A flower. Shy. Hidden at first… Til it blooms. 

When I was younger I didn’t like my name at all. But recently I’ve found meaning in it. 

For my first 18 years, I lived in the Dominican Republic. It was beautiful. Comfortable. Easy. Yet, I always craved the unknown. So it wasn't until I decided to venture to the U.S. for my studies that I truly began to flourish. I started a new life filled with new experiences. The culture, the language – everything was different. I grew into a person my old life wouldn’t even recognize. 

I suppose I blossomed.

With each challenge I faced and every opportunity I seized, I felt myself growing stronger, more open, more vibrant. That shy young island girl grew to be a bold island woman. Yeah, no one’s taking the island out of me.

And you know what? I've come to love my name. 

I’ve never met another Dahlia. Perhaps you haven't either.

Well…congrats! Now you have.