since then, this has been my main focus.
I’ve grown the brand mainly through social media. In the beginning, Facebook Marketplace played a big role, and now Instagram is my strongest platform. Word of mouth has also been key — many people who receive a gift later become customers themselves.
That’s something I really value, because it shows that what I create is meaningful, appreciated, and worth coming back for. Today, I also have loyal clients who consistently order for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the main challenges I’ve faced is that Surprise Made with Love has always been a home-based business. Not having a physical storefront initially made it harder for people to trust or recognize the brand. In the beginning, when customers contacted me, they would often ask where I was located, and sometimes that created hesitation.
Over time, I’ve worked on building that trust through different channels — like Google Business, my website, and especially social media. These platforms have helped me show that even without a physical store, this is a legitimate and reliable business.
Another challenge has been the language barrier. Spanish is my first language, and while I can communicate in English, it hasn’t always been easy. However, I’ve learned to work through it, and I’ve been able to connect with both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking clients. My main audience is still the Latino community, but I continue improving in that area.
Also, running the business from home means I’ve had to adapt my personal space — using parts of my living room or other areas for work. It can be challenging, but at the same time, it has allowed me to stay flexible and continue growing the business.
Overall, I see these challenges as part of the process. I’ve taken things step by step, and I believe everyone grows at their own pace. That mindset has helped me keep moving forward and build what I have today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create custom gift arrangements like surprise breakfast, flower arrangements, balloon bouquets, surprise boxes, etc, designed to turn simple moments into meaningful experiences, something that feels personal, intentional, and memorable.
I specialize in gifts that go beyond just the product, it’s about the presentation, the emotion, and the reaction of the person receiving it. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions, my goal is always to create something unique and thoughtful.
One thing that makes my business especially meaningful is that many of my clients are ordering from abroad. I often work with people who have loved ones here in the U.S., but they are in countries like El Salvador, other parts of Latin America, or even Europe. They trust me to create and deliver something special on their behalf.
For me, that’s very powerful, because it allows me to help people stay connected despite the distance. I’m not just delivering a gift — I’m helping deliver a moment, an emotion, and a presence when they can’t physically be there.
What I’m most proud of is the connection I’ve built with my clients. Many people who receive a gift later come back to order for someone else, which shows me that what I create truly makes an impact.
I believe what sets me apart is the level of care and intention I put into every order. I don’t see it as just selling gifts, I see it as helping people express emotions, especially when distance is involved.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
From my perspective, I see the industry becoming much more digital and experience-focused. Social media and online platforms are becoming very strong, and people are now used to finding and ordering everything online.
Because of that, customers are looking for options that are fast and convenient, but at the same time unique and meaningful. They don’t just want something simple — they want something that feels special and different.
That’s why I think the floral and personalized gifting industry has a lot of potential. It really connects with what people are looking for right now, which is convenience but also emotional value.
Of course, I also think there will be more competition over time. But at the end of the day, the businesses that will continue growing are the ones that truly care about what they do and keep creating unique experiences for their clients.
So for me, it’s not just about keeping up with the industry, but about continuing to evolve and offer something that stands out.
Pricing:
- Floral bouquets typically start between $65–$75, depending on the size and type of flowers.
- Surprise breakfast arrangements start around $50–$60, with options to upgrade based on presentation and add-ons
- Gift boxes and custom arrangements vary depending on the selected items, such as chocolate-covered strawberries, balloons, or personalized details
- Most orders are customized based on a reference design, so pricing can vary depending on modifications and level of detail.
- Delivery fees vary based on location within the DMV area.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.surprisemadewithlove.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surprise.madewithlove?igsh=a2lqZjByeG1rNnh4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1V31uZUQkk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://wa.me/message/YAGZVQEBOGDTG1
