Meet Lizmarie Rivera | Community Advocate

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

Hi Lizmarie, how did you come up with the idea for your business?

My business idea was born from the childhood memories I experienced while growing up in Puerto Rico. One of the things that I remembered the most was the sense of community among the neighbors, teachers, students, and parents. Where the Consejo (advice) of the day would be shared, where the local store was literally your neighbor that sold ice creams during extreme heat waves, and where you were always voluntold to participate in the folkloric dances for the holidays. That sense of community where you never felt alone.
I aim to recreate that bond among women through A Pink Bow Experience. Inspired by the love poured during my childhood and the support I witnessed during tough times. A Pink Bow Experience focuses on fostering sisterhood through outdoor activities like hikes and events. Our mission is to provide a safe space for women from diverse backgrounds to develop lasting friendships and explore their identity in Christ. At A Pink Bow Experience, we believe every woman deserves a supportive sisterhood, regardless of their role—be it a CEO, stay-at-home mom, or just a woman trying to figure it out. Here, we value the power of genuine connections and aim to build a network where friends are treasured, and sisters are indispensable. I want every woman who signs up for our experiences to leave saying, “I found a sister here.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I selected this question under false pretense, “I want to apologize.” Truthfully, my professional journey in youth development spans fifteen years. Yet, at my core, I’ve always been an artist—a creator, a maker, a designer. This is why I selected the artist category. I am an artist who loves educating the community and working with women.

Over the past two years, I’ve enthusiastically embraced and honed my artistic abilities. I have developed a keen eye for interior design, abstract art, and flipping furniture through countless hours of YouTube watching and Instagram following. My initial dive into art flipping involved transforming an old palm tree painting into an abstract piece that now hangs in my sister’s room. When faced with stress or working through a problem, I find solace in rearranging furniture and redesigning my living space. A little piece of heaven on earth.

If asked about my favorite decor style, I love them all. Still, my heart truly resonates with moody decor infused with industrial elements, cozy cottage vibes, and a touch of modernity. Did someone say thrift store, “Okay, you asked?” Thrift stores are the gift of the gods for makeshift designers like me. How can I make this modern, or what can I add? Type of artist. Trips to the thrift store are my small dose of tranquility, especially when I find that perfect piece that can make my home look chic and unique.

I write as if it has always been easy, but the fact is that. It takes failure, embarrassment, triumphs, and insecurities to take you to the place of embracing your art and your voice. My profession in youth development came from many moments of feeling like an outsider and less than. I wanted other youth to have a voice to embrace their individuality and reach a place where they ramble about their heart’s passion as I did.

Bravery and community have been my biggest strengths in my professional journey. I got my first real out-of-college job because I was referred by a college girlfriend. Bravery and prayer got me through that interview because I was a wreck. But that is my point, do it, even if you are scared! Bravery is not this sense of bravado, “of look at me; I am not scared at all,” instead, it is the courage to step out of the boat even when there is a raging storm.

A Pink Bow Experience was born from my uncanny love for art because nature has been my greatest inspiration and from the love of community. Everyone must be part of something that makes them giggle or blush excitedly A Pink Bow Experience is that for me. My brand is just that: a place where women can express their artistic abilities by sharing their stories through poems, dance, conversation, and whatever form can help them connect with each other. Because the truth is the world is best experienced with girlfriends who see and celebrate every part of your failures: the bravery, the shyness, and the goofiness. The most truest form of you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Georgia is one of those states with a little bit for everyone. As an outdoor enthusiast, let’s kick things off with a bike ride at the Silver Comet trail heading to Powder Springs town. On a beautiful Summer or Autumn day, we’ll pedal our way to a charming ice cream shop and enjoy the day as we cloudwatch. It is Tuesday. Let’s dive into the city food scene because the dirty South gets dirty in the kitchen, and I mean so out of this world-slap-your-mama type of good cooking.
Feeling a bit fancy? How about indulging in some Persian cuisine at Rumi’s Kitchen? Their Shirin with orange peels and pistachios is delightful, and the hummus is divine. Once done, we can drive closer to home to the Battery, where we can enjoy Jennie’s sweet and unique ice cream flavors. Wednesday is my favorite day of the week! The day we start celebrating near the weekend while keeping our professional vibes intact. Off to Blue Ridge for a dip in Morgantown’s stunning Blue Ridge Lake. After a refreshing swim, rent some canoes, relax, and soak up the sun. Post-lake adventures, we will visit the small downtown of Blue Ridge, where we can have a variety of restaurants to choose from. Thursday calls for a low-key 5.6-mile hike in Sweetwater State Park, followed by a satisfying dinner of pan-style pizza from MTH as a well-deserved reward. Friday is here. Let’s do a nature retreat in Black Mountain Park in Cartersville. We can set camp right next to the water and barbecue, bonfire, sip, and unwind the weekend away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my! So many people in my life have poured into me, believed in my talents when I didn’t think I possessed them, and pushed me forward when it was hard to move. I want to start my shoutout by saying, ‘Mil gracias’ (a million thanks) to my mother. She is literally my rock and best friend. Her love and wisdom have been my biggest support thus far. I love that woman! Equally important is my sister. I can confidently say that I have the world’s greatest sister. There have been days when I’ve come home stressed and worried, and she has prepared my favorite meal: a lettuce-wrapped bacon cheeseburger with three patties and her special sauce. She always pays attention to the details and never fails to encourage me. Without these two women, I don’t know who I would be. They have been my saving grace in so many moments.

Instagram: apinkbow_experience