Meet Ivan Blazuqez | Enterprising

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Blazuqez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, the most important factor behind my success has been consistency and perseverance. There have been plenty of times when things didn’t go as planned—whether it was a bad season for crops, technical issues with online sales, or just the daily ups and downs of running a business. What’s made the difference is showing up every day, staying focused on my goals, and always looking for ways to adapt and improve, even when things get tough. I also believe that genuinely caring about what I do and about my customers has played a huge role. When you’re passionate about your work and committed to delivering quality, people notice. Building real relationships with customers and always being open to learning have helped me keep growing, both personally and with Tropical Plantae. So, in short: perseverance, a willingness to learn, and a real passion for what I do have been the most important factors in my journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is called Tropical Plantae, and we specialize in growing and selling rare and grafted fruit trees, plants, and garden essentials. What really sets us apart is our focus on unique varieties—like having over a dozen types of mangoes and avocados—plus a dedication to quality, personalized service, and shipping healthy, certified plants. Every plant goes through daily inspection and certification, so our customers can be sure they’re getting something healthy and ready to thrive.

I’m really proud of how the business has grown, especially coming from very humble beginnings. It started with just a small collection of plants and a real passion for growing things. Over time, I learned to navigate everything from plant health and logistics to website building and customer service. The journey definitely hasn’t been easy. There have been tough seasons, lost crops, and a lot of trial and error. I remember the early days, working long nights just to fulfill orders and make sure everything arrived perfectly.

The main lesson I’ve learned is to stay adaptable and not get discouraged by setbacks. Every challenge is a chance to improve—whether it’s learning from a failed crop, dealing with shipping delays, or finding new ways to connect with customers. I’ve also learned the value of patience and consistency; success doesn’t happen overnight, especially in agriculture.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about Tropical Plantae, it’s that we genuinely care about what we do and about our customers. For me, it’s not just about selling plants—it’s about helping people create their own little green oasis, wherever they are. I hope my story encourages others to start small, stay persistent, and never stop learning. That’s what got me here, and that’s what continues to drive me every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Puerto Rico for a week, I’d definitely want to give them an unforgettable experience—starting with a trip to La Parguera in Lajas. It’s one of my favorite places on the island, famous for its beautiful coastal scenery, mangrove cays, and the bioluminescent bay.

We’d spend a day out on a boat, exploring the different cays, swimming in crystal-clear water, and maybe even stopping at one of the floating bars for some fresh seafood and drinks. At night, we’d do the bioluminescent bay tour—it’s something you can’t find anywhere else, and it’s honestly magical.

Aside from La Parguera, I’d take them to Old San Juan to walk the colorful streets, check out the historic forts, and grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants (you can’t go wrong with mofongo or fresh-caught fish). We’d definitely stop by Piñones for some street food and local vibes, and maybe explore the beaches on the northwest coast, like Crash Boat in Aguadilla.

If they’re into nature, I’d take them hiking in El Yunque rainforest, and if they like adventure, we could do ziplining or snorkeling. Puerto Rico has an incredible blend of culture, food, music, and natural beauty, so I’d make sure they get to experience a bit of everything—great food, amazing people, and unforgettable sights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I believe that no success happens in a vacuum. If I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would definitely go first to my family, especially my wife Thalimar, who has always believed in me and supported my entrepreneurial journey—even during the tough times.

I also want to recognize my mentors and the farming community in Puerto Rico. Working with organizations like the USDA, and having daily interactions with other growers and plant enthusiasts, has been both inspiring and motivating. They’ve helped me stay resilient, adapt, and keep learning as I’ve grown my business, Tropical Plantae.

Honestly, every customer who has supported Tropical Plantae—whether it was by buying a single plant or leaving positive feedback—has played a part in my story. Their encouragement and appreciation always remind me why I started.

If I had to name one book that’s shaped my mindset, it would be “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. It really opened my eyes to the power of mindset and habits in building a successful business.

So really, my story is a group effort, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been part of it.

Website: https://tropicalplantae.com/

Facebook: tropicalplantae

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tropicalplantae?si=oWcn2wRYPY0z11_R