Conversations with Annie Reyes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Reyes.

Annie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I immigrated from Venezuela more than 20 years ago. Since then, my professional life has revolved around the area of ​​graphic arts, specifically graphic design.

At the end of 2020, the world was transformed by the arrival of COVID, and to this, we had to add that it was an election year in this country, so people, including me, were with a mixture of anger, pain, and uncertainty.

Many businesses started having problems and some of my clients cut their marketing budgets. At that moment, I had more time on my hands, I decided to use it to create.

I was extremely scared since I was starting all over again in my 50s, but my desire was bigger than anything, so I picked up my paintbrush once again and started painting unique and colorful cheese boards and trays to help overcome the fear, insecurity, and anger swirling around me. The smiles and the delight my friends and family expressed when I gifted them my creations gave me the courage to start Hivedeco, an artisanal home décor business, at the peak of the pandemic.

I am making a name for myself through word of mouth, social media, and pop-up shops, and I receive frequent orders from across the country for the customized cheese boards. I gave in, to my passion during the pandemic, provided for my family, and am now living the American dream.

“I love to give life and color to utilitarian pieces and generate smiles in everyone who acquires them.” I like to say that “I create gifts where a smile is also included.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first obstacle was the big change in my income. To start any new business you need start-up capital. Hivedeco is not born after a long planning. Born out of the need of the moment. So it started with little savings, but with a lot of desire and determination to achieve it.

The second obstacle is the difficulty for a craft business is to compete with the prices and promotion of large chain stores that sell special gifts. But, it is also true that, after everyone’s experience in recent years, people really want to give meaningful gifts. Gifts that make others feel appreciated and loved. The human factor has become vital in our lives and that is where Hivedeco has positioned itself as the favorite store for many families when it comes to choosing a special and unique gift.

Really, what has helped me to go through all the obstacles and fears has been my love for human beings and my immense faith in God, who has never abandoned me in this process.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My hand-painted items are both beautiful and functional and can be customized, setting me apart in the highly competitive home décor industry.

Best known for my hand-painted cheese boards & trays, the hand-painted creations are vibrant and colorful works of art that generate conversation around any table or party and make beautiful and unique gifts for the discerning host or gourmet chef.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My Perseverance, creativity, faith, and love for human beings and God.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.hivedeco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivedecomiami/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hivedeco

Image Credits
@natalierodriguezphotog