Series 8: Exploring the Puerto Rico Startup Ecosystem Episode 172 Investing in Yourself to Add Value to Your Business with Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago

My name is Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago (Sofía is my middle name, and Curbelo-Santiago are my parent´s last names). I was born and raised on the tropical island of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. I currently live on the Island. Since I was a kid, I was always interested in flowers and plants. I used to have my own garden lot in my parent´s backyard. I remembered going around the neighborhood collecting flowers to bring back home. I noticed how the vase with flowers changed the room’s mood and everybody around it. That was my early horticultural therapy experience. I´m interested in helping people, especially women, to adapt and use Nature/Gardening as a tool for their wellbeing.

I´m a professional communicator with a long experience in radio, television, and newspapers. I majored in Psychology, from the University of Puerto Rico, and hold a master´s degree, in Public Relations, from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. I´m Certified in Horticulture Therapy (2019) from the Chicago Botanical Garden.  I´m a natural connector, educator, and speaker for corporate and general audiences. I´m an active member of Garden Communicators International (since 2017). Also a member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association. I have worked/collaborated with well-known companies and brands like Ford Motor Company, Walmart, FirstBank, Garnier, and Corona Tools, to name a few.  Besides Spanish and English, I speak fluent Italian. I love botanical gardens, The Secret Garden theme, reading, Netflix, baking, the Fall season, and going for a power walk. If you´re interested to know more about our work at Agrochic, the Latino market or want to create a special collaboration, send me an email via [email protected]