This post is very special to me because it’s bringing together two of my recent clients in the most perfect of ways! The writer of this post, Rosemary, recently started her passion project blog called Miss-Claremont.com which details all the fun and amazing things to do in her favorite city of Claremont, California. I asked her to share a post about Delia to inspire others who might be questioning whether now is a good time to start a business. (You’ll hear me say it’s always a good time to start a business!!!) I’m excited to have these two ladies featured here on Be Passionate and Prosper and so proud of the two of them!
Here is Rosemary’s post which includes her interview with Delia of Delia Haro Floral!
When I got word that Delia Haro Floral, a flower shop inside Harvard Square, was opening in July 2020, I was excited. A flower shop in the heart of Claremont Village? Sign me up! I was compelled to connect with the owner, Delia Haro, to learn more about her services and story that led to opening up her own flower shop during a global pandemic. Little did I know, I would uncover her incredible journey in floristry and the unique way she connects with others through flowers.
I walked into Delia’s flower shop and was immediately smitten by its charm. The look and feel was out of a Home & Garden magazine. Vibrant flowers like orchids, sunflowers, daisy’s, lilies, and multi-colored roses rested on rustic wood crates. A chandelier hung perfectly below a black and white striped awning with the option to sit in a cozy seating area.
Delia and her daughters warmly greeted me from behind the counter. Happiness, optimism, and hope were feelings that were permeating through the air and for good reason. Delia had journeyed long and hard to be a proud business owner today. She was gracious enough to sit with me and share her journey . . .
The Journey of a Delicate Flower
I sat with Delia and uncovered her passion for flowers started as early as high school when she took floristry her junior and sophomore year. Unfortunately, her interest and hidden passion for floristry laid dormant until her late 20’s when she was given a new lease on life after ending a toxic marriage. “When I got out of that marriage, I didn’t know who I was. I was a single parent, taking care of 4 kids and my own two parents. I had no choice but to start working and naturally I turned to floristry.”
Delia took on a mentor who would later connect her with her first job making flower arrangements for a local grocery store. Soon after she would find other job opportunities in floristry learning important lessons from each one. “Making arrangements provided a way to support my kids and parents while doing something that I love. I started to feel alive again!” She’d find herself doing flower events on the side like graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, showers, quinceaneras, you name it! After 5 years into her career, she was offered a position to arrange flowers for a funeral home where she stayed for 12 years.
“During those years I connected with so many families going through hardship, and the way I showed my love and support was by creating beautiful arrangements in honor of their lost loved ones,” Delia reflected. However, during those 12 years she would learn everything she needed on her own as other florists were conscious to not lend help. “I learned to be strong and grateful for the skills I was gaining, but it was difficult believing in my own ability when I wasn’t receiving the recognition and support I needed from my colleagues”.
All the while, Delia had always received the highest of compliments on her floral artistry from customers, family, and friends. But with the stresses of caring for her children, parents, and not getting the recognition she deserved at work, it was challenging to see the potential within herself. Delia’s friends encouraged her to put her own needs in the spotlight and open up her own flower shop.
The Turning of a New Leaf
The seed was planted as her closest friends and family explained she had everything it took to own her own business; talent, competence, and passion. The desire was in her heart- she just needed a nudge. The major turning point, however, was when she received life changing advice from her life coach, Mandy Gatlin, who told her “You’re worth more, Delia. You need to leave the flower shop you’re at and start your own business. You can do it!”
Those words resonated and she began to connect herself with local businesses in Claremont doing pop ups and collaborative events. She had always felt that if she were to open up a business, it would be in Claremont, California. So the day she got word that a space became available in Harvard Square, Delia jumped on it.
“When I saw the space, it was perfect. I was beginning to envision how my shop would look and I became hopeful and excited!” She discussed the potential space with her daughters and son, and they insisted it was time for their mother to carry out her dream and destiny of being a flower shop owner and to go for it. So, she did!
Delia went to Claremont City Hall and took all the necessary steps to secure the space in Harvard Square and became the proud owner of Delia Haro Floral in June, 2020. “When I announced I was officially a business owner in Claremont, I received so much support from everyone because they all believed in me. I just needed to believe in myself,” Delia confided. I was very touched to hear such beautiful words of determination and courage.
A Blossoming Business Amidst the Pandemic
When we sat down to talk about her story, I couldn’t help but ask how she was able to make this decision during the Covid-19 crisis. Her response warmed my heart as she said, “Some of the best businesses have opened in the worst of times. No matter what time of year it is or what the world is going through, people can always use flowers in their life.”
Despite the pandemic, the doors were opening and support was bountiful so there was no time like the present. She had her soft opening July 8, 2020 and official grand opening on July 18, 2020 (woo-hoo!). “So many people showed up my soft opening to show their support- even people that follow me on social media who I’ve never met,” Delia said enthusiastically.
A Cut Above the Rest
What makes Delia Haro Floral a cut above the rest is the personalized experience she provides. “You can come in, pick your own flowers, bring your own vase, and take a seat while I personally arrange flowers for you.” She is a true artist with the ability to create flower arrangements with love and grace while always having a wonderful smile on her face. “I express my love and gratitude through flowers.”
Delia Haro Floral has certainly graced the Claremont Village with her presence. The range of services are so many as she explained “I do weddings, funerals, anniversaries, baby and bridal showers, birthdays, grand openings, galas. I can even do an arrangement if you’re in the doghouse,” Delia said as we both shared a good laugh. Literally anything with flowers, Delia can do.
Stop by and say hello to this inspirational gem next time you are in the Claremont Village. Below is all the information you need to visit or connect with Delia Haro.
Delia Haro Floral | 206 Bonita Ave, Claremont, Ca 91711
(909) 728-0702 | info@deliaharo.com
About the Author
Hi my name is Rosemary AKA Miss Claremont. I am super passionate and smitten by the city of Claremont and would love nothing more than for others to experience its charm and magic like I do. When I am not writing about Claremont, I am active in CrossFit, trail running, meditating, concerts, and hanging out with my cats Binx and Penny. I am a Digital Marketing Specialist by day and socialite by night. I’ll leave you with a music quote that best describes me. “If I could do just one near perfect thing, I’d be happy. They’d write it on my grave or when they scatter my ashes,” -Belle & Sebastian.
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