This series is aimed to provide a Business Spotlight on local people and businesses in the East Contra Costa County community that are being impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and their response to the virus.
In today’s business spotlight, Carolyn Fereira of Diablo View Florist in the City of Antioch, highlights how business has been impacted by people shopping off the “1-800” numbers and instead use local business websites. She also highlights the importance of shopping local and supporting community business.
ECT will be interviewing 30-businesses in 30-days during April to provide both information and to promote local business.
Name of Business: Diablo View Florist
Location: 1925 D street, Antioch, Ca 94509
Website/Social media: diabloviewflorist.net
Phone number: (925) 757-4636 / 1-800-223-4635
Talk about your company and what you do.
We are a full-service floral shop. We specialize in fresh flowers and unique succulent gardens. What is unique about our store is a majority of our blooms are sourced from local farms. It provides a one of a kind floral experience to the recipient. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Get Well, Celebrating a special occasion, Birth of a new little one. Honoring the departed or simply to show someone you care. We care about your story. We’re not order 800 gathers. We take a personal interest in truly listening and creating a bouquet that Whispers what words could never say.
Why did you open your business?
I actually am the fourth generation to own our business. My Great Grandparents came to Antioch during the Great Depression, as did many families searching out west for work and stability to raise their children. They invested in a bit of land and started a nursery. Diablo View Gardens was located on Railroad Ave in Antioch. In the 1960’s the transition to Diablo View Florist was made. We are still located in our unique Mid Century Modern on the Corner of 20th and D st.
What do you love most about it?
I am a lover of nature and people. It’s the perfect mixture. I use my blessings of artistic talent and my ability to listen, mixed in with what my recently departed Great Aunt called Gods handy work (flowers) and I create a floral bouquet that is truly unique and one of a kind.
How has the coronavirus impacted your business?
Severely would be an understatement. This is unlike anything I could have imagined. People are still sending flowers but unfortunately not supporting their local businesses. They are going online and ordering from “800 services”. The orders do filter down to our level but at steep commissions going to the gatherer “800 service” leaving the creators who are the local Florists in our community. This equation has resulted in job loss for many.
If I could share one message it is to please support your community. Support local economy. Every local floral shop in our community has a website. I would love to have your business but if not me please support someone local.
How have you responded to coronavirus – how has your business changed?
Your health and safety is our highest priority. I’m sincere when making this statement because I too have a family of school aged children at home and my goal is keeping them healthy too.
We have enacted no contact delivery system. Each bouquet is created on site handled by one person in a clean vessel of your choosing. The gift is carefully delivered by a gloved driver and vases are wiped down one additional time with disinfectant wipes before being placed at the recipients door front. A notification door ring and confirmation phone call to follow up.
We also offer drive up services with same careful social distance policy in place.
Currently store front is closed for safety of our beloved community. But phone and website ordering is seamless. These unique circumstances have changed the way we do business however we have been instructed by our local community leaders on how to operate and serve our valued community safely.
Any special deals right now that the community can take advantage of?
For the first time ever we have rid the minimum order requirements. That opens up the opportunity for someone who may have a smaller budget to still send the impact flowers make. Flowers are scientifically proven to hold many positive benefits. We want to ensure that everyone can benefit when our nation needs positive uplifting right now.
Business Spotlight Series
- #9: Dan Torres Moves from Face-to-Face to Technology to Meet Client Needs
- #8: Brownstone Gardens Impacted After Ban on Large Gatherings
- #7: Hilton Family Law Navigates Case Load With Court System in Flux
- #6: GolfBallin Stays Positive While Navigating Around Golf Course Closures
- #5: Rapunzel Wigs Closed After County Ordinance, Supply Chain Impact
- #4: Rick Fuller Says Technology Helping Move Property During Covid-19 Pandemic
- #3: The Bike Shop Reopens After Clarification on Essential Business
- #2: Revive Salon and Spa Closes, Now Waits Out Stay-At-Home Order
- # 1: Josh Young at Newfront Insurance Navigates Through Coronavirus Pandemic
Disclosure: this series is being done at no cost to local business or individuals as an attempt to provide value to our community. If interested in potentially being included in this series, email [email protected]
