Chris Martin of Florosa
Christina Martin (Chris) is the baker and owner of Florosa, a commissary bakery & flower farm based in Charlottesville, VA. A third-generation Nicaraguan American, she draws on her heritage to create Latine and Hispanic–inspired pastries, pan dulce, and desserts that honor traditional foodways while reflecting the landscapes and seasons of Virginia. She bakes with locally milled flour, eggs from her backyard flock, and herbs, flowers, and produce grown on her certified urban farm and sourced from nearby farmers. Florosa pastries and edible flowers can be found daily at JBird Supply, as well as through catering and cakes for events, meetings, and weddings.
While working in the industry, Chris earned an AS in Baking & Pastry and a BS in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University. As a queer community member, she volunteers with Charlottesville Pride and serves as an ambassador for CHOW, supporting wellness and mental health in the hospitality industry.
In our conversation, Chris reflects on her journey as a small business owner, discussing the evolution of the bakery and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. We touch on the impact of relationships on business success and the balance between ambition and realism in entrepreneurship (something not talked about enough, maybe!).
Big takeaways:
- "I am nothing without the women who came before me"
- Asking for help is not a shortcoming but a strength
- Simple living outside of work can bring joy, fulfillment, and presence
Connect with Chris:
Instagram: @byflorosa
Website: byflorosa.com