Francesca Diaz
5.2.22
Family: I grew up in Kaimuki and Palolo, Makakilo and Kapolei. I have a brother and a mixed family. My dad is Mayan, Navajo. My mom is Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian.
Occupation: Business Owner/ Floral Designer
Education Level: Graduated from LCC, Tropical Agriculture. UH West Oahu Bachelors Sustainable Community Food Systems.
Favorite Polynesian Food: Paʻiai. I love the texture, and when its fresh.
“I always liked nature and I always was a troubled kid. Some of the things I went through, I would go to my grandmas house in Makakilo. I found soltitude in her garden and scatter seeds, grow things, and talk to plants. That was my secret place. I went to college for all those things and then God was really training . I went to multiple summer schools and I never thought I was smart. Statistics where I am right now, is a miracle. Usually people with same uprbinging as me, find themselves in very different circumstances. One day I made orders to go to Botany Conference in Portugal and after that I was in the secret place. God impressed me. “Do you enjoy what you are doing?” And I said Yes. What my customers receive is out of my secret place. I went from F student to become an A student in College. I thought I was dumb but I have a different learning style. Now when you are talking about plants, going to loʻi kalo, loko iʻa, I got a lot of redemption in college. It took me 10 years to complete college llittle by little, now I know I am smart. Once I realize, sometimes God places purpose in you that havent been created yet and theres no place for it yet because you are the one going to create those places. Whatever god has called you or ordained to you, it will come to pass.”
How has being of Polynesian decent and culture shape who you are today?
Definitely the things that we practice, they help me to stay connected with the source, God. Thats what being Polynesian helps me to do. God has something for everyone to do. You have your own case where some people are going to like what you create and its specific to those customers. What God has for you , no one can take away.
What advice do you have for the upcoming generation?
Anything that you have to offer, God will use! So, dont worry how its going to get used just practice in what you have right now. Whatever you are doing now is a rehearsal for when Gods timing is ready for you to perform. There is something for everybody!
"Whatever you are doing now is a rehearsal for when God's timing is ready for you to preform."