A bouquet of a dozen roses is nice, but a pretty box of roses that lasts an entire year is even better – and now you can meet the powerhouse NJMOMpreneur Leslie Aybar who is the brains behind the budding business Empire de Fleurs that began right here in Carlstadt, New Jersey. NJMOM chatted with Leslie to learn more about the trendy “eternity rose” market, how she loves being able to preserve someone’s special occasion – and when she’s not busy designing magical floral moments for others – her fave date night spots in New Jersey with her hubby including Del Frisco’s Grille in Hoboken.
Owner of Empire de Fleurs & NJMOMpreneur: Leslie Aybar
Leslie Aybar, owner of Empire de Fleurs, stops to smell the roses
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Leslie: Empire de Fleurs, LLC is an online luxury flower boutique serving NJ, NY and some parts of PA. We specialize in preserving 100% real roses that last up to a year. They are treated with a unique and revolutionary technique that gives natural, cultivated roses a delicate, evocative beauty that lasts longer than ever – the rose’s texture, shape, and even some scent is preserved. We use modern Parisian-inspired hat boxes for the base and each one of our Empire de Fleurs boxes is handmade by our designers with love, with only the highest quality roses and flowers to leave a lasting impression on all our customers.
Roses for days – or 365 days to be exact!
My goal is to always develop a strong connection with my clients so that I understand their vision of the flower box they want. I am personally available and accessible to my clients whenever they have questions or ideas. We have affordable prices and our quality is exceptional.
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of work?
Leslie: All my life I have been a very crafty person. I love to paint and give a touch of creativity to any task that comes my way. Since I was little I was always dreaming about having my own business, and one day I decided to bring my idea of developing my own brand to reality by creating Empire de Fleurs. Now I am extremely honored to be part of beautiful moments for so many families by bringing them real roses for a special occasion that last a lifetime.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Leslie: My favorite part about Empire de Fleurs is when my customers share photos or videos of them enjoying their roses and when I receive happy phone calls from the recipient of my product. There is nothing I love more about what I do than presenting my customers with beautiful boxed flowers that will last a whole year. Our luxurious bouquets require absolutely no maintenance or watering and add a touch of luxury to any space.
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Leslie: I have taken online creativity workshops to keep me thinking outside of the box (no pun intended), courses about the care of roses, marketing, as well as website and quality control. I never stop looking for ways to grow and further myself or Empire de Fleurs.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Leslie: I am most proud to see Empire de Fleurs growing in every aspect. I started with an idea and little by little it became a reality. It really amazes me to see where we are today.
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Leslie: I am a medical doctor from the Dominican Republic, I run Empire de Fleurs, and together with my husband we have a real estate business and a construction business – so it’s safe to say I wear many hats. I have a beautiful family that consists of my firstborn Chris (he is 11 and is a sport fanatic), my lovely baby daughter Caylie (she is 5 months and is already an Instagram baby sensation representing brands on her own account), and my supportive and loving husband Christian (he is a super trooper and a very ambitious person that goes above and beyond with everything in life).
Leslie with her son Chris and husband Christian at Citi Field
NJMOM: What can we expect from you next year – personally and professionally?
Leslie: You can expect lots and lots of beautiful flower boxes with new touches of authenticity and beautiful colors. Personally, I hope to continue to travel with my family and enjoy lots of adventures.
NJMOM: What charitable cause are you most passionate about?
Leslie: I love supporting Tackle Kids Cancer, which is a program supporting the Children’s Cancer Institute at HackensackUMC. A hundred percent of all donations made to Tackle Kids Cancer benefits the essential clinical care.
NJMOM: Who is your role model?
Leslie: My role models are my parents, as they have been together through everything with dedication and passion.
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice a role model ever gave to you?
Leslie: To persevere and be patient. These qualities will get you farther in life than almost anything else.
Enjoying a family night out on the water in Hoboken
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by?
To be fearless no matter what happens – that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless what lies in store – that is the spirit, the resolve that leads to human victory. – Daisaku Ikeda
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Leslie: New Jersey is full of fun things to do. We are always trying to come up with a plan for the next weekend before this one is even over. We love going to Sky Zone for some kids’ action, Kerasotes for some movie time, and AMC dine-in movie theaters. We love the Jersey Shore which we enjoy a lot during the summer – it is our favorite season.
Leslie’s husband Christian and their firstborn, Chris, enjoying a bike ride by the shore
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Leslie: I love to see my family growing each day. Each of us has a unique personality that makes everyone in our family so special. Right now, I am enjoying the little giggles of my sweet baby and seeing my boy blossom into teenager amazes me every day. When I feel overwhelmed, it helps to think of my husband and my kids which reminds me to appreciate life every single second.
Leslie’s daughter, Caylie
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Leslie: Some of our favorite restaurants for date nights are Del Frisco’s Grille in Hoboken, The Melting Pot in Westwood, and Mitchell’s Fish Market in Edgewater. When my family is craving sweets or in the mood for a good coffee, Veriella’s Bakery in our town of Carlstadt is the way to go.
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Leslie: We live in Carlstadt, New Jersey and we love to vacation in Asbury Park and Avon by the Sea.
NJMOM: What advice might you have for a fellow NJMOMpreneur who is just starting out?
Leslie: Running your own business is not a piece of cake. Neither is raising a family, but we moms need to find a balance in between for the sake of our happiness. Ban toxic people from your life – they don’t do anything good for you, they just invade your confidence and bring you down. You also have to make family a part of your business. I share ideas with my husband and sometimes we take our kids to meetings or deliver Empire de Fleurs roses together and we try to make it fun for them. Enjoy your mompreneur life and wear the title proudly – we are all superheroes.
To learn more about Empire de Fleurs, follow along on Instagram.
